The "New Normal" in Education and the Future of Schooling

Abstract

This paper explores the catchphrase of the new decade — the ‘new normal’ in education. The paper offers some analyses of its emergence. Guided by a literature review, mostly about UNICEF, UNESCO, and the OECD and their critics, this paper specifically explores the question – what does the ‘new normal’ mean? In asking this question, this paper problematises the assumed meaning of ‘new normal’, offers two possible meanings, and explains why teachers and school leaders must be cautious in using the term. Furthermore, this paper hopes for academics, teachers, and school leaders to reflect on why the term ‘new normal’ may be problematic in the future of schooling, post-pandemic. Keywords: new normal, COVID-19 education, online learning