Emergency planning, virus control measures to be included in school syllabus

Emergency and pandemic planning, virus transmission, prevention and control measures are some areas which will be included in post pandemic study material, the newly appointed National Institute of Education (NIE) Director General Dr Sunil Jayantha Nawaratne said.

Dr Nawaratne told the Education Times, once schools are re-opened material will be distributed on safety and hygiene measures and will be included in school syllabuses next year.

There will be content on how to practice good hygiene on a daily basis from good hand washing techniques to cough and sneeze etiquette. These guidelines will be included in health and social sciences syllabuses, the Director General said.

Dr Nawaratne, who is the former Higher Education Ministry Secretary, said the NIE is in the process of developing a

National Education Development Plan. Discussions are presently being carried out via zoom video calls, with relevant stake holders.

“The NIE was not included in the Presidential Task Force on Sri Lanka’s Education Affairs, and I have asked the President to include the institution as it plays a vital role in preparing curriculum, teacher development and providing advice to the Education Minister on developing policies.”

“Our education system is not producing human capital the labour market demands. There is a need to include more practical skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, enhanced communication, positive attitudes and self confidence. The present syllabus is poor in practical skills and knowledge,” Dr Nawaratne said. (NF)