The Future is Now: Educators’ Vision for Tomorrow

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62695/TLHR6122

Keywords:

Malta, Education, Educator, Future, Consultation

Abstract

Education is never far from the news. It is intimately tied to the past, the present and the future. Some say that the past is where education has remained in terms of vision and practice. The more optimistic see education as taking stock of the past to create a present and a future. We are on the threshold of several important national milestones. The National Strategy for Education is up for review in the next two years as well as the National Curriculum. Then there is the collective agreement for educators, which is up for review in 2023. The future of educators hinges on the present and the future. This research, therefore, invited educators to reflect on the future of education and educators themselves. Nine focus groups were conducted, with 45 participants in total. Five key themes emerged from the data as influencing the future of education and educators, namely teaching and learning, leadership and climate, the education system itself, policy, and a changing society. The insights may serve as the basis for reflection and as a springboard for the generation of policy and practice on a national level.

Author Biographies

Janice Darmanin, Institute for Education

Janice Darmanin was born in Australia. Her primary education was mostly at an Australian church school. She continued her education in Malta and graduated from the University of Malta with a Bachelor’s degree in Maltese and Early & Middle Years. Her career in education includes being a primary school class teacher, teaching Personal and Social Development in the primary sector, and being appointed Assistant Head of School. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Educational Leadership with the Institute of Education, and is currently holding the role of Manager Research Analyst within the Institute for Education.

Mario Mallia, Institute for Education

Mario Mallia is currently a full-time lecturer at the Institute for Education, focusing on critical pedagogy, gender, and science education. He was Head of a primary and secondary school for sixteen years, a Deputy Head, and a teacher of science. He holds a Master’s degree in Education, a postgraduate diploma in School Administration and Management, and a Bachelor in Education (Hons) degree from the University of Malta. He served, inter alia, as a board member of the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality and the Foundation of Educational Services for many years, besides, to date, being active in the political and social fields.

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Published

05-05-2024

How to Cite

Darmanin, J., & Mallia, M. (2024). The Future is Now: Educators’ Vision for Tomorrow. Malta Journal of Education, 4(1), 8–24. https://doi.org/10.62695/TLHR6122

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