In the photo: Second graders of the "Olymp" primary school in Osh during a Russian language lesson.
The main goal of this initiative is not only the technical equipping of 100 selected institutions but also the transition to communicative learning models.
100 schools across the country, for which 100 million soms (1.92 million USD) have been allocated from the budget, were selected on a competitive basis to be called innovative, the Ministry of Education of Kyrgyzstan reported.
“When selecting innovative schools, criteria were established,” said Bakyt Kadyrkulov, a leading specialist at the Ministry of Education. “According to our conditions, such a school must be located in a district center and be in good condition, have a reliable electricity network and plumbing, so that students can conduct laboratory research in chemistry or physics classrooms. The school should not be overcrowded, considering that in the future it will provide senior students of cluster schools with the opportunity to study specialized subjects.”
As a result, schools were selected across all regions and cities: 7 in Batken region, 17 in Jalal-Abad region, 14 in Issyk-Kul region, 11 in Naryn region, 13 in Osh region, 8 in Talas region, 21 in Chui region, 7 in Bishkek, and 2 in Osh.
“These schools will become centers of the educational cluster and will work in areas such as mastering new teaching technologies, improving teacher qualifications, implementing modern school management models, and specialized education in senior classes,” said Kadyrkulov.
New equipment, new thinking
By September, the schools will be equipped with modern computers, innovative boards, furniture, and other technical teaching aids that will contribute to the overall development of students.
One of these institutions in Osh is the "Olymp" school, where 658 students will begin classes using creative methods in the new academic year.
“We currently have three classrooms equipped with interactive boards - it is enough to touch the screen with a special marker to open text files, use photos, audio, video files, computers, and laser projectors,” said Alexander Yazov, the director of the state school "Olymp." “The advantage of the new devices is that they help diversify lessons and allow for a deeper improvement of the educational process, which will be bright and engaging for the younger generation.”
The model will also improve interaction between students and teachers.
“Teachers need to change their approach to their students and be on equal footing with them,” said child psychologist Sairagul Mirzakhmedova. “Teachers themselves must learn alongside the children; the exchange of information is important, considering the growth of technological progress. The teacher remains a guide who helps the student turn information into new knowledge.”
Stimulating other educators
The head of the public organization "Education for All," Aliya Bekmuratova, believes that innovative schools should serve as a model and stimulate other schools to transition to new teaching methods.
“Innovative schools should become brain centers where educators help maintain students' interest in new knowledge and assist them in mastering new technologies,” she said. “Such schools will provide quality education and prepare children, which will help effectively manage the education system during school reform.”
Currently, 80% of innovative schools are equipped with multimedia teaching courses, laboratories, and necessary visual aids, but by the new academic year, all 100 schools will be modernized, the Ministry of Education reports.
Bakyt Ibraimov, "CA online"