Research NewsFeed

November 26, 2024

Malaysia Abolishes Exam-Oriented Learning System

The Malaysian Ministry of Education has announced plans to abolish examination-oriented learning in schools to reduce stress among students. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stated that the new approach will focus on inquiry, exploration, experience, contextualization and assessment to promote holistic student development. The ministry is also prioritizing student welfare and well-being by implementing a Healthy Mind Screening program to identify students with emotional disorders and providing them with immediate help. Additionally, 92.7% of teachers have undergone psychological well-being profiling using the Psychological Well-being Inventory (IKPsi), and the ministry is developing a Teacher Well-being Index (IKG) to measure teacher well-being.

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/11/26/pt3-upsr-went-away-to-take-mental-pressure-off-students-fadhlina-says-amid-push-to-bring-back-exams/158072

November 26, 2024

University of Sindh's Low Passing Threshold Criticized

The University of Sindh in Jamshoro conducted a pre-entrance test for students vying for spots in its undergraduate program. Out of the 21,988 registered candidates, 19,491 appeared for the test, with around 85% becoming eligible for admission. However, this statistic is concerning as the university has set the minimum passing threshold at just 30 out of 100 marks. Analysis reveals that many students come from districts affected by floods, poverty, and poor governance, including Dadu, Sanghar, and Naushero Feroz. To address the gaps in their knowledge and skills, a crash course covering essential skills such as English language proficiency, critical thinking, gender awareness, IT skills, and research capabilities would be beneficial. Additionally, an induction program focused on mindful interactions with fellow female students and appropriate public conduct could help students transition into independent learners. The unsatisfactory performance of students highlights systemic flaws in the assessment and examination process, including a lack of competency and motivation among teachers, widespread cheating, and bureaucratic inertia.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1254966-passing-tests-failing-systems

November 24, 2024

27 Pregnant Schoolgirls Give Birth on Exam Day

Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang has expressed concern over the increasing number of pregnant schoolgirls taking national exams in hospitals. According to Kipsang, 27 girls gave birth on the first day of exams this year, a significant increase from last year's numbers. He attributed the issue to teenage pregnancies and called for parental support and guidance to prevent further cases. Kipsang urged parents to stay close to their children and ensure they can study without disruptions, highlighting the importance of strong student-teacher relationships in helping students make responsible choices.

https://nairobiwire.com/2024/11/education-ps-calls-for-parental-support-as-more-pregnant-girls-take-national-exams-in-hospitals.html

November 24, 2024

Sycamore Trails Elementary Earns Exemplary Rating

Sycamore Trails Elementary School, located in Bartlett, has achieved an "exemplary" rating on the Illinois School Report Card, marking it as the first U-46 school to receive this distinction in five years. According to Jones, the school's assistant principal who was recently named principal, parents are regularly informed about the school's goals and progress through regular updates from teachers. This achievement is recognized by a poster created by sixth-graders at the school.

https://www.dailyherald.com/20241123/news/intentional-learning-how-sycamore-trails-elementary-in-bartlett-earned-exemplary-status/

November 24, 2024

Turkish Teachers Honored on National Teachers' Day

On Teachers' Day, November 24, Ankara and Istanbul hosted outstanding educators from across Türkiye as part of the Education Ministry's celebrations. Educators such as Hilal Sevgen Abacı, who has led her students to success in science competitions and contributed to projects supporting visually impaired students, and Kader Duman, a kindergarten teacher who organized a science festival and established a 1,000-book library, were among those honored. Education Minister Yusuf Tekin paid tribute to teachers at Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of modern Türkiye founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and shared a message on social media. Despite the recognition, many countries face severe teacher shortages due to low salaries and challenging work conditions, with 68% of Turkish teachers reporting they would leave the profession for better opportunities and 31% experiencing burnout.

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ankara-istanbul-host-outstanding-educators-on-teachers-day-202945

UNICEF, Pakistan Agree on IEMIS System

UNICEF and stakeholders have agreed on the establishment of an Integrated Education Management Information System (IEMIS) for the education sector in Pakistan. The agreement was reached after a workshop held in Swat, which was attended by representatives from various departments including the Elementary and Secondary Education Foundation, the Secondary Education Department, and the Higher Education Commission. The IEMIS is expected to improve data collection and management, enhance transparency, and facilitate decision-making in the education sector.

https://www.brecorder.com/news/40334229/unicef-stakeholders-agree-on-iemis-for-education-sector

November 23, 2024

Boost Productivity with Effective Study Strategies

To learn quickly in less time, individuals should adopt effective studying strategies. A clear study plan with manageable goals and breaks is essential to maintain focus and avoid burnout. Organising study materials and creating a distraction-free study space can also boost productivity. Active learning techniques such as summarizing notes, teaching concepts to others, and using visual aids like mind maps can reinforce understanding. Spacing out study sessions rather than cramming helps embed information in long-term memory. Regular self-testing with flashcards or practice questions is another effective method for improving recall. Group studies offer diverse perspectives and opportunities to clarify doubts, while staying physically and mentally fit through healthy habits enhances focus and cognitive function.

https://www.ndtv.com/education/webstories/10-effective-strategies-to-learn-quickly-in-less-time-27915#pfrom=home-ndtv_webstories

November 23, 2024

Bulgaria's Tsokov Seeks Singapore Education Insights

Bulgaria's Minister Tsokov expressed interest in understanding how Singapore achieves high rankings in the PISA education ranking, despite Bulgaria consistently placing lower. The minister noted that this is a key area of focus for him as it relates to Bulgarian education and culture. To pursue this goal, he has been instructed to register an organization with a cultural and educational purpose under Singaporean law, which will then enable him to apply for a national program promoting the Bulgarian language and culture abroad.

https://www.fakti.bg/en/bulgaria/929984-this-school-year-there-are-396-bulgarian-sunday-schools-all-over-the-world

November 22, 2024

Edotco's #NourishForEquity Reaches 35,000 Kids

The Edotco Bangladesh (EBM) has been working towards promoting education and social welfare in Pakistan through its sustainability initiative, #NourishForEquity. In collaboration with local organizations such as the Rashidabad Memorial Welfare Organisation for Rashida Butt Academy in Swabi, Green Crescent Trust, Development in Literacy, and The Citizen Foundation, EBM has launched campaigns like "Anthem for Education" to address the issue of 26 million out-of-school children in Pakistan. As a result, they have supported the education of 35,000 children so far and aim to reach 100,000 by 2030. Meanwhile, Professor Dr M Raza Shah from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) at Karachi University has been elected as a fellow by the Italy-based World Academy of Sciences.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1253651-importance-of-fairness-for-children-in-all-aspects-of-life-highlighted