5 Things That Should Be Done to Improve the US Educational System

In an interview with Authority Magazine on April 2023, Dr. Mykim Tran shared the pros and cons of the educational system. She also shares 5 tips on how to improve the educational system. Dr. Tran also shares her upcoming works in helping students thrive in the 21st century. A preview of the interview is below.

From your point of view, how would you rate the results of the US education system?

Even though there is ongoing improvement in the US education system, it is not improving fast enough to meet the demand of the 21st century. Society is changing rapidly because of the internet and the advanced technology we have today. Society is also moving up the hierarchy pyramid in promoting and creating meaning and purpose. For example, if you pay attention to any successful company, it has a cause and mission to improve society. However, the current US education system was designed to fulfill the 20th century, helping students obtain a job and earn a living to survive, and it has succeeded. However, the 21st century is not only about surviving but also about thriving. The US education system should develop a different approach to motivate and inspire students that education can help them create meaning and purpose to meet the demand of the 21st century. Also, many employers today are looking for passionate individuals with a great vision for their careers.

Since the US education system fails to keep up with society, many students are unmotivated to pursue and continue their education. Many youths today do not believe that education is worth the journey anymore because they do not see a return for them to thrive in the 21st century.

Can you identify the 5 key areas of the US education system that should be prioritized for improvement? Can you explain why those are so critical?

Improve curriculum: Besides the core subjects, students need to learn essential skills to go through life successfully. Today, students are exposed to more things than their parent and grandparent generations because of the internet and the rapid changing of society. Therefore, students need to know how to manage those things successfully. However, more students are becoming stressed out because they lack the essential skills to use their knowledge to adapt to society successfully.

Improve school meals: Students spend most of their days at school, and what they eat will significantly impact their learning ability. Many students are still learning on an empty stomach. Therefore, more education and awareness should be implemented on the importance of healthy eating for students’ success at all levels (elementary, middle, high school, and college) and give students more access to healthy nutrition.

Improve parents’ engagement: Better programs are needed to educate and motivate parents to get involved in their student’s learning. The parents will always have the most impact on the student’s success. When parents show great interest in their students’ work, students will have more support to learn and succeed.

Provide more cultural resources and programs: Since America is becoming a global society, it is crucial to provide more cultural resources and programs to meet the demand of the growing demographics. Many students do not seek support because they believe their unique backgrounds and challenges will not be understood and supported through existing programs.

Provide more meaningful educational experiences: Students need to see that there is more to education than providing them with a job or career. Students need to see that their education can help them make a difference in the world because that is where society is moving toward. The great thing is that no matter what kind of education students pursue, it can provide them meaning and purpose if they are allowed to learn, understand, and apply successfully.

Click here to access the full interview.

As a humanistic psychologist and behavioral scientist, Dr. Tran's research goal is to discover the best pathway to help students discover and use their passion to do great work and make a social impact. This social impact will motivate students to learn, grow, become the best version of themselves, and become productive citizens. Students will create a sense of meaning and purpose. They will feel that they belong and matter in the world.