Emphasise practical learning to prepare students for the realities of the working world

Education is the basis of societal progress, changing generations’ brains and preparing them for future difficulties. Traditional education, on the other hand, has long been chastised for prioritising theoretical knowledge at the expense of practical abilities.

In an ever-changing world, it is critical to reconsider how we learn and prioritise practical learning experiences to better prepare students for real-world difficulties.

Traditionally, the education system has emphasised on theoretical skills to an extent that leaves students unprepared for the practical requirements of the business world, despite the undeniable importance of theoretical understanding. When not applied effectively, it can hinder learners from translating knowledge into tangible skills.

This gross imbalance prompts an important question: Are we truly preparing students for success if we do not provide them with the tools and experiences needed to navigate complex real-world issues?

In many traditional university settings, students typically develop theoretical skills and undergo assessment procedures, such as tests, quizzes, and essays. A common trend among students is relying on last-minute cramming, often supported by technical tools and gadgets just before exams. The responsibility for providing practical training, essential for preparing students for meaningful careers in the industry, has increasingly shifted to the industry itself.

Unfortunately, this shift has resulted in students graduating without the crucial practical knowledge demanded by today’s industries. Consequently, there is a pressing need for a substantial transformation to enhance the relevance of educational degree programmes in the evolving job market. The current educational approach places a significant emphasis on theory and assessments for practical subjects, often comprising 50 to 60 per cent of the curriculum.

To align with contemporary industry standards and meet the demands of employers, a redesign of educational programmes is imperative. This transformation is necessary to ensure that graduates not only possess theoretical understanding, but also acquire practical skills that are vital in today’s professional landscape.

The suggested change entails a large increase in practical components, with the goal of achieving a distribution of 75 per cent practical, and 25 per cent theory. Students are not fully prepared for the problems of the professional world if they rely entirely on traditional lectures, tests, and quizzes. Organisations now want graduates who are adept not just in theoretical knowledge, but more on the practical abilities.

Practical learning goes beyond textbooks and lectures, engaging students in real-world situations that reflect the challenges they will face in their future. Whether in science, technology, engineering, the arts, or math (STEAM), practical learning fosters deeper understanding and application of concepts. This approach not only increases retention, but also fosters problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and adaptability traits that are essential for the success of the 21st century personnel.

A transformative solution for embedding resources in education is through improved collaboration between educational institutions and industry. Developing relationships with businesses allows students to participate in internships, coursework, and hands-on activities. This engagement helps students to see how theoretical concepts are used in practical contexts, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world issues.

Problem-based learning (PBL) is emerging as an effective teaching style that stresses on student participation via hands-on activities. Instead of taking a passive role, students actively apply their knowledge to address real-world challenges. PBL promotes not just subject matter comprehension, but also teamwork, communication, and creativity. Students get a sense of ownership and responsibility for their learning through internships, equipping them for today’s dynamic workforce.

The world is experiencing unprecedented change, with technological advances and global challenges reshaping the business landscape. It is important that skills development is integrated into the educational process to prepare students for the future. Practical learning experiences provide a platform for polishing skills such as collaboration, flexibility, communication, and innovation, attributes that are highly regarded in today’s workplace.

The transition to more practical education is not without its challenges. Traditional resistance, lack of resources, and the need for an updated curriculum are obstacles to overcome. But the long-term benefits far outweigh these obstacles. Investments in instructor training, curriculum development, and supportive environments can facilitate a smooth transition to profitable educational models.

Furthermore, using technology in education helps tackle challenges. Virtual simulation, augmented reality, and online forums offer authentic and immersive experiences, especially on complex topics. Technology integration not only overcomes educational limitations, but also aligns education with the digital age, equipping students for the future technological landscape.

Educational programmes may generate graduates who are not only academically sound but also ready to participate effectively in professional contexts by stressing on hands-on experiences, projects, and real-world applications. This change responds to the increased demand for industry-ready persons by ensuring that students graduate with a skill set that corresponds to the actual requirements of their chosen career.

Students receive practical insights, problem-solving skills, and a better grasp of how their information may be used in real-world circumstances as a result of this restructured model. This method promotes a smoother transfer from academia to the workforce, matching employer expectations and improving the overall quality and usefulness of educational degree programmes.

A revival of education with greater emphasis on applied learning is not merely suggestive, but essential for the full development of students. The world is changing quickly, and our educational system must adapt to keep up. We encourage students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators by emphasising practical experiences that will serve them well in an ever-changing, and demanding world. It is time to redefine education, put practical learning at its core, and create a generation of individuals ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the future with confidence and skill.

The change to practical education is not just an investment in the future workforce, but also a commitment to developing highly-trained individuals who can make a significant contribution to society.

Let us prioritise practical learning as a catalyst for long-term and significant change, as we start on our path towards transformational education.

Professor Ts Dr Manjit Singh Sidhu is a Professor at the College of Computing and Informatics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Fellow of the British Computer Society, Chartered IT Professional, Fellow of the Malaysian Scientific Association, Senior with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and a professional technologist with the Malaysia Board of Technologists.

The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.

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