As we venture into 2024, the educational landscape is undergoing some significant shifts, promising an exciting future for how we teach and learn. At the heart of this change is personalised learning, where education is tailored to meet the specific needs of each student, ensuring a more engaging and effective learning experience. These kinds of advancements present a massive opportunity in helping us to achieve our mission of changing students’ lives. It also poses a risk if we’re not willing to change or evolve.
Here, Frank Milner, Global President of Tutor Doctor, discusses what he believes the education landscape will look like in 2024 and how education franchises can ensure they don’t get left behind.
Online and blended learning methods are on the rise, offering students the flexibility of learning environments that suit their individual lifestyles and learning preferences1. This trend is complemented by a shift towards competency-based education, which places the emphasis on acquiring skills rather than just spending time in the classroom. Soft skills, including entrepreneurship, public speaking and leadership, are becoming increasingly integral parts of the curriculum, preparing students for the challenges of the modern world.
The provision of student-led one-to-one learning has always been a significant benefit to struggling students and those that want to enrich their learning experiences. As educational practices and methodologies change, it will be even more important for helping those students adapt, catch up, keep up and get ahead.
Similarly, the focus on STEM subjects is more pronounced than ever, equipping students for a technology-driven future, one in which artificial intelligence (AI) is set to dominate the learning landscape. In line with this, the metaverse is emerging as a new frontier for immersive and interactive learning experiences, offering a glimpse into the future of education. The importance of lifelong learning and upskilling cannot be overstated in an ever-evolving job market. Students are being encouraged to view education as a continuous journey rather than a destination, particularly in those areas such as technology which will continue to grow exponentially for the foreseeable future.
The role of franchising in education highlights the importance of local schools and government education programmes in this transformation. However, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities that franchisees face should always be a key focus. For example, here at Tutor Doctor, the establishment of our UK Council as a support system for franchisees is a testament to their commitment to fostering growth and successful school partnerships. This is particularly crucial as the education sector continues to adapt to online and digital formats. With top-notch safeguarding policies and procedures in place, along with business coaches, boot camps and peer-to-peer support, we can ensure that both franchisees, and the communities they work with, are never on their own.
When we think about the future of education, the role of local ownership in educational franchises really stands out. It’s the unique blend of being in tune with local educational standards and understanding the specific needs of students in the area. This approach isn’t just about being part of the community; it’s about shaping a more personalised and effective learning experience. It allows for smoother transitions within the local school system and fosters those valuable mentor-mentee relationships that make education so much more than just textbooks. In short, it’s about bringing a more relatable, impactful touch to education, right in the heart of the community.
By re-imagining education and embracing new trends, we can equip students with the tools they need to navigate a rapidly changing landscape and thrive in their future careers. As we progress through 2024, it’s clear that embracing these educational trends and adapting to new methodologies is not just beneficial but essential for success. It’s not always easy, so be prepared to work hard and to get out of your comfort zone. Franchising is about following a system; it doesn’t happen without a real commitment to that system.
Education franchises like Tutor Doctor have to pave the way, showcasing how flexibility, technological integration, and a focus on personalised learning are key to preparing students and educators for a bright future in this dynamic educational landscape.
1 Boulder, CO, 2023 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report, Teaching and Learning Edition, 2023
