Proposed primary education reforms are fully in line with recommendations issued by the World Bank, published in a special focus note on primary education in North Macedonia. The World Bank has advised North Macedonia to improve the education system by placing students in the center, providing support for teachers and improving conditions to ensure an inclusive learning environment, the Ministry of Education and Science said in a press release on Wednesday.
It added that the proposed primary education concept entails promotion of students’ critical thinking and knowledge interconnection through subject integration, in line with World Bank recommendations.
“The curriculum must be designed in a way to equip students with the skills they need to develop into critical thinkers as well as active and relevant participants in social life. It also needs to help students make a better connection between different subject areas and how to apply their knowledge in real-life situations. The process of learning should also be organized in a way which ensures that students’ voices are heard and that they are aware of the actions taken based on their feedback,” said the World Bank, the Ministry of Education stressed.
According to the World Bank, the press release read, investing in primary education is not only morally advisable but has been empirically proven to provide greater returns compared to later-stage education and training and to contribute to human capital development in a decisive manner. Moreover, the note stressed the importance of providing career development for teachers, which according to the Education Ministry is incorporated in proposed reforms.
“Teachers are at the heart of the learning process and need to be continuously supported and empowered. This support means allowing for career advancement as a foundation for capacity building, and providing continuous professional development so that they can better identify and understand the learning needs of students, especially of those at risk. All these steps should help teachers become better and more effective educators,” read the World Bank’s note, the Education Ministry said.
According to the World Bank, the press release read, proposed primary education reforms are set to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on education and turn crisis into opportunity.
