HR news Portugal - Opinion by Pedro Ramos - PhD, CEO of KEEPTALENT Portugal
In today’s landscape, characterized by rapid and constant technological changes within the context of a new BANI World (brittle, anxious, non-linear, and incomprehensible), the ability for continuous learning and accelerated skills development is crucial to preparing future generations. This article discusses the importance of lifelong learning and skills development to ensure that new generations are ready to face future challenges.
The Era of Continuous Learning
We live in an era where knowledge becomes obsolete at an unprecedented rate. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, automation, and blockchain, are rapidly transforming job markets and the demands for skills and competencies. Simultaneously, the classic divisions between "soft skills" and "hard skills" are losing relevance, given the profound evolution of all professional profiles within these new work dynamics. There is a renewed appreciation for the overall set of competencies required for professional activities, with the role of humans (professionals) increasingly valued in an integrated and global logic. In this context, continuous learning is essential to keep up with changes and remain relevant in the market. Lifelong learning is not limited to formal educational environments but increasingly encompasses informal learning, including more or less structured ones linked to new work contexts, such as online courses, tutorials, podcasts, and practical experiences. Fostering a mindset of constant and lifelong learning is essential to prepare future generations for a constantly evolving world where the dimensions of space and time will undergo substantive changes.
Developing Skills for the Future
Beyond continuous learning, it is crucial to develop skills that are transferable and adaptable to different contexts. The so-called "21st-century skills" go beyond technical knowledge and include skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, effective communication, emotional intelligence, and, of utmost importance, Cognitive Flexibility. These competencies not only empower individuals to excel in their careers through task execution excellence but also make them more resilient in the face of changes and multiple uncertainties and misunderstandings related to the BANI World in which we live. By prioritizing the development of these skills early on, we can prepare new generations to face future challenges more effectively.
Personalized, Collaborative, and Adaptive Education
A promising approach to promoting learning and development is personalized, collaborative, and adaptive education. With the advancement of technology, it is possible to use algorithms and artificial intelligence to personalize the learning process according to each person’s individual needs while integrating new learnings with previous ones, which, thanks to cognitive flexibility processes, can be appropriated and validated in other contexts or dimensions of life or profession. These new approaches allow individuals (learners) to progress at their own pace, receiving additional support in areas where they struggle and being challenged in areas where they demonstrate skill, without neglecting the collaborative dimension at the level of knowledge acquisition, attitude development, and capacity reinforcement in various dimensions of practical life. By adapting content and teaching methodology to each student’s preferences and learning styles, we can maximize their learning and development potential, valuing each individual’s role within the team and the organization as a whole.
Fostering Creativity and Innovation
In addition to developing technical and cognitive skills, it is crucial to cultivate creativity and the capacity for innovation in future generations. Creativity is the ability to think differently and originally and find solutions to complex problems, while innovation is the ability to transform creative ideas into tangible value. Fostering creativity early on, through various activities not always directly related to formal learning processes, can help nurture this essential skill. Additionally, it is important to promote a culture that values experimentation, critical thinking, and initiative, encouraging both young people and adults to seek out new ideas and innovative approaches to the challenges they face. In this sense, there is a direct relationship between individual and organizational learning and cognitive diversity. This relationship is multifaceted and crucial to the overall success and adaptability of organizations in today’s dynamic environments.
Partnerships between Education and the World of Work
To ensure that future generations are prepared for the future of work, it is essential to establish strong partnerships between the educational sector and industry. Companies can play an active role in developing curricula and educational programs aligned with the demands of increasingly global job markets. Additionally, internship programs, practical learning, and mentorship can provide young people with valuable real-world experiences and help them develop the skills necessary to succeed in their careers. By working closely with companies, educational institutions can ensure that they are preparing students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills and relevant experience, creating a strong dynamic concerning lifelong learning.
In conclusion, learning and development are fundamental to creating a generation prepared for the future. By adopting a continuous learning approach, developing essential skills, fostering creativity and innovation, we can prepare new generations to face the challenges of a constantly changing world. Through partnerships between education and industry and a personalized, collaborative, and adaptive approach, we can ensure that young people are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the future.
Pedro Ramos - PhD, CEO of KEEPTALENT Portugal
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