The most critical time for establishing a capability is the first years after birth and the baby’s natural exploration of the world in the beginning has a major influence on its adaptation to later schooling.
In the formal years, schooling across disciplines is essential to cater for future unanticipated demands for skills. But national and State bodies should be established, particularly at the international level, to develop integrated national strategies.
Notes
Self-education starts in the months after birth with the baby’s natural interactions and exploration of the world. This is different to the concept of traditonal schooling as it is driven by natural curiosity rather than guidance by others. Exploration combined with play is a critical part in the forming of the early brain.
Education must be primarily broad-based as the jobs 10 or 20 years hence are totally unpredictable today. Therefore preparation over that range must be with a strong conceptual core, with a jobs focus occurring nearer to completion of the education years and assisted by social guidance on how to fit in to employment or self-empolyment.
Education as an export industry needs strategic planning at a cohesive, long-term national level. Stephen Connolly makes some pertinent remarks, drawing parallels with Tourism Australia.
