Page 16 - QUALITY Magazine (Volume 03 - Issue I)

04 In your opinion, how can the education How important is vocational training in
system foster innovation, creativity, and 06
the future of education, and what changes
entrepreneurial thinking among students? would you suggest strengthening the
vocational programmes in Sri Lanka?
To foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial
thinking, the education system must focus on Vocational training plays a vital role in bridging
project-based learning, critical thinking, and the gap between education and employment,
interdisciplinary approaches. Encouraging students equipping students with practical skills that are
to engage in entrepreneurial activities, such as directly applicable in the workforce. To strengthen
running student-led ventures or participating in vocational programs in Sri Lanka, it is essential to
competitions, can help develop an entrepreneurial foster closer collaboration between educational
mindset. I believe this should be introduced at the institutions and industries. This will ensure that
school level, making it a core part of the curriculum curricula are tailored to meet market demands
for all students. By adopting a project-based and emerging trends. Additionally, improving the
learning style instead of traditional methods, accessibility and quality of vocational training
students gain practical, real-world experience, centers, alongside providing incentives for students,
which allows them to see the tangible value of their will make these programs more appealing. A
coursework. This approach not only enhances their cultural shift is also necessary to change perceptions
learning but also sparks creativity and innovative around vocational education, encouraging more
thinking, preparing them for future challenges in a students to explore these pathways. Furthermore,
rapidly evolving world. linking skill development programs to international
job opportunities can enhance their value and

05 Teacher training is often a critical encourage more participation in vocational training.
aspect of educational reform. What are
your recommendations for equipping Equity in education remains a critical
educators with the skills and tools they 07
need to succeed in a rapidly changing issue. How can rural and urban schools

environment? be better aligned to provide equal learning
opportunities?
Teacher training should be a top priority for Equity in education is indeed a pressing concern,
education systems, especially in a rapidly changing especially in bridging the gap between rural and
environment. It is crucial to focus on equipping urban schools. To address this, focused investments
educators with digital literacy, pedagogical skills are needed in rural schools to enhance infrastructure
to address diverse learning needs, and effective and ensure access to digital tools, which are essential
classroom management strategies. Training in today’s learning environment. In addition,
programs should also emphasize continuous providing professional development opportunities
professional development, offering teachers for teachers in rural areas can significantly improve
exposure to global teaching trends and new the quality of education. However, it’s not solely
educational technologies. Incorporating technology about waiting for government intervention.
into teaching methods will help educators stay Collaborative partnerships between urban and rural
adaptable and relevant. Furthermore, offering schools can play a vital role. These partnerships can
financial or non-financial incentives can motivate enable the sharing of resources, knowledge, and
teachers to engage in training programs, as many best practices, thus creating a more level playing
may be hesitant to participate without such field. By fostering mutual support, urban schools
encouragement. This approach will ensure that can help rural counterparts overcome challenges,
educators are well-equipped to navigate the ensuring that all students, regardless of location,
evolving educational landscape and better support have equal opportunities to succeed.
their students’ success.