5 ways in which schools have evolved over time

In today's world, access to data, knowledge, ideas, and information is almost limitless. 21st-century learning aims to differentiate itself from its old, more passive approach of transmitting knowledge. Teachers no longer place as much emphasis on rote memorization as was the case in the past. Today, students are encouraged to develop their competencies. It is not enough to possess information; one must also know how to apply it by exercising critical thinking and relating it to contexts close to one's reality. For example, before memorizing multiplication tables, teachers show students concrete examples that illustrate the importance of knowing how to multiply in everyday life. 

Contextualization and project-based learning also allow students to learn problem-solving and how to analyze situations in a more comprehensive and multidisciplinary way.

Technology and the Internet play a central role in our lives. The integration of technology in schools has developed over the years. To enhance teaching and help students develop their digital skills, teachers use a variety of resources and technological devices. For example, the interactive whiteboard (IWB) is now a widely used tool in schools across Quebec. It allows teachers to easily manipulate a variety of digital teaching resources compared to traditional chalkboards. Often, teachers also encourage students to use the IWB in class to study concepts, solve problems, and even create material. Moreover, with a computer connected to the board, teachers can save notes and explanations, creating a kind of memory bank for the class. 

Depending on the resources available in schools, access to computers and tablets is sometimes provided. These tools enable students to engage in more autonomous and collaborative learning, which contributes to increased motivation and engagement.

Teaching methods have evolved to encourage active learning, collaboration, and creativity. In this approach, teachers emphasize student autonomy. Exploration, hands-on activities, initiative, and play are strongly encouraged as part of active learning. Active learning differs from traditional passive learning, where students simply listen, watch the teacher, take notes, or transcribe written content from the board. Activities can take place in the classroom or at home. Here are some examples of pedagogical strategies in active learning:

• Cooperative learning. Tasks and responsibilities are allocated, giving each student ownership of the content while improving collaboration and feedback skills.
• Flipped classroom. Students receive readings or videos as homework. In the following class, the topic is discussed, questions are answered, and understanding is deepened through learning activities.
• Learning stations. Students, individually or in small groups, stop at various stations where they participate in diverse activities related to the topic they are learning.
• Literature circles. Students gather in small groups to discuss and analyze literary texts.
• Project-based learning. This approach aims to contextualize knowledge; students acquire new knowledge through the execution of a larger-scale project, such as maintaining a garden or organizing an event.

New methods of assessing learning have emerged in recent years. They place more emphasis on the development of students’ competencies (e.g., critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, creativity) and less on the memorization of factual knowledge. This often involves real-world tasks and scenarios. Here are some new ways to assess students:

• Peer feedback. Students are involved in evaluating their peers' work through constructive feedback (a dialogue wherein improvement strategies are recommended rather than highlighting errors) and cooperative learning.
• Project-based assessment. Understanding of concepts is demonstrated through projects carried out by students, such as presentations, oral reports, discussions, models, artistic performances, scientific experiments, etc.
• Portfolios. Students are encouraged to document their learning over time in portfolios. These portfolios can contain examples of work, reflections on their progress, learning goals, etc.
• Self-assessment. Teachers encourage students to self-assess and reflect on their own learning. They may be asked to set learning goals, track their progress, and identify areas where improvement is needed.
• Informal formative assessment. This is used to provide regular feedback to students to help them continuously improve. It can be done using various methods, such as individual discussions, classroom observations, group activities, written records (notes taken by students), etc.
• Use of information and communication technologies (ICT). These tools are becoming increasingly present in classrooms. This can include online questionnaires, interactive exercises, educational games, or simulations.

Over time, schools have adopted several measures to become more inclusive and provide an equitable educational environment for all students. Today's schools prioritize students and their specific needs. Depending on the available resources, each school implements appropriate support services and reasonable accommodations to ensure adequate support for all students. 

Here are some ways in which schools have gradually become more inclusive:

• Differentiated instruction. This method involves modifying teaching practices according to the diversity that exists among students in terms of learning styles, interests, strengths, and weaknesses. Teachers innovate in their practices by considering the needs of each student and adapting teaching and classroom organization to promote and maximize academic success.
• Collaboration between school teams and families. Schools promote collaboration among teachers, specialists, the school team, specialized school staff, and families to support students with special needs. This approach allows for information sharing, implementation of individualized intervention plans, and continuous support for students.
• Promotion of diversity and inclusion. It is increasingly common to see schools that highlight the cultural, linguistic, and social diversity of students to foster cohesion within the school community.
• Social and emotional learning programs. Schools place increasing emphasis on students' social and emotional learning. Awareness campaigns focus on the management of emotions, empathy, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills. This creates a positive and inclusive school climate where each student feels respected and valued.
• Physical accommodations. The goal is to facilitate accessibility for students with physical disabilities. This may include installing ramps, elevators, accessible toilets, and assistive technology devices. These accommodations enable students and staff to move around and fully participate in school life. Although not yet widespread, their popularity is increasing every year. These changes in education reflect the ongoing efforts to adapt schools to the needs of students and to provide an inclusive and engaging learning environment.