The first proponent of ‘The Butterfly Effect’ was Edward Lorenz who was a meteorologist by profession. This refers to a phenomenon where a minute change in a circumstance or a situation can have unpredictable consequences over time. The metaphor of a butterfly flapping its wings consequently leading to a distant storm is often attached to this phenomenon.

In the field of education, the butterfly effect may refer to non-linear impact on our classrooms which function as complex systems as it deals with humans. A word of appreciation or reprimand from the educator to their students can bring tremendous impact on their academic trajectory. Therefore, the onus of responsibility of a student’s future lies to a large degree in the hands of educators who should be aware of their words and its impact on their students. Language plays an predominant role in influencing action.

School systems can also become fragile and inconsistent due sudden and unexpected changes. The COVID 19 was one such event which introduced educational institutions and universities to explore the online arena. It made us realise that technology can bring the classroom to our homes. Nevertheless, it also created disequilibrium where a vast majority of students were left out of their education because of their inability to avail technology.

From the perspective of an individual, minute events can lead major to transformations. It made us realise that brief discussions with our peers, parents, teachers or our mentors or even reading a particular book can redirect our paths towards our personal and professional growth. Psychologically speaking, these experiences infuse a habit of mindfulness, where we become aware of our habits, responsibilities and their outcomes. Philosophically speaking, the butterfly effect as a concept is capable of challenging linear cause and effect thinking.The butterfly effect here, invites us to notice subtle beginnings. In education, the subtle change of a mother introducing her child to language, nature and emotional intelligence goes a long way in creating an individual who could become the greatest treasure to this humankind!

Reference list:

Andrews, A. (2011). Butterfly Effect. Thomas Nelson Inc.
Dooley, K.J. (2009). The Butterfly Effect of the ‘Butterfly Effect’. Nonlinear Dynamics Psychology and Life Sciences, 13(3), pp.279–88.
www.wittenborg.eu. (n.d.). Butterfly Effect Teaches Us That Small Things Matter. [online] Available at: https://www.wittenborg.eu/butterfly-effect-teaches-us-small-things-matter.htm.

The utmost important competency in a future teacher would be the ability to think critically. A teacher imbued with critical thinking can think for herself, engage with multiple ideas, understand the perspectives of others, weigh the evidence before reaching a judgment, respectfully communicate her logical disagreement with others, and collaborate with colleagues, students, and AI.

This future teacher has a research and data mindset: understands how children of the third millennium learn and can distinguish between deep fakes and genuine information. As the territorial boundaries are becoming fluid and rigid at the same time, this future international-minded teacher is ever-ready to teach any learner from any part of the world. This future teacher is a lifelong learner who is not weary of the adverse impact of AI on her employment but is working in tandem with it to build her career. This future teacher is firmly grounded in the social realities and working for justice, fairness, and equality. And, the creation of such teachers is the responsibility of teacher education institutions.