7 education industry trends to look out for in 2023

The education sector is undergoing lots of changes right now – so how might that affect you if you’re looking for teaching jobs? We’re glad you asked.

Here are 7 industry trends happening in education in 2023 that you might want to keep your eye on.

1. Integration of technology in the classroom

During the pandemic, schools had to mobilise fast for virtual learning – and it accelerated a growing trend towards students using more technology in the classroom.

Experts predict schools will start to experiment with technologies such as video learning, AI, augmented and virtual realities and gamification. It’s an exciting time for the education sector as students will be given more opportunities to embrace and learn technologies that’ll help them hit the ground running and be more employable in years to come.

2. A focus on STEM learning and computational thinking

STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) has been an education and career buzzword for years now, and learning that’s centred around STEM, problem solving and digital literacy is only going to ramp up this year and beyond.

What will this look like in schools? Experts say it’ll incorporate more play-based learning, and there’ll be a greater focus on subjects such as engineering, robotics and cyber security, which will equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully and safely explore and navigate the online world.

3. ‘Flipped’ classroom learning

Virtual learning gave students a taste of what it was like to learn at home and on their own steam, and this is big trend going into 2023, say educators.

It’ll involve students learning concepts at home via video and activities on an e-learning platform, then putting their knowledge into practice in a more hands-on way at school. Lots of innovative, data-driven tools are being developed to support learning in this way.

4. A push for student wellbeing and mindfulness

Academic outcomes are important but teachers and schools in general are starting to recognise the need to nurture student wellbeing, too. A focus on boosting students’ self-confidence, resilience, self-esteem and self-worth can only benefit their abilities to perform and thrive in an educational environment, so support in these areas makes a lot of sense.

Many schools have rolled out mindfulness programs already and there are tipped to be more targeted online wellbeing courses developed and launched in 2023.

5. A trend towards more flexible learning environments (FLEs)

We’re likely to see more flexible learning environments (FLEs) popping up in schools – and with good reason: these adaptable spaces are believed to help students learn more effectively – and they can evolve and change along with the needs of the classroom.

Experts say a good FLE comes down to two things: practicality and design, which might include soft furnishings, ‘fun’ spaces for downtime, sensory retreats for neurotypical students, zones for accessing resources, or purpose-built spaces where groups of fellow learners can congregate. It’s a departure from lecture-style teaching and encourages more collaboration, interaction and creativity among students.

6. Life skills and workplace preparation

Again, parents love to check out their kids’ report cards – but there’s also an increasing interest to see learning become more holistic, rather than the traditional forms of education which often include a lot of memorising and repeating information.

The new trend towards learning is to incorporate what we call ‘soft skills’ – these are life skills, vocational and enterprise skills. Some of these might include critical thinking skills, creativity, presentation skills and teamwork skills – to best equip students for life in the real world and ensure they have practical on-the-job skills when they graduate.

7. Staff shortages and escalating workloads

While there’s lots of innovation happening in the education sector, there are still challenges for teachers trying to pick up teaching jobs. The disruptions from pandemic and ongoing staff shortages are likely to have a knock-on effect in Australian schools until 2025, say experts.

And the onus is on schools to innovate when it comes to teacher workloads, with a push for creating more supportive workplaces teachers want to return to. Tech innovations that help with admin in the classroom, and offering opportunities for skill development, career growth, recognition and better work-life balance are all key, too. These are all topics to bring up in an interview so you can determine if a particular school is the right fit for you.

Want support in finding education jobs that’ll suit you?

Given the rapid and ongoing change in the education sector, it makes sense to talk to recruitment specialists in that niche about where you might fit.

We’re always happy to help candidates with intel on local schools or education facilities who are seeking staff, and also to help you with applications or job offers that are near you.

Feel free to get in touch or head to our blog for more great education content.

Psst! We’ve just brought out our comprehensive New Year New Job Guide – download your free copy today and keep on top of your goals for the new year.