Teaching must evolve with changing times to shape future generations: Minister

Adapting teaching to the changes in children's thinking, behaviour and relationships is vital to build a responsible generation, said Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu.

The remarks were made on Monday in his address marking the start of the new academic year, in which he also said the quality of education also depends on the knowledge and skills of educators.

As such, the minister urged the teachers to be aware of the changes in technology and always make the necessary changes in teaching methods to involve all students.

“Therefore, it is essential to become familiar with the changes in the thinking, behaviour and relationships of students in [these] evolving times, and adapting to these changes when educating, in order to build a responsible generation," the minister said.

According to Minister Shafeeu, the structures of the Ministry of Education and its divisions, departments and sections are being reviewed and changes are being made to further strengthen educational governance to address the challenges in implementing education policies to their fullest extent.

The minister said the modules of the new educational management system, which will be developed considering artificial intelligence and the latest technology, will be rolled out during the current academic year, based on the importance of policies, decisions and evidence-based decision-making in the sector.

He also said important measures would be implemented to strengthen the country's education system during this academic year. While some of the plans to revolutionize education have been underway since last academic year, more important initiatives will be launched this year, he said.

- Review the curriculum of subjects and make necessary changes.

- Improve the quality of content taught to students.

- Begin practical efforts of developing textbooks, workbooks and digital content for Key-Stage 4 subjects with the assistance of teachers and technical experts with knowledge and experience in the field.

- Although the National Assessment for Learning Outcomes (NALO) is currently being taken at the end of key stage-1 and key stage-2, start preparations to administer the assessment to students completing key stage-3 this year.

- Start the practical work of benchmarking the learning level of students newly starting their studies at an international level.

- The pilot program of A-level expansion, which began last year, led to a 77 percent increase in the number of new students enrolled in government schools during the last academic year. The program will be expanded this year with additional learning pathways as increasing the number of students in higher secondary is a tool for achieving national development goals.

- Preparations have been made to complete 3,740 classrooms in government schools by September this year.

The minister, in his speech, also said that there should be a close relationship between the school and parents in their children’s learning and they should be able to communicate with each other and exchange information respectfully.

Addressing the students, Shafeeu urged them to strive to learn with noble determination and renewed courage as they face the new academic year.

Schools in Maldives reopened on Monday with some 90,000 students and 11,000 teachers.