Education: Education Action Council: Education must become crisis-proof

Education: Education Action Council: Education must become crisis-proof

How people withstand crises has not yet been the subject of the German education system. The Education Action Council argues that this should not remain the case in an uncertain world.

According to the Education Action Council, Germany’s education system, from kindergarten to university, is not resilient to crises. In their annual report published in Munich, the scientists advocate better preparing educational institutions, teachers and students for crises.

For example, the Action Council calls for detailed emergency plans for educational institutions, a better IT infrastructure and greater autonomy so that, in case of doubt, they remain able to act even without instructions from above.

precaution and risk management

“Our society has felt safe for far too long, that pandemics, war, attacks on body and security would never take place,” explained Dieter Lenzen, former President of the University of Hamburg and Chairman of the Action Council. “That was a dangerous mistake.”

For a future-oriented problem and risk management, “foresighted precautions for future conceivable conflicts and crises are indispensable,” says the paper. In addition to Lenzen, members of the Action Council are eight educational researchers from various universities and scientific institutes. The body is financed by the Association of Bavarian Business.

Scientists’ recommendations

The scientists give recommendations for action on three levels: not only for the educational institutions and their organization, but also for the staff and the learning children, young people and students.

According to the Action Council, educators, teachers and academic staff should be better prepared for mentally stressful situations and “stressors”, including the prevention of burnout. Among other things, “enthusiasm, optimism, hope, social and emotional skills” should be promoted.

As far as children, young people and students are concerned, the scientists advocate, among other things, special training to promote psychological resources such as mindfulness, motivation, optimism and perseverance. The vbw business association, as the client, also wants to involve the parents: “Because only those who are resilient themselves can also set an example for children and teach them this ability,” said vbw President Wolfram Hatz.

Source: Stern

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