State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj on Wednesday said the government is working to introduce an integrated approach to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education at the primary level to nurture children's creativity, curiosity and critical thinking.
“Primary education should not remain confined to textbooks and examinations. It must create opportunities for children to develop their natural curiosity, creativity and analytical abilities,” he said while addressing a consultation meeting at Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation building in Agargaon.
The Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) and NETZ Bangladesh jointly organised the meeting titled “STEM Education at Primary Level: Prospects, Challenges and Future Perspectives”.
Speaking as the chief guest, the state minister said the government was focusing on creating a joyful learning environment from the early stages of education to equip children with critical thinking and analytical skills amid the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.
He said the rapid advancement of AI would bring significant changes to the skills required in the future job market.
“Therefore, children must develop problem-solving abilities, learn to analyse information and make informed decisions from the primary level,” he added.
On teachers' remuneration, Bobby Hajjaj said ensuring proper respect, dignity and financial benefits for teachers was essential to attracting talented and qualified people to the teaching profession.
Highlighting initiatives to make classroom learning more enjoyable, he said work had begun on developing more than 420 educational games for students from grades one to five. The games would make lessons in Bangla, mathematics and science easier and more engaging.
He also said the government planned to introduce educational toys made from locally available materials in line with the national curriculum, and Textbook Board (NCTB) working on the initiative.
Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Shahina Ferdousi, Director General of the National Academy for Primary Education (NAPE) Farid Ahmed, NCTB Member (Primary) Professor Md Nurunnabi Alam and NETZ Bangladesh Country Director Shahidul Islam addressed the meeting as special guests.
Presided over by Campaign for Popular Education Executive Director Rasheda K Choudhury, the meeting stressed stronger partnerships between government and non-government organisations to ensure quality and inclusive STEM education for all children.