Changes in the Education System in Sri Lanka Before and After the Impact of Corona virus (Covid 19) -- ( Cont. ) !
Changes in the Education System in Sri Lanka Before and After the Impact of Corona virus (Covid 19) -- ( Cont. ) !
Changes in the Education System in Sri Lanka Before and After the Impact of Corona virus (Covid 19) -- ( Cont. ) !
Changes in the Education System in Sri Lanka Before and After the Impact of Corona virus (Covid 19) -- ( Cont. ) !
5.The origin and development of National Colleges of Education
(NCOE) in Sri Lanka
Establishment
NCOEs
were established in Sri Lanka in 1985 when Ranil Wickremesinghe
was the Minister of Education.
Anniversary
In
2015, to mark their 30th anniversary, the year was declared as the
National College of Education Year.
Objective
The
primary aim of these colleges is to provide high-quality training for teachers.
Oversight
The
National Institute of Education (NIE) is responsible for guiding and overseeing
all educational activities of the NCOE.
Lists the National Colleges of Education in Sri Lanka
1. Addalachchenai National
College of Education
2. Batticaloa National
College of Education
3. Dharga Town National
College of Education
4. Hapugala National College
of Education
5. Jaffna National College of
Education
6. Maharagama National
College of Education
7. Mahaweli National College
of Education
8. Nilwala National College
of Education
9. Pasdunrata National
College of Education
10.
Peradeniya National College of Education
11.
Pulathisipura National College of Education
12.
Ruhunu National College of Education
13.
Rathnapura National College of Education
14.
Sariputta National College of Education
15.
Siyane National College of Education
16.
Sri Pada National College of Education
17.
Uva National College of Education
18.
Vavuniya National College of Education
19.
Wayamba National College of Education
20.
Kuliyapitiya National College of Education
The
role and features of National Colleges of Education in Sri Lanka, focusing on
their contribution to the education system and the introduction of technology
in education.
National
Colleges of Education are established across Sri Lanka to meet regional
educational needs and play a crucial role in providing quality education by
training teachers.
Notable
colleges include
1.Jaffna
(known for Tamil language education research)
2.Vavuniya (celebrating 18 years)
3. Mahaweli (linked to Sri Lanka's first Education Minister)
4. Peradeniya (associated with rural education programs).
6..1997- Competency-Based Curriculum (CBT)
The
Competency Based Curriculum (CBT) was introduced in 1997, and Computer Based
Tests (CBT) are increasingly used in various fields like ICT, Banking,
and Teacher Training in Sri Lanka.
ICT
methods were first experimentally adopted in both private and public sectors in
Sri Lanka in 1997.
key
developments and applications of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
in Sri Lanka, focusing on its use in examinations and education:
Introduction of ICT in Examinations
ü The Tertiary and
Vocational Education Commission (TVEC)- Piloted ICT-based examinations for
job-oriented standard setting
ü Public sector pilot projects also utilized ICT
for administrative training programs and government employment exams.
ü Adoption by Private
Institutions- International certification exams like Microsoft and ICDL, offered
by institutions such as British Council, IDM, and ESOFT, began using ICT
methods.
ü ICT Applications in
Various Sectors- ICT is utilized in tourism guide exams (SLTDA), online bank
exams (e.g., NABARD, People's Bank), university aptitude tests, and
examinations for private institutions offering ICT, English, and technical
courses.
Benefits of ICT
ü Examination centers
ü Implementing modern educational
techniques
ü Helping students complete
exams on time
ü Reducing corruption.
7.The advancements in Inclusive Education in Sri Lanka,
particularly around the year 2000:
Definition of Inclusive Education
It
aims to integrate students with disabilities, minorities, and
socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds into the mainstream education
system.
1.National Policy on Disability (2003-onwards)
Efforts
began in 2000 to enhance educational opportunities for individuals with
disabilities, including plans to establish specialized units in schools.
2.Special Needs Education Development
"Special
Education Units" were initiated through the Central Province Ministry of
Education, and teachers received training to educate students with
disabilities.
3.Teacher Training
Inclusive
Education training modules were incorporated into the curricula of National
Colleges of Education.
key
initiatives and concepts related to education in Sri Lanka, focusing on
child-friendly schooling and the introduction of IT and computer education.
