Globalisation and multi-culturalism are the much-talked issues from the global standpoint. The concepts can be termed collective skills that must be imparted to young learners besides their regular academic activities, writes Zakir Hossain
TEACHERS and students need to take part in the professional development spectrum to remain updated with the current global trends of education, methodology, pedagogy, integrated content approaches and multiculturalism which are essential to ensure substantive and international standards of education in and around the classroom.
The world is changing fast with innovations and advanced tech-based teaching-learning approaches. Teachers and students need to be further their skills to benefit from such changes. The world is full of opportunities and good ideas that we can use make things happen. We can use the resources in every possible way to create new ways.
Educational partnership with national and international platforms can be an effective way to improving teaching-learning concepts and implement the global curriculum. The outcome of developing partnership is great which could be far-reaching and goal-oriented in a win-win situation.
Collaboration with international partner schools has great benefits and wide-reaching impact. It is learning beyond the syllabus and border. Teachers and students get motivated and can develop confidence by way of sharing various learning issues joining in person or virtually.
The community also enjoys larger benefits as it creates a huge impact on people鈥檚 outlook, frame of mind and action. The shared knowledge, ideas, information, diversity and multi-cultural values acquired from the partnerships add a new meaning to life.
Seminars, conferences and Olympiad are great advantages for teachers and students to foster partnership and to create a tapestry of endless possibilities and potential for change.
I have a deep passion for education which demands extensive reading, knowledge gathering, ideas and information to remain connected and by interacting with people with multicultural backgrounds of different educational platforms. GEIST International Foundation is one such global professional development platform for teachers-educators dedicated to ensuring excellence in teaching-learning and leading in transforming ideas and innovative solutions to promote the success of the young learners.
The platform organises a number of programmes on sustainable education including environmental issues every year. It hosts an international leadership programme on education for teachers and students. The conference this year was held at Geomatika University, Nilai and Malay University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in July 31鈥揂ugust 4 with the theme of 鈥楨mbracing the rhythms of language and culture for global citizenship and leadership鈥�. The foundation鈥檚 Malaysia chapter and Geomatika University supported the programme.
The conference was full of a series of events that included English Olympiad, STEM projects showcasing, keynote papers presentations on different issues relating the charters of the Sustainable Development Goals and technological advancement, panel discussion, quiz, video presentation, educational visits to schools and university faculties, etc.
I had the privilege of sharing a panel discussion session on the theme of 鈥楲eadership for Sustainable Education鈥�.鈥� The discussion was vibrant and had nine international panel speakers. Discussants emphasised the need for capacity building for teachers, working in a multi-faceted field of education and robust technology sector. It is the leadership鈥檚 responsibility to have a mission and a vision of the institution and to perform keeping to the demands of global education.
The conference witnessed a multitude of education experts, academics, administrators, leaders and oral presenters鈥� participation to explore and exchange views on leadership in education aligned tol technologies. The four- day programme had with various segments for diverse activities. Every moment was filled with joy and productivity because of stimulating and thought-provoking sessions.
The opening keynote paper titled 鈥楴avigating Educational Leadership in VUCA world鈥� presented by the founder and president of Geomatika University Professor Dr Mohaizi Mohamad as chief guest, was spellbinding. I was also touched with the presentation of Ujjwal Anu Chowdhury who spoke on smart participative active learning model representing the Washington University of Science and Technology.
There were about 20 presentations on educational development in different segments in the programme which were loaded with thoughts and learning that kept all engaged. Participants showed their keen interest in the issues discussed in the presentations and made queries. Interaction with the scholars, academicians and researchers from different countries was inspiring and worthwhile.
The world is changing every day and discoveries are added to the education curricula. Curriculum has a great significance in ensuring quality and sustainable education
The International Youth STEM competition at Nilai University is another exciting learning experience. The competition turned into a vibrant celebration of diversity and collaboration along with a colourful cultural programme with the participation of 259 groups, online and offline, where everyone had the opportunity to learn from each other鈥檚 perspectives and approaches.
The students displayed multiple science technology, engineering and mathematics-based learning projects which were problem-solving and sustainable in addressing the global crisis and issues. I was really impressed by the students鈥� achievements in STEM studies.
The impact of the event created innovation spirit and progress in the field of STEM education for working towards a common goal. The advancement depends on acquiring the 21st century skills, transforming in the era of artificial intelligence and reinforcement learning on Meta world and Metaverse.
STEM-related education can help the young people to develop skills, knowledge, attitude, values and undergo through the transformation to live and work in a global economy and contribute responsibly to society both locally and internationally.
The visit to SJKT Taman Permata, one of the oldest Tamil primary schools on the outskirts of the city, was mesmerising. It exhibited a multidimensional phenomenon, influenced by the social and historical context.
Finally, the Malaysian chapter comes to a meaningful ending with awards ceremony and a cultural show by Malaysian and Bangladeshi teams.
Globalisation and multi-culturalism are the much-talked issues from the global standpoint. The concepts can be termed collective skills that must be imparted to young learners besides their regular academic activities.
The latest developments from the educational sojourn will transform the way we live, work and relate to one another. It can help to bring better results, productivity and multicultural values in social structures that make every individual competent.
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Zakir Hossain is principal of Robertsonganj High School and College, Rangpur.