Education is the cornerstone of any thriving society, shaping individuals and communities alike. Yet, a fundamental question looms: should we focus on sustaining what already exists or push for substantial improvements to address modern-day challenges? The choice is not as straightforward as it seems. Sustaining education ensures stability, continuity, and consistency, while improving it seeks to adapt to the evolving demands of a globalised, technologically advanced world. With over 244 million children worldwide still out of school, according to UNESCO, and rapid technological advancements reshaping the job market, the pressure to rethink education has never been greater. Yet, as some systems grapple with reform, others struggle to maintain basic educational standards.
Sustaining education refers to the efforts to maintain existing systems, structures, and practices within the educational sector. This approach is vital for ensuring continuity and consistency, especially in regions where basic education infrastructure is still developing. Sustaining education involves ensuring that current enrolment rates are stable and no child is left behind, upholding established curriculum guidelines, teacher training protocols, and assessment methods, guaranteeing that vulnerable populations continue to receive educational opportunities, among many others.
In many developing countries, sustaining education is critical. For instance, UNESCO estimates that over 244 million children and youth globally were out of school in 2022. In such contexts, the focus should be on sustaining enrolment drives and basic infrastructure before introducing reforms. Also, in fragile or conflict-affected regions, sustaining education can act as a stabilising force. The mere continuation of learning opportunities can provide a sense of normalcy amidst chaos.
Improving education, on the other hand, focuses on enhancing the quality, accessibility, and relevance of learning. It involves rethinking existing systems, adopting new technologies, and addressing inefficiencies. Improvement goes beyond maintaining the status quo to build systems that are adaptive and forward-looking.
While sustaining systems ensures access, improving education prioritises quality. This involves refining curricula, incorporating critical thinking, and fostering creativity. For instance, Finland, renowned for its education system, focuses on learning how to learn rather than rote memorisation. Digital tools can also revolutionise learning. As of 2024, over 2.7 billion students have access to some form of e-learning globally. Virtual classrooms, artificial intelligence (AI), and adaptive learning platforms are transforming how students engage with content. Improvement efforts aim to make education systems dynamic. This includes aligning curricula with future workforce needs, focusing on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, and nurturing entrepreneurial skills.
Balancing sustainability and improvement can be challenging. It often leads to competing priorities. Governments in low-income countries allocate only 3-6% of GDP to education, according to World Bank data. Striking a balance between maintaining basic infrastructure and funding innovation can be challenging. While sustaining systems may perpetuate inefficiencies, efforts to improve them often face resistance. Stakeholders, including teachers and parents, may be reluctant to adapt to new methodologies or technologies.
Sustaining education focuses on inclusivity, but improvement initiatives can unintentionally widen gaps. For instance, tech-based solutions may exclude rural or low-income students who lack internet access. Developed nations, with robust systems, can focus on innovation, while developing countries struggle with foundational issues. This global divide often leaves the latter playing catch-up.
To make education better, governments must assess their unique challenges and resources to decide whether sustaining or improving education should take precedence. Continuous assessment of education systems helps identify gaps and adjust strategies accordingly. For instance, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) provides data that inform policy decisions globally. Continuous assessment of education systems helps identify gaps and adjust strategies accordingly. For instance, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) provides data that inform policy decisions globally.
To achieve a balanced approach, education should not end with formal schooling. Promoting lifelong learning initiatives sustains knowledge acquisition while adapting to changing societal needs. While introducing new technologies or methodologies, governments must ensure they are accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic background. Lastly, rather than overhauling systems, incremental improvements allow for adaptability and minimise resistance.
The debate between sustaining and improving education is not about choosing one over the other but finding a harmonious balance. Sustaining systems provides stability and ensures access, particularly in resource-constrained settings. On the other hand, improvement drives progress, making education systems more relevant and resilient to future challenges. By combining these approaches, nations can create inclusive, high-quality education systems that prepare students for the complexities of the modern world while preserving the core values of learning. This dual focus is essential for ensuring education remains a catalyst for personal and societal development in an ever-evolving global landscape.
