5 September 2024
The annual IPSOS Education Monitoring Report for 2024 has just been released, shedding light on the perceptions of education systems across 30 countries worldwide. This comprehensive study involved over 20,000 adults, including both parents and non-parents, offering a wide lens on the current state of global education.
Global satisfaction with education systems
When it comes to the overall quality of education, opinions are divided. On average, 33% of respondents across the surveyed countries rated their nation’s education system positively, while 36% felt that it was underperforming. Interestingly, this general perception appears to have little correlation with a country’s actual performance in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) scores, highlighting a possible disconnect between public opinion and measurable educational outcomes.
Divided opinions on AI and technology in education
One of the most notable changes since last year’s report is the growing divide in attitudes towards Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in light of the explosive development of generative AI tools. 36% of respondents now believe that AI-powered tools like ChatGPT should be banned from schools, a significant jump from 29% in the previous year. This opinion is especially prevalent in countries such as Canada (52%), France (51%), and Australia (49%), where half the population supports such a ban. On the other hand, opposition to banning AI in schools remains strong in Túrkiye (24%), Thailand (22%), and Japan (20%).
The report also notes a broader societal pushback against technological advances in education. A 7-point increase was observed in the number of people predicting that future technological advancements will negatively impact education. 25% of participants expressed concern that technology might do more harm than good in the coming years.
The role of social media
Social media, another technological aspect, continues to face scrutiny, particularly regarding its impact on young students. The report shows that the majority of respondents in 29 out of 30 countries support banning children under the age of 14 from using social media, both inside and outside school settings. This highlights the growing concern over the influence of social platforms on children’s well-being and education.
Key challenges facing education systems
In terms of challenges, 29% of respondents across the 30 countries identified an outdated curriculum as the greatest issue facing their education systems. Other significant challenges included a perceived lack of funding, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate teacher training. A growing focus on student well-being was also apparent, with 1 in 2 respondents feeling that schools need to prioritise mental health and student support more than they currently do.
Additionally, there is a strong desire for schools to better equip students with knowledge of emerging technologies. Close to 50% of participants agreed that more should be done to teach students about AI, coding, and other technological advancements, reflecting the rising demand for a curriculum that better prepares students for the digital future.
Parents’ perspectives
Interestingly, parents of school-aged children were found to be generally more optimistic than the broader population regarding the state of education in their country. This could suggest that firsthand experience with schools may provide a more nuanced view compared to those without direct involvement in the education system.
Conclusion
The IPSOS 2024 Education Monitoring Report offers a complex picture of global education, where both optimism and caution exist side by side. While many believe that more needs to be done to address technological advancements and student well-being, challenges such as outdated curricula, funding shortages, and the role of social media remain pressing issues for educators and policymakers alike. As countries grapple with these challenges, this report serves as a critical benchmark for understanding public sentiment on the future of education. Full report available here.
[…] at a time when social media use among young people has sparked intense debates globally. A recent Ipsos study revealed that 65% of people support banning children under 14 from accessing social media, both […]