Ill-equipped teachers threaten global education goals, says World Bank report
A new report by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), under the World Bank’s auspices, has revealed a critical gap in teacher preparedness, which could hinder the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).
This UN goal seeks to ensure quality education for all and promote lifelong learning by 2030.
The report paints a concerning picture of education systems struggling to equip teachers with the skills necessary to prepare students for the rapidly evolving job market.
“Unfortunately, education systems are struggling to equip teachers with the skills they need to help children navigate their future. Good teachers are the cornerstone of quality education and ensuring children are learning. Yet, two-thirds of teachers feel they do not have the skills to design and facilitate digital learning,” the report states, citing a 2020 UNICEF study.
Compounding the problem, the world faces a deficit of 44 million teachers required to meet SDG 4 targets. This shortage exacerbates the challenges posed by technology’s rapid transformation of labor markets and skills demand.
The report highlights the urgency of addressing these deficits, as automation and technological innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) threaten to disrupt 44% of workers’ skills over the next five years. By 2030, as many as two billion jobs are expected to vanish due to automation, necessitating a rethinking of education systems.
“Amid these transformations, education systems shoulder a significant responsibility: equipping students with the skills they need to navigate their future, find a job, and contribute to the prosperity of their countries,” the report added.
The challenges faced by teachers are stark. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 recorded an “unprecedented drop in student performance” across OECD regions, with significant declines in reading and math scores since 2018. Nearly two-thirds of 10-year-olds worldwide cannot read and comprehend a simple text.
“Globally, teachers face many challenges such as large classroom sizes, the burden of administrative tasks, and meeting the diverse needs of students, especially in light of severe learning losses happening worldwide. Thus, there is an urgent need to support teachers to cope with these challenges to ensure we are preparing students for the future workforce,” the report emphasized.
The report urges investment in teacher training, particularly in integrating technology into education. Professional development must evolve to equip teachers with skills such as:
– Effective use of digital tools, including AI.
– Blended learning techniques.
– Strengthening classroom management.
– Focusing on human-centered skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.
“Building teachers’ confidence can support quality learning experiences that cater to the diverse profiles and needs of students,” the report noted.
Aligning digital learning platforms with sound pedagogical approaches and using technology to streamline teacher management processes can enhance accountability and transparency. This will enable teachers to focus more on personalized student support rather than being burdened with manual administrative tasks.
The report calls for creating spaces for teachers to share their experiences and take the lead in defining the technology and tools that best address classroom challenges.
“Teachers must remain at the center of the transformation process of education. With empowered and supported teachers during the integration of digital technology in the classrooms, education systems can achieve the scale and efficiency needed to reach every child with the education they deserve,” it concluded.
