site.btaAll Teachers in Bulgaria Undergoing Training to Teach in STEM Environment, Says Education Minister

All teachers are currently undergoing training to teach in a STEM environment, outgoing Education and Science Minister Krasimir Valchev said here on Tuesday. He participated in the opening of a STEM centre in a school in the city.

He pointed out that the STEM environment is primarily physical, with modern equipment, technical means and modern classrooms. "But STEM education also implies changed teaching methods in which students are more active, learning through trials and experiments," Valchev noted, adding that traditional teaching methods are becoming increasingly unsuitable. "We are in an increasingly difficult competition for students' attention," he stressed and said that STEM centres increase the motivation to learn.

The outgoing Minister pointed out that Bulgarian students have problems with mathematics and natural sciences, which shows in their low PISA results. "STEM centres are not the only condition for improving results, changes are needed in curricula and assessment as well", he noted, adding that the Ministry has taken a step back from the integral exam after the seventh grade, but exams with elements of natural sciences after the 10th grade will remain. 

"The most important thing is for students to know the Bulgarian language. We have quite a few who have insufficient skills when starting first grade, which then deepen. That is why we have proposed the so-called language integration, which also meets with consensus among the parliamentary groups," Valchev emphasized. He also pointed out that foreign languages ​​are the most studied subjects at the moment, with students being motivated to study them and do well, unlike mathematics and natural sciences.