An outdated model focused solely on transmitting knowledge in a static, linear, or even vertical manner.
Despite the controversy aroused by the idea of launching a Higher Education Council (CES), efforts are well underway to bring this project to fruition and put it on track.
Announcements concerning the imminent constitution of this body are multiplying. Recently, it was the Minister of Education himself who declared that the Head of State will be responsible for giving the green light to the start of the activities of this Council.
Composition of the CES
Indeed, in the coming days, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research will have finished analyzing the results of the national consultation organized recently on the reform of the education system. As a reminder, this consultation mobilized nearly 680,000 participants. In other words, 680,000 people had to give their points of view and suggestions related to efforts to reform the Tunisian education system.
We also know that several rounds of consultations took place within the framework of regional and national commissions to collect proposals from experts throughout 2015 and 2016 by the Ministry of Education, as well as that of ‘Higher Education. These consultations resulted in a set of forward-looking visions. The documents developed by these commissions are still valid and future members of the CES must take them into account.
As for the composition of this Council, it goes without saying that it will be called upon to reflect the aspirations of all Tunisian society. The Areopagus that will constitute it will, without a doubt, have a decisive impact on the major directions to follow for the coming years.
In truth, the main axes are already known. As it involves laying the foundations for the school of the future, it is clear that the parameters to be implemented have been identified and classified.
The educational institution as planned will surely set priorities and requirements. This is why we think that there will be no room for a two-tier or discriminatory school. Private lessons, for example, remain a phenomenon to be analyzed. For its part, the public or private sectors must be subject to the same principles, including, in particular, quality education.
On another level, the need to reserve a special place for new technologies no longer needs to be demonstrated. We are thinking, precisely, of the infrastructure that goes with it and the modifications that are necessary in terms of programs and methods. Of course, the newcomer that is Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be at the forefront.
Rediscover the prestige of yesteryear
However, more attention must be paid to what seem, to some, to be simple details. Indeed, the architecture of educational institutions plays a role in the imagination of the pupil or student. It is no longer a question, as we have done in recent years, of building a few buildings in the middle of nature without a fence and saying that it is a school or an educational establishment. It is true that there are emergencies, but we must not forget that there is this aspect of prestige. An educational institution must impose it whether we like it or not. It must impress not only by its architectural aspect, but also by the disciplinary dimension. A minimum of respect should be required from all stakeholders.
Likewise, the notion of volunteering and love of the homeland, for example, must be developed in our children through more up-to-date civic education. In this context, the direct contribution of organizations such as the Tunisian Red Crescent and Tunisian scouts is desirable.
In addition, we will not neglect another aspect and not the least, that of knowing one’s country better and becoming attached to it. The youth organizations and summer camps which marked the lives of several thousand of our young people until the 1990s must return to service and provide that extra something they are sorely lacking. Namely: know your country and its history through activities such as excursions or the organization of scout camps.
2024-01-20 10:19:38
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