Embracing the future: Teaching in the age of AI

In a world full of study destinations, the United States continues to stand out. Despite shifting visa policies and rising competition from other countries, students from around the globe still set their sights on the U.S. for one big reason, it offers more than just a degree. It offers a valuable launchpad.

So, what keeps the U.S. at the top of students’ wish lists? And why should admissions teams continue to lean into this global interest?

Prestige that opens doors

The U.S. is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities. From Ivy League institutions to top-ranked public colleges, the reputation of a U.S. degree carries weight. For many students, studying in the U.S. is not just about education, it is about opportunity. Employers around the world recognize the value of a U.S. degree, and that recognition can open doors to global careers. 

Flexibility that fits ambition

Unlike many other systems, U.S. universities allow students to explore. They can choose a major and a minor, or even switch paths as they discover new interests. This flexibility is a huge draw for students who are still figuring out their future or who want to combine passions, like pairing economics with environmental science, or computer science with music. 

A campus experience like no other

American campus life is iconic for a reason, made famous from movie scenes seen across the world. From sports and clubs to dorm life and student unions, the sense of community is strong. For international students, this can make all the difference. It is not just about the academic life, it is about belonging. And for many, that community becomes a second home. 

Career-boosting extras

Internships, research opportunities, and strong alumni networks are all part of the U.S. university experience. Students are not just learning in the classroom, they are building resumes, making connections, and preparing for the job market. 

The American dream still inspires

For many, the U.S. represents possibility. It is a place where ambition is welcomed, where diversity is celebrated, and where students can imagine a future that feels bigger than their present. That dream still resonates, and it is one that admissions teams can help bring to life. 

Educators need to meet the needs of all students, including those who are neurodivergent. Neurodivergence refers to variations in the human brain and cognition, including dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Among these, dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, affecting how individuals process written and spoken language. Although each student’s needs are unique, there are several practical, research-backed strategies educators can employ to support and empower these learners. 

Let’s look at some tips for teachers, which cover everything from font choice and classroom environment to presentation of information and assessment design. Although these are designed to support neurodivergent students, they will in fact help foster a more inclusive, accessible, and positive learning experience for all learners.

What do we mean by future skills? 

The skills students will need in their future studies and careers are dramatically different from those required previously. Times are changing rapidly and educational institutions and teachers have a critical role to play in developing those skills in our young learners so that they are able to fulfill their potential and have bright futures ahead of them. 

These skills are referred to as future skills. There is no common consensus on how to define these skills but, broadly speaking, they can be grouped into four categories: 

1. Ways of thinking

Skills in this category include critical thinking, creativity, innovation, problem solving, metacognition and learning skills.

2. Ways of working

Here, we’re talking about the skills of communication and collaboration.

3. Tools for working

Information literacy is an important 21st-century skill, as well as ICT literacy and citizenship, both global and local. 

4. Life skills

The final category covers life and career skills, and is all about personal and social responsibility. 

One way you can encourage young learners to build these skills is through STEAM subjects (that’s science, technology, engineering, arts and math), which will equip them with functional skills such as organizing, planning, cognitive flexibility and self-regulation. 

The four Cs 

The four Cs refer to four important skills for young learners to master: communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. These are essential, not just in an educational context, but in everyday life. 

Falling into the first two categories of future skills (ways of thinking and ways of working), these can help children build confidence and self-esteem. They also encourage healthy emotional development.  

So let’s take a closer look at the theory behind them.

1. Communication

We usually think of communication as speaking and listening, but it’s actually much broader than that. Communication encapsulates telling stories, reading, sharing ideas and experiences, body language, facial expression, eye contact and tone. Children learn to decipher the world around them by learning and practicing these skills.

Strong communication skills, developed early, are directly related to their literacy success. These skills allow children to articulate their thoughts and ideas effectively, and listen to decode meaning. Students then begin to use communication for a range of purposes, and communicate effectively in diverse environments. Furthermore, developing strong patterns of verbal and non-verbal communication also fosters self-esteem and social skills. 

2. Collaboration

Collaboration is how young children begin to build friendships with others. At first, young children will watch what others do and say, before moving on to playing together. As they get older, they become aware of other children’s feelings and ideas. Friendships become motivating and they learn how to make compromises and respect each other’s perspectives and skills. 

Collaboration is enhanced through group work and project-based activities, sharing time with peers. Children thrive when they feel valued by the people around them, not just adults but their peers too.