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

Abstract

<p>This article critically discusses the concept of future-ready learning by drawing on the educational thought of Confucius as recorded in the <em>Analects</em>. Two main arguments are made in this paper. First, Confucius views future-readiness as the preparedness to broaden <em>dao</em> (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 <em>junzi</em> (exemplary person) who broadens the Way through <em>ren</em> (humanity), <em>yi</em> (appropriateness), <em>xiuji</em> (self-cultivation) and <em>li</em> (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.</p>