Problem Statement

Even as many countries have experienced robust economic growth, millions of workers have been left behind, resulting in a growing economic inequality. According to the World Bank, one-third of the working age population in low- and middle-income countries lack the skills required for quality jobs. The problem starts early: More than 60% of primary school children in developing countries fail to achieve minimum proficiency in learning. As a result, more than two billion working-age adults lack the essential literacy skills required by employers. Even in the U.S., workers without adequate skills struggle economically. Despite expenditures of trillions of dollars annually and despite advances in technology and learning science, the traditional system of education -- that requires students to learn the same lessons together at the same pace and largely ignores the great diversity of student capabilities and learning styles -- is failing to prepare all students for today’s world. And without immediate, accurate data about the state of learning of each student, teachers, administrators, parents, and others cannot fully leverage existing educational resources or align learning with changing real world employment requirements. Fortunately, the same digital technology that has disrupted the world’s economies can assure learning outcomes for all students by tailoring instruction to the needs of each learner. By introducing Gooru’s Learning Navigator in schools and training programs, we can ensure that every student acquires the knowledge and skills they need to enhance their employability. Empowering local communities with the tools to redesign learning strategies will facilitate the change.