Article 2023

Clarifying the concept of future-ready learning: a Confucian perspective

TC
Tan, Charlene H.P.
Asia Pacific Journal of Education
Journal · Vol. 43 · Issue 3 · pp. 648-659
Abstract

This article critically discusses the concept of future-ready learning by drawing on the educational thought of Confucius as recorded in the Analects. Two main arguments are made in this paper. First, Confucius views future-readiness as the preparedness to broaden dao (Way), which is a vision of human excellence. Secondly, Confucius does not limit future-ready learning to the acquisition of competencies, nor does he adopt a functionalist assumption of learning. Instead, he emphasizes the learning goal of becoming a junzi (exemplary person) who broadens the Way through ren (humanity), yi (appropriateness), xiuji (self-cultivation) and li (normative behaviours). Future-ready learning, it is proposed in this essay, is about the cultivation of character and competence to prepare individuals to adapt to and create new realities. A Confucian perspective challenges the skills and competencies agenda that underpins the prevailing notions of future-ready learning, and brings to the fore the habituation of virtues. © 2023 National Institute of Education, Singapore.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Future-Ready Learning Confucius exemplary person future-readiness way

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Author Affiliations
Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Funding & Acknowledgements
University of Hong Kong, HKU
Grant: 104006465
This work was supported by the University of Hong Kong’s Seed Fund for Basic Research for New Staff [ref: 104006465].
University of Hong Kong, HKU
This work was supported by the University of Hong Kong’s Seed Fund for Basic Research for New Staff [ref: 104006465].
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