Nowadays, one can study successfully anywhere when there are competent teachers. This was said by the Minister of Education and Science, Galin Tsokov, who was a guest at an open lesson on “Education during the Renaissance” at the National Museum of Education in Gabrovo, reports the Ministry of Education and Culture.
The teacher Silvia Stoyanova and Veselin Lazarov, chief curator at the Museum, conducted the lesson with twelfth graders from the National Aprilov High School in a restored classroom of the Mutual School. The event is a continuation of Prof. Galin Tsokov’s “Open Classroom at MES” initiative, which aims to show that modern education can happen anywhere.
“During this lesson, we saw one of the most modern directions in today’s education – joint teaching between two or more teachers and involving the children in various challenges, in which they also learn many new facts,” said Minister Tsokov. According to him, it is very it is also important to preserve this connection between the past and the future, which the National Museum of Education can give to students. “Tradition in the April High School is connected with modernity, with the fact that education builds competent and not only knowledgeable people,” said Prof. Tsokov.
The teacher and the curator included in the lesson work with cultural values from the fund and library of the museum, texts from books and periodicals from the Renaissance era, as well as various exhibits displayed in the museum. Students worked individually and in groups, extracting information from tests related to different types of schools. From the cell school with elementary knowledge and religious training to the secular school, which gives scientific knowledge in grammar, mathematics, natural sciences. Electronic resources with digitized archival units from the museum were also used. The aim of the lesson was to provoke students’ curiosity about working with historical sources.
Under the motto “One subject says more than 1000 words”, the students recognized the subjects of each type of school: dormitory, Hellenic-Bulgarian, mutual, girl’s, class and high school, in order to clarify the need for a higher level of knowledge, linking the educational processes in our countries with the European Enlightenment and values.
On the basis of the documents and materials stored in the National Museum of Education, the students got to know the time, environment and cultural traditions of the Bulgarians from the Renaissance – XVIII – XIX centuries. They also highlighted the role of the Bulgarian school in the education of the students.
The idea of the lesson was for young people to follow the cultural and historical development of Bulgarian and Western European society, as well as to show skills in comparison, analysis and evaluation of events and personalities, among them Vasil Aprilov (the creator of the first New Bulgarian secular school), Petar Beron ( the author of the first Bulgarian encyclopedia “Riben primer”), the educationalist and ecclesiastical activist Neofit Rilski (author of “Bulgarian Grammar” and founder of the creation of a unified Bulgarian literary language), etc. The students worked with historical texts and highlighted the consequences that occurred in Bulgarian society after the appearance of many educated Bulgarians – how they themselves became a conduit for the idea of Liberation and a national state. The role of teachers who graduated in Europe and returned to their homeland for the development of education and statehood was also emphasized.
After the lesson, Minister Tsokov presented a plaque of the Ministry of Education and Culture to the director of the National April High School, Elvira Hristova.
Time.news Interview with Minister Galin Tsokov on Modern Education Practices
Editor: Good day, Minister Tsokov. Thank you for joining us today to discuss your recent initiative, “Open Classroom at MES,” and the role of history in modern education. You recently led an open lesson focusing on “Education during the Renaissance.” Can you tell us why you chose this theme for the lesson?
Minister Tsokov: Thank you for having me. The Renaissance was a pivotal moment in educational history. It marked a shift towards humanism and a more secular approach to education, which has influenced our contemporary practices. By connecting students with this rich history, we illustrate how past educational philosophies can inform current methodologies.
Editor: Interesting! You mentioned that education can happen anywhere when there are competent teachers. What does that concept look like in practice, especially in events like your recent open lesson at the National Museum of Education?
Minister Tsokov: The idea is that quality education is not confined to traditional classrooms. In this open lesson, the students were engaged in a dynamic environment at the museum, which was filled with artifacts and texts from the Renaissance era. Our teachers, Silvia Stoyanova and Veselin Lazarov, employed joint teaching methods that encouraged collaboration and problem-solving among students. This approach is very much in line with modern educational trends that prioritize student involvement and active learning.
Editor: I like that! Can you elaborate on how the students interacted with historical artifacts during the lesson?
Minister Tsokov: Absolutely! The students worked with cultural values from our museum’s collection, including texts from the Renaissance, and they examined exhibits firsthand. They were tasked with extracting information and drawing connections between different types of educational institutions from that time period, such as the dormitory school and secular institutions. The use of electronic resources and digitized archival materials helped bridge the gap between history and modern technology.
Editor: It sounds like a rich, multidimensional experience for the students. You mentioned the goal was to provoke curiosity about historical sources. How do you believe this impacts their overall educational journey?
Minister Tsokov: By fostering curiosity, we encourage students to ask questions and seek knowledge beyond the curriculum. Understanding the roots of education helps them recognize the value of critical thinking and analytical skills. It’s about making them active participants in their learning process rather than passive recipients of information. This empowerment is essential in developing competent individuals who can navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Editor: You also spoke about the connection between tradition and modernity in education. How do you see this relationship evolving in the coming years?
Minister Tsokov: Tradition provides a foundation from which we can innovate. As we face new challenges in education, such as the integration of technology, we must remain rooted in core values—critical thinking, creativity, and inquiry-based learning. By respecting and understanding educational heritage, we can adapt and innovate in ways that honor the past while preparing students for the future.
Editor: It’s a promising outlook! As this initiative continues to grow, what are your hopes for its impact on students and the educational landscape in Bulgaria?
Minister Tsokov: My hope is that initiatives like this will ignite a passion for learning and historical inquiry in students. I envision a future where education is seen as a lifelong journey, bridging the gap between different eras and cultures. Ultimately, we want to cultivate not just knowledgeable individuals, but competent, responsible citizens who value their history and are prepared to contribute positively to society.
Editor: Thank you, Minister Tsokov, for sharing your insights and vision for the future of education. It’s exciting to see such innovative approaches being implemented in schools today.
Minister Tsokov: Thank you! It has been a pleasure to discuss these important topics with you.