Georgetown: In a world increasingly shaped by science and technology, scientific and technological literacy is a universal requirement for national and global development. On Monday, November 10, we celebrate World Science Day for Peace and Development under the theme: Quality Science Education: ensuring a sustainable future for all. According to UNESCO, quality basic sciences education is an indispensable lever for innovation, conducive to any sustainable development. In recent years the Ministry of Education has recognized the role that Science and Technology Education in fostering Guyana’s Development along a green pathway. Through its new five year strategic plan (2014-2018) the Ministry of Education has captured innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education for National Sustainable Development. Teacher training and school based follow up support in STEM forms the foundation of the implementation of plan.
The quality of science education is being enhanced through the Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE) initiative launched in 2011 through collaboration with UNESCO and the Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS). The initiative promotes ‘hands-on’ learning and fosters the development of critical thinking in students at a very early age. It has brought back the ‘fun’ into science teaching and learning. Students learn from the environment and through the environment.
The introduction of the micro-science kits has also contributed to improvements in the quality of science education. Over 90 secondary schools are now equipped with these kits, supporting manuals and chemicals. Since its introduction in 2012, a 20% increase in the numbers of students enrolling for the CSEC single sciences has been recorded. This year a pilot project has commenced for seventeen primary schools in various regions in Guyana. These are portable science kits (true mini-labs) which contribute to interactive hands- on learning in science. Comment from Grade 10 Queens College Student – Joshua Cramer (November 6, 2014) after using the Micro science Advanced Chemistry Kit “This is a very clever way of introducing the topic electrolysis and the kits”
Recent support received from UNESCO will enable the Ministry of Education to develop a policy on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), the infusion of Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development (CCESD) and expand the work in Inquiry Based Science and Mathematics Education and the Global Micro science Experiments project. Guyana is one of the first countries in the Caribbean region selected to pilot these initiatives.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Education, is partnering with local NGOs and other Science and Technology Institutions to promote the use of STEM in solving local school and community problems. The re-establishment of science/environmental clubs in many schools facilitate community based learning. Science learnt inside the classroom is taken outside the classroom and as solutions to local problems. The hosting of science fairs and exhibitions public awareness on the importance of science and technology for national sustainable development is raised.
The Ministry of Education welcomes partnerships in its drive improve the quality of science education as it seeks to ensure a sustainable future for all Guyanese.
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