Problems of Educational Quality

Problems of Educational Quality

Education quality is the efficiency and effectiveness of education in providing learners with the learning environment, knowledge, attitude, skills, and competencies necessary to live and cope in society. Maintaining high standards in education is very important for learners, educators, and societal development. However, there are multiple issues which can affect the achievement of educational quality.

The first issue is inequality of learners’ ability to access the education, these unequal opportunities are due to economical differences (UNESCO, 2020). Lack of funding and resources (OECD, 2017) can further increase this gap among learners, which can lead to lack of resources and educational materials in education institutes (e.g. school). Poor quality of educators and lack of training (Darling-Hammond, 2000) also contribute to the decrease in educational standards, as educators critically affect learners' ability to learn and experiences of learning. Additionally, outdated curriculums (Zhao, 2015) can result in inability to address the needs of the career market and technological requirements, leaving learners unable to prepare for the future. Lastly, lack of learner engagement from various reasons: for example, lack of interesting learning materials, can result in lack of motivation and low academic performance (Fredricks, J. A., Blumenfeld, P. C., & Paris, 2004).

In order to enhance the educational quality, it is very important to address these issues through improving educational policies, increased funding, improved training for educators, updates the curriculum, and creative learning tools and practices. Changes are required to ensure all learners shall receive a high-quality education that allow them for future success.

Reference

Darling-Hammond, L. (2000). Teacher quality and student achievement: A review of state policy evidence. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.v8n1.2000

Fredricks, J. A., Blumenfeld, P. C., & Paris, A. H. (2004). School engagement: Potential of the concept, state of the evidence. Review of Educational Research, 74(1), 59-109. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543074001059

OECD. (2017). The funding of school education: Connecting resources and learning. OECD Reviews of School Resources. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264276147-en

UNESCO. (2020). Global education monitoring report 2020: Inclusion and education: All means all. Retrieved from https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000373718

Zhao, Y. (2015). Lessons that matter: What should we learn from Asia’s school systems? Asia Society. Retrieved from https://vuir.vu.edu.au/33645/1/Lessons_that_matter_what_should_we_learn_from_Asias_school_systems.pdf