STEAM – Will these educational reforms replace the competitive examination-based system in SL?

Minister of Education Dr. Susil Premajayantha said the STEAM Education system, which combines Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics has been integrated into Sri Lankan school education as of today (31 March 2023), with the basic goal of providing children with the opportunity to understand subject theories and principles through simple activities.

Our suggestion in the effective implementation of STEAM in Sri Lanka

When implementing STEAM education in Sri Lanka, the following are some of the suggestions that we can propose:

Curriculum development:

STEAM curriculum should be developed in line with the needs of Sri Lanka’s economy and job market. The key industries that require STEM skills should be identified and a curriculum should be developed for the skills and knowledge required for those industries.
Teacher training:

Teacher Training

Providing training for teachers in terms of pedagogy and best practices to enable them to teach STEAM subjects effectively is critical.

Teacher Salaries and Empowerment:

In Sri Lanka Education administration is highly beurocratic. It is important to recognize the value of the teachers’ work by offering competitive salaries and benefits that reflect the important role they play in shaping the future of our country.

Infrastructure:

Developing the necessary infrastructure, such as laboratories, workshops, and equipment, is important for STEAM education. We need to provide access to high-quality equipment and technology that enables students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

Public-private partnerships:

Partnerships should be developed between the public and private sectors to ensure that STEAM education caters to the job market. The private sector can suggest the skills and knowledge required for their industries. They should also provide opportunities for the internships and on-the-job training.

Student engagement:

Students should be encouraged to develop a passion for STEAM subjects. Project-based learning, competitions, and other extracurricular activities can help to engage students.

Will a skill-based education system replace the traditional exam-based system?

This video features some features of the new educational reforms in Sri Lanka.

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