Improving Stem Subjects Should Be Global Agenda - ISTIC UNESCO

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- Improving education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects by all governments is one of the five recommendations made at the International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC)-UNESCO International Forum and Seminar on the United Nations' (UN) Post-2015 Development Agenda, here, Wednesday. ISTIC Governing Board chairman Dr Lee Yee Cheong said the other four recommendations were education ministries should implement small scale but high quality pilot project on proven hands on inquiry-based methods of science teaching and more time be given for science subjects to enable teachers to carry-out inquiry-based science approaches. He said schools should be given greater autonomy in choosing textbooks and science curriculum, and STEM teachers should have access to continuous professional development on delivery methods to encourage enquiry thinking. The recommendation was made with reference to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) No.4, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities, he said. A total of 350 delegates from 33 countries participated in the three-day forum and seminar. Lee said the recommendations were part of the declaration discussed on Wednesday which encompassed the topic of women talents in science technology and innovation, and improving STEM education and accreditation on engineering to international standards. He said all the recommendations and declaration would be tabled during the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNSECO) General Conference in Paris, this November. The declaration was handed over to Malaysia's Second Education Minister Idris Jusoh during the plenary closing session of the event on Wednesday. Idris represented Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Education Minister and the president of the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO. --BERNAMA