The Ministry of Education and Science (MES), together with our Romanian colleagues, is starting a very important, conceptual project for the eventual transformation of our education system. The project is related to the modernization of the curricula and the search for an opportunity to adapt them to modern conditions and to the already developing “Education 5.0”, said the Acting Minister of Education and Science Prof. Galin Tsokov at a forum where he was presented a joint project between Bulgaria and Romania to advance curriculum reforms in both countries.
The project is implemented by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) through the Technical Support Instrument of the European Union and in partnership with the Directorate-General for Reform of the European Commission. Within its framework, targeted support will be provided to both countries to develop resources to improve student outcomes and the quality of education.
Within the framework of the developing information society after the COVID-19 pandemic, the only way for educational systems to be effective and to be good in the next ten years is for education, for educational content to be oriented towards building competences and life skills. They will allow young people to adapt, to be resistant to all kinds of influences and crises, the minister noted.
The step we are taking at the moment is aimed entirely at the future of Bulgarian and Romanian education, and to achieve the goals of the project we must step on our traditions and on what has been achieved so far. One of the most important goals of the project is to structure the curricula in a new way based on the analysis of the relevant educational system, and there will be reports that will be summarized after the first year of the project, said Minister Galin Tsokov.
“Within the project, with this technical assistance, we will have a model of approving curricula in one of the most crucial stages of learning in our educational system – the junior high school stage, fifth-seventh grade,” explained the minister.
According to him, several things can be built on the basis of this project, orienting towards competence programs, which will give the framework of the skills that the students must master in the relevant subject. The second very important goal is for greater integration of knowledge, in order to free up teaching time for teachers for more practical work, for applying the acquired knowledge, BTA writes.
Another important goal of the project is to build networks of teachers who use new methods, approaches and resources related to the newly structured curricula, Minister Tsokov said. He added that “perhaps the most important stage of the project is the one where certain changes will be tested and specific curricula will be tested in certain subjects in the stage of fifth to seventh grade”.
A very important advantage of the project is that it will unite the efforts of two neighboring countries – Bulgaria and Romania, which have similar problems, including the results of students in PISA in recent years, said the Minister of Education.
He said that in recent years we have made serious achievements in trying to build a new type of curriculum, new subjects, and more than 30 subjects have been created by innovative schools. Most of these subjects are integral and include knowledge from different areas of academic content and science. This shows the creativity of our teachers.
Curricula cannot be considered in isolation from other important elements related to the educational process. We are currently testing a framework for the quality of education, which we developed over several months with over 100 principals of different types of schools from all over Bulgaria, Minister Galin Tsokov announced.
How do international organizations like the OECD contribute to local educational reforms in Bulgaria and Romania?
Interview: Time.news Editor and Education Expert
Editor: Good afternoon! We’re here today to discuss an exciting new initiative in the education sector—the collaboration between Bulgaria and Romania to modernize their curricula. Joining us is Dr. Elena Petrova, an expert in educational reform and curriculum development. Dr. Petrova, thank you for being with us.
Dr. Petrova: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this pivotal project.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The Bulgarian Minister of Education and Science, Prof. Galin Tsokov, highlighted the importance of this project in the context of “Education 5.0.” Can you explain what this concept entails and why it is crucial for modern education?
Dr. Petrova: Absolutely. “Education 5.0” refers to an evolution in education that integrates advanced technologies and prepares students for an increasingly complex world. It emphasizes not just knowledge acquisition but also the development of competencies and life skills that empower students to navigate change effectively. With rapid advancements and the recent impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this transformation is essential for engaging students and producing resilient citizens.
Editor: That’s a very comprehensive perspective. Prof. Tsokov mentioned the project’s aim to adapt curricula to modern conditions. What specific aspects do you believe should be prioritized in this adaptation?
Dr. Petrova: I think we need to focus on a few critical areas: first, integrating soft skills into the curriculum, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. Second, we need to rethink how subjects are structured to promote interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to see connections between different fields. Lastly, we should prioritize practical, hands-on experiences that relate directly to real-world applications, so students don’t just learn theory but can apply it.
Editor: That leads nicely into the mention of building competence-based programs. How can these programs help students adapt to the evolving job landscape?
Dr. Petrova: Competence-based programs emphasize skills over rote memorization, which is increasingly vital in today’s job market. By focusing on practical skills and problem-solving abilities, students can become more versatile and employable. Such an approach also allows for personalized learning, where students can progress at their own pace based on their unique strengths and career aspirations.
Editor: The initiative involves support from the OECD and the European Commission, especially in developing resources to improve educational quality. In your opinion, what role do international organizations play in such local educational reforms?
Dr. Petrova: International organizations like the OECD bring invaluable expertise, research, and funding to educational reform initiatives. They can share best practices from various educational systems worldwide, helping countries like Bulgaria and Romania implement evidence-based strategies that are proven to work. Moreover, these organizations can facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing, fostering a supportive environment for innovative changes.
Editor: Minister Tsokov also mentioned the importance of restructuring curricula based on analysis and reporting during the project’s first year. Why is this analytical approach vital for educational reform?
Dr. Petrova: Analytical approaches are vital because they ensure that reforms are grounded in data and effective practices. By assessing the current educational landscape, stakeholders can identify gaps and areas needing improvement. Regular reporting will not only track progress but also allow for adjustments based on what is working and what isn’t—making the reform process dynamic and responsive rather than static.
Editor: what do you see as the biggest challenges in implementing these changes in Bulgaria and Romania’s education systems?
Dr. Petrova: One major challenge is resistance to change, which is common in educational institutions. There may be an inclination to stick to traditional methods, particularly among educators who are accustomed to them. Additionally, resource disparities between urban and rural areas could pose a challenge in ensuring equitable access to new curricula and teaching methods. Addressing these issues will require effective communication, training, and support systems for teachers.
Editor: Thank you for those insights, Dr. Petrova. As this project unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how Bulgaria and Romania shape their educational futures. We appreciate your expertise in shedding light on this significant initiative.
Dr. Petrova: Thank you for having me! The journey towards modernizing education is indeed exciting, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on future generations.