By Nkhosinathi Manyika
There is a gap between what is being taught at the tertiary level and what the workplace requires.
This is according to Sebenta National Institute Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Thembinkosi Mamba. He disclosed this during an online webinar themed Education 4.0 and its Implications on the Future of Learning.
The webinar was organized by the Ministry of Information Communications and Technology (ICT) in collaboration with the Kingdom of Eswatini Academy of Science (KEAS), and the Lesotho Academy of Science and Technology (LAST).
The CEO’s presentation was about the importance of Life-long Learning (LLL) in a changing world.
Mamba stated that the method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept is insufficient because real-life programs are ill-defined.
He further suggested that the methods and practices of teaching and learning in class are structured and facilitated by a curriculum created by experts based on theories, which forces teachers to teach based on the methods specified by the curriculum.
This then creates a gap between the methods and concepts of teaching and real life.
Mamba stated that life-long learning is the solution to the problem in education. He defined long life learning as an ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of learning for personal or professional reasons.
Mamba said it consists of five main elements including all age groups, all levels of education, applied in all learning modalities and all learning spheres, and for all purposes.
He further suggested that this approach is for assisting participants gain better skills and knowledge so they can do their work better, efficiently, and effectively.
He concluded by addressing the concern of the dynamics of the job market, stating that a degree in the 4th industrial revolution which includes technology is not enough, instead it has now become the beginning point.