4.Child-Friendly Schooling (CFS) Concepts
Initiated
by UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, CFS School Projects emphasized
inclusive education and the development of sustainable policies and practices.
8.Introduction of IT & Computer Education (2005)
This
marked a significant step with the compulsory inclusion of computer studies in
schools, and its introduction as an optional subject at GCE A/L and O/L levels.
Expansion of IT Infrastructure and Skills
Computer labs were established in
selected schools, and students began receiving training in basic IT skills.
Objective of IT Education
The
curriculum was developed with the national goal of "ICT for Development,"
aiming to equip students with 21st-century technological skills and ensure
their participation in the information society
9. Smart Classrooms and ICT-facilitated learning in the Sri
Lankan education sector, starting in 2008.
Key Features
Smart
Classrooms utilize technology like smart boards, projectors, computers, and
the internet for interactive learning. Videos, PowerPoint slides, and
animations were used to enhance lessons. ICT training was provided for
teachers, and e-learning resources were introduced.
Objectives
The
initiative aimed to integrate technology with teaching and learning to improve
student skills and engagement. It also sought to introduce constructivist
teaching methods prevalent globally.
10.Outcome-Based Education (OBE) in Sri Lanka
Implementation in Sri Lanka
A
new curriculum based on Outcome-Based Education (OBE) was introduced in Sri
Lanka in 2010 for grades 1 to 13.
Definition of OBE
OBE
focuses on defining the skills, knowledge, and attitudes students should acquire
upon completing a course, and the curriculum is designed to achieve these
outcomes.
Key Principles
It
emphasizes student-centered learning, clearly defined learning outcomes, and
teaching methods designed to help students achieve those outcomes.
Objectives
The
goals of OBE include improving curriculum design for student success,
developing skill-based assessment methods, and enhancing students' knowledge,
performance, and life skills, ultimately aiming to improve the quality and
effectiveness of the Sri Lankan education system.
11. Curriculum reforms
Reforms
implemented in Sri Lanka in 2015 by the Ministry of Education, shifting the
focus from rote learning to holistic student development.
Key integrated components of these reforms include
ü Soft Skills: Emphasizing
communication, teamwork, discipline, and time management.
ü Leadership: Fostering leadership
abilities and responsibility in students.
ü Creativity: Encouraging innovative
thinking, discovery, and artistic talents.
The
primary objective of these reforms is to equip students with life skills and
make them employable, ensuring 21st-century student skills are seamlessly
integrated into the education system, thereby elevating the standard of
education in Sri Lanka to a global level.
12.Online learning commenced in December 2020 due to COVID-19.
Platforms
like Zoom, LMS, and e-Thaksalawa were utilized to facilitate education
during the pandemic-induced closure of schools and universities.
Video
conferencing tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams were
used for conducting online classes, and e-Thaksalawa, an initiative by
the Sri Lanka Education Information Technology Unit, was also employed.
Online
study materials, including textbooks and learning resources, were made
available in PDF format.
Impact
of COVID-19 on the education system in Sri Lanka, focusing on the
implementation and effects of Learning Management Systems (LMS).
LMS Implementation & Benefits
LMS
was widely adopted in universities and national colleges, facilitating student
collaboration and structured learning, leading to self-directed learning and
increased technological familiarity among students, parents, and teachers.
Challenges Faced
ü Lack of internet access
ü Free devices for rural
students
ü Varying digital literacy
levels among teachers
ü The psychological impact
of isolation on students.
Ongoing Efforts & Future
ü The Ministry of Education
initiated efforts like long-term distance education plans
ü Television-based lessons (Nenasa
TV).
The changes brought by COVID-19 are seen as a
revolution, laying the groundwork for integrated online and direct learning in
the future.
13. Hybrid Learning
Features
ü Adapts to changing
environments
ü Provides digital training
for teachers.
Benefits
ü Offers flexible learning schedules
for students.
ü Enhances knowledge through
combined online.
ü In-person learning,
reduces educational gaps.
ü Optimizes school resource
utilization.
Challenges & Future Prospects
ü Requires expansion of
technological facilities.
ü Continuous teacher training.
ü Full participation from
students and parents.
ü Improved internet services
in rural areas.
Impact in Sri Lanka
Hybrid
Learning, introduced in 2023 based on COVID-19 experiences, has brought
positive changes to the education sector and is expected to strengthen it
further through future development and expansion.
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