The Global Learner Survey
Summary of Pearson Survey by George DeBakey
Pearson has released this month their Global Learner Survey that was conducted in several countries. The survey was conducted in June 2020 and the impact on the future of education.
There are 7 key trends that are highlighted in the survey all driven by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- There is no returning to a pre-COVID-19 education world. Globally, more than 3 in 4 people believe that education will fundamentally change as a result of the pandemic. Online learning will be a key part of experiences for learners of all ages, and economic uncertainty will drive more people to upskill and reskill for job security.
- Trust and confidence in education systems is on the rise nearly everywhere. In turbulent times, people look to the institutions that instill hope and opportunity. Education does just that. This year, a growing number of people say education is an important stepping stone in life, with more people than ever giving their country’s education system high marks for quality.
- Learners expect schools to catch up with the times on issues of equity. People are demanding equity in education. They don’t believe that everyone has equal access to education, which is critical for future success. They believe that education inequality will get worse during the pandemic, and 9 in 10 learners want education systems to do more to address the problem.
- If online is here to stay, learners want a better experience. Learners are practical and realize that online learning is a reality during a global pandemic. But, there are clear calls for more investment in and better use of technology for learning.
- The pressure is on to build skills that will sustain people through the pandemic and beyond. With more than half of employed respondents in need of education because their job status has changed, there is a palpable urgency to build skills for employment. This includes a new breed of digital soft skills as well as an emphasis on English language skills.
- Universities have more opportunity than ever to help drive economic recovery. Learners are clamoring for universities to provide more adult learning, shorter courses, soft skill training and more affordable options for the unemployed.
- School feels safer at home. Not surprisingly, there is less concern this year about school safety and the negative effects of social media. Instead, people see social media as a lifeline for students who face isolation from their peers.
Download the Global Learner Survey by Pearson here.
George T. DeBakey
President, DeBakey International
International Consultant for the Advancing Global EDU education consulting firm
George T. DeBakey has been involved in international business for 40 years in the private and public sector. Mr. DeBakey assists educational firms to expand and develop their business in the Middle East and other regions. Major focus in the education sector includes K-12 schools (mainly international schools) in the Middle East and universities. He is involved in areas of Arabic language products, educational technology, languages, eBooks, reading, literacy, science, math, STEM programs, special needs, professional development programs and online courses. He has worked with firms from the U.S., UK, Australia, Estonia and the Middle East.
He has been involved with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Common Core, digital literacy, STEM solutions and products such as robotics, simulations, virtual labs and video science content. Mr. DeBakey has been a speaker in the U.S. and Middle East on education issues and business opportunities at various national and international organizations. He has been involved with International Baccalaureate (IB) schools and attended the major IB conferences each year around the world.
During his career Mr. DeBakey served as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of Commerce and was the first person selected to serve as the Director of the Technology and Information Industries Office to promote exports of U.S. technology products and responsibility for trade policy for the sector. Mr. DeBakey led the first software trade mission of U.S. companies to China in 1985.
Mr. DeBakey began his career with Rockwell International and served in various positions in the international division of the electronics and telecommunications sector. He lived and worked for more than six years in London, England and Cairo, Egypt.
Mr. DeBakey has degrees from Drake University (BS), American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) (Master of International Management (MIM), and Southern Methodist University (MBA). He has served on the National Advisory Board of the Arab American Museum in Dearborn, Michigan which is part of the Smithsonian Affiliate Program and the Board of the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy. He currently serves on the National Advisory Board for edWeb which is an online community for teachers and administrators worldwide. He was one of the founders of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt. He served on the Smithsonian Science Education Center National Advisory Board which promotes STEM education.
Mr. DeBakey taught in the mid-nineties in the graduate program at the University of Maryland University College program international business courses. He also taught at Georgetown School of Business an undergraduate international business course in the mid-nineties. From 1992-1997 Mr. DeBakey developed and taught in the International Business Program at the Washington Semester Program at The American University.