Cambridge Teachers Conference 2024: Finding Educational Balance in a Changing World
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The Cambridge Teachers Conference 2024, titled ‘Finding Educational Balance in a Changing World’, convened at the Pearl Continental Lahore on June 26, bringing together educators from diverse backgrounds to address pressing issues in today’s educational landscape. Organised by the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), the conference was a pivotal platform for discussing the future of education in light of technological advancements and societal changes.
A highlight of the event was the keynote speech delivered by Dr. Ali Cheema, Vice Chancellor of LUMS, who provided an overview of the challenges and opportunities facing education today. Dr. Cheema emphasised the crucial role of educators in shaping the future of Pakistan and beyond, acknowledging the profound responsibility teachers hold in moulding young minds.
“I want to thank CIE for giving me this opportunity. It is a huge honour to talk to schoolteachers who determine the future of Pakistan,” remarked Dr. Cheema, acknowledging the role of educators in influencing educational policies and practices.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in discussions spanning a wide array of topics, reflecting the complexities of modern education. From educational reform and the evolving landscape of assessments to the impact of digital devices and artificial intelligence, the conference dissected how these factors are reshaping traditional educational paradigms.
Dr. Cheema drew attention to the paradoxical nature of artificial intelligence, noting, “AI is one of the biggest ironies. You are going to use this to solve your learning problems, yet in doing so, it might descale the labour market, making human roles less relevant. This irony needs our attention.”
The discussions, which featured insights from Dr. Simon Child, Head of Assessment Training, and Carolyn Tiller, Director of Qualifications and Test Development, both from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, highlighted the urgency of nurturing critical and analytical skills alongside technical proficiency. Dr. Cheema highlighted the imbalance: conventional education often excels in technical training but underemphasises humanistic thinking and creativity. He also stressed the pivotal role of schools and education in preparing students for the future job market.
“The roles of schools and educators become fundamentally important in driving this mission,” noted Dr. Cheema, calling for proactive measures to align educational practices with the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
As schools and educators navigate the complexities of the modern era, Dr. Cheema’s insights resonate as a call to action to foster holistic educational environments that empower students to thrive in an uncertain future.
