Federal Minister Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal said today that curriculum reforms is the most important initiative for the future of our country and is a collective enterprise of all the provinces and federal government along with stakeholders for completion of this task in next two years. Though, education is a devolved subject under 18th amendment. But it doesn’t stop provinces and federal government working together in the true spirit of federation and achieving global excellence. Present Government is not only working with provincial governments on curriculum reforms but also reform of examination system and teachers training for holistic reform agenda of the government to bring transformational change in education sector. Curriculum, examination and teachers training have to move together for desired results. He stated in a key note address at Consultative Workshop on Curricular Reforms, organized by Federal Education & Professional Training in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC). He maintained that Vision-2025 focuses on knowledge economy and education system is its engine, which would run forward through fuel of curriculum reforms, examination system reforms and teachers training initiatives. Minister highlighted the significance of curriculum reforms and stated, “The future battles of national security wouldn’t be fought with missiles and tanks, classrooms and laboratories are the battleground of ideas and innovations for the future of mankind. We have to equip ourselves with the new cognitive tools and skills to compete in the new age and curriculum reforms are of paramount importance for it. Minister pointed out that existing educational system and curriculum is obsolete as it is based on memorization. We need to inculcate the innovations, creativity, problems solving skills and critical thinking in students, which are the hallmarks of curriculum to be compatible with the demands of global age. Realizing the need of a new curriculum, Ahsan Iqbal said present government started on reforms in this sector after coming into power two and half years ago.. Minister believed that curriculum reforms will equip the future generations with skills that will make them competitive in knowledge revolution era. 21st Century is the century of knowledge revolution in which knowledge is used in from traditional to non-traditional means of production in to dealing with the new challenges. “Today is age of global competition. We have to bring our education system at par with global standards by learning from global best practices and developing indigenous resources. Our present system ignores personality grooming and civic sense creation in students. Minister noted that education system should also focus on infusing national spirit in students having positive self image. The curriculum reforms should also focus on grooming the students to live with diversity by creating balanced personalities. He also urged for creating qualities of self-evaluation and experiential learning in students. Ahsan Iqbal stated, “Curriculum reforms are not targeting only public sector education system and government, private sector and academia have to work jointly for transforming the education system. He said that preparation of curriculum and texts books should be done through a nation-wide completion by engaging the best talent. Technology has revolutionized education and we must integrate technology in curriculum to prepare students for digital world.
On this occasion, State Minister Federal Education and Professional Training Baleeghur Rahman applauded the efforts of Federal Minister Planning & Development for giving curriculum reforms concrete form through timely release of funds.
Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said that curriculum reform is part of vision of Ahsan Iqbal to bring revolution in the education system of the country.
PREVIOUS NEXT
