STEM Education from Primary onwards from next year- AVK

A wide range of proposals to restructure the Education system from next year, has been submitted under a strategy based on 4 disciplines- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

STEM Education is an interdisciplinary approach to learning where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world lessons, as students apply STEM.

Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said the STEM Education strategy will be put into effect next year, by changing syllabuses and exam systems from the Primary Education system onwards.

“This is a system used in developed countries where 65% of the country’s Education system is based on STEM strategies," he said.

He said that, "In Sri Lanka, these strategies are currently used only around 35% and is considered insufficient. “We will try to implement the scheme irrespective of any obstacles,” he added.

He said0, "Accordingly, a report compiled by a team of experts on STEM education strategy, has been handed over to the Ministry. The report contains specific proposals for Primary level onwards.

An option for children already studying in popular schools and others willing to opt out from sitting the Grade 5 Scholarship exam, is among the proposals put forward under a new Education strategy under consideration.

Accordingly, recommendations have been made in view of the great amount of psychological stress imparted to children at the Grade 5 exam, it was recommended that a school- based assessment be conducted to select children in low socio-economic level, who need financial assistance, to be allowed to sit the exam.

The report notes that that the general objective of introducing STEM education into the Primary level is to produce an innovative and creative child at Grade 5, who is STEM-capable and ready to proceed with Secondary level Education.

Among the objectives are that the child is expected to develop and obtain the skills of communicating his/ her ideas accurately, courteously in a friendly manner, ability to solve day-to-day problems using mathematical concepts, ability to reason logically and with confidence, leadership and teamwork qualities, basic computing skills and social skills, among others.

Among other proposals are that students who follow the Science Stream will be able to follow an Arts subject with 2 Science subjects, and introducing a certificate for students to encourage teachers in upgrading their knowledge.

Introduction of a new subject called ‘ Social Studies & History’ combining Civics, Geography, History and fundamentals of Economics, with the emphasis on History, is another proposal.

The conduct of an Competency Test during the last term of Grade 8 at STEM centres, to identify skills of students is another proposal.

Another proposal is that students will be assessed in 2 ways with 50% of final grades coming from continuous assessment, and 50% from exams.