Ključni izazovi pred sistemom obrazovanja u Srbiji

Abstract

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is causing an accelerated transformation of economies and societies globally. Ways of production, consumption, service delivery and communication are changing. Labor market demands are changing dramatically. New occupations emerge and existing ones disappear. This opens up new opportunities, raises productivity, enables higher consumption, encourages growth, yet to reap the benefits from the positive effects of change, significant investment in human capital and knowledge and skills development of the population is essential. Such rapid changes result in high uncertainty as to the skills needed for the future. It is already obvious that even at lower education levels, preparing individuals to cope with a complex, digital environment becomes important. The emphasis in education is moving from memorization to developing analytical and critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, adaptability, team work, skills for lifelong learning. The education system needs to ensure people are equipped with the skills to adapt to technological changes to avoid the widening social gaps. The required knowledge and skills need to be developed before entering the labor market, and updated throughout the working life. Analysis of the Serbian education system outcomes at different levels shows that it fails to fulfill its social task. Students' results in international testing are below average, graduates are inadequately prepared for their first job requirements, the profile structure from secondary school level upwards is notably mismatched to the labor market needs. What is required is a radical, consistent reform of the education system at all levels. Solutions exist, what we need is to acknowledge the world around us.