Every week, HEADlines brings you the latest news, stories and commentaries in education and healthcare. This week, get insights on the latest developments in education. image Is a university education still relevant? OECD’s education chief Andreas Schleicher questions the value of universities, as pandemic-era shifts in economy and education have demonstrated the need for a flexible and updated model of higher education if the sector wants to retain its relevance. In the United States, falling college enrolment rates due to the pandemic has made educators anxious about the socio-economic consequences of fewer adults attaining higher education. However, in response to a labour shortage, many companies are accepting applicants with less than bachelor’s degrees but with relevant life experience. This may reduce the appeal of college as an economically viable option to secure a stable future. The pandemic has not only accelerated the need for higher education to change and adapt with the times, but in some cases even called into question its necessity and relevance. In order to stay relevant, university and higher education systems need to provide more meaningful and relevant education while pivoting to flexible models of lifelong learning that meet the needs of its prospective students. Education in the Spotlight: The Conversation: Pandemic-related school closings likely to have far-reaching effects on child well-being A global analysis has found that kids whose schools closed to stop the spread of various waves of the coronavirus lost educational progress and are at increased risk of dropping out of school. Brookings: Top 5 insights for improving family-school collaboration during COVID and beyond Rigorous evidence has shown that when families and schools have strong relationships, children win: They are more likely to stay in school, graduate, and do well academically and socially. EdSurge: What it takes to recruit future teachers during the pandemic “Why are teachers leaving? The easy answers are: We don’t pay teachers. We don’t value education.” ABC News: Young Engineers programme inspires next generation to take up STEM careers While the idea of working in the space industry may sound a little far-fetched for kids growing up in regional Queensland, a new programme is helping them reach for the stars by smashing misconceptions about STEM. The Conversation: 5 tips to help preschoolers with special needs during the pandemic Parents say there has been a lack of academic and social learning opportunities for children during the pandemic. The Hechinger Report: It’s time. Let’s use different ways of teaching children to read Advances and new thinking about how reading is taught could help usher in a new era of success. Southeast Asia Globe: Singapore students call for universities to part ways with fossil fuels Campus groups want their institutions to reassess links to energy companies and divest from fossil fuel funds. The Conversation: How to teach children about climate change, inspire hope and take action to change the future Early research findings have identified the importance of moving beyond traditional curricular approaches in schools. This includes linking scientific approaches with arts-based methods.