In a recent LinkedIn post, Cangoh explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the traditional education system by moving beyond standardized assessments and recognizing the unique strengths of each student. Cangoh uses the analogy of a classic cartoon depicting a diverse group of animals being tested on their ability to climb a tree to illustrate the limitations of current educational models.
Rethinking Standardized Testing with AI
Cangoh argues that the current educational framework often fails to acknowledge individual talents, likening it to judging a fish by its ability to climb a tree. The post highlights how this can lead to students feeling inadequate despite possessing unique abilities. Cangoh poses a hypothetical scenario where AI tools are introduced to the assessment process, suggesting a radical shift in how potential is measured.
According to Cangoh, AI could analyze a student’s interaction data to instantly identify their learning styles and aptitudes. For instance, AI could distinguish between a visual-spatial learner like a fish and a kinesthetic learner like a monkey.
“Instead of demanding a standardized ‘tree climb’ from everyone, AI would: Analyze the child’s (I mean, the animal’s) interaction data. Instantly identify that the fish is visual-spatial, while the monkey is kinesthetic.”
This personalized approach, as Cangoh explains, would prevent the premature termination of a student’s potential based on ill-suited metrics. The AI would stop the standardized test before it could unfairly penalize students for not fitting a narrow mold.
AI-Driven Career Path Recommendations
Beyond assessment, Cangoh proposes that AI could proactively guide students toward future career paths where their innate talents can truly flourish. This vision moves beyond the limitations of traditional streams like ‘Science’ and ‘Arts’ to a more nuanced, individualized guidance system.
For a student identified as a visual-spatial learner, Cangoh suggests that career paths in areas like Algorithm Design or FinTech would be more suitable than traditional, less relevant challenges.
“For the fish: Forget tree-climbing lah, let’s focus on complex, flowing systems. Destination: Algorithm Design or FinTech.”
Similarly, for a kinesthetic learner, Cangoh points to fields requiring agility and problem-solving.
“For the monkey: Agile, problem-solver, natural high-ground seeker. Destination: Cybersecurity or Agile Project Management.”
Cangoh emphasizes that the goal is not to force students into predefined boxes but to help them find environments where their natural genius can thrive. This aligns with the widely attributed quote from Albert Einstein: “Everybody is a genius.” The key, as Cangoh illustrates, is leveraging AI to discover the right ‘ocean’ or ‘tree’ for each individual.
A Call for Educational Revamp
The post concludes with Cangoh posing a question to the audience, inviting discussion on whether the education system should remain unchanged, limited to traditional streams, or be fundamentally revamped. Cangoh’s insights suggest that embracing AI could be a crucial step in creating a more equitable and effective educational future, ensuring that no student feels limited or unintelligent due to a one-size-fits-all approach.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Cangoh on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on June 13, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →