Education Ministers' Meeting Scheduled for April 29-30 in Santiago - Summary of Key Themes Released
Education Ministers from APEC Economies will meet on April 29-30 to address educational and teaching challenges confronting the Asia-Pacific Region.
Four key topics have been identified for the meeting covering the teaching of English and other foreign languages, stimulating math and science learning, the use of technology in learning and issues relating to education governance systems.
Working to the theme of "Skills for the Coming Challenges," details of the meeting have been released in Santiago in preparation for the 3rd APEC Education Ministers' Meeting.
Chile's Education Minister, Mr. Sergio Bitar, said attention to education is acknowledged in the APEC process as essential for the future growth and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.
"To be competitive and build prosperity our people must not only have access to education and teaching, but this education must be of higher quality and better targeted to the needs of the people," Mr. Bitar said.
"This APEC Education Ministers' Meeting will address the challenges of providing the highest level of education in the coming years and identify inputs required to achieve these goals."
The four sub-themes of the 3rd APEC Education Ministers' Meeting are:
Teaching English and other Foreign Languages - The primacy of English in overcoming language barriers for trade and diplomacy has led to an increased importance being placed on English language education.
Stimulating Learning in Math and Science - The growth of the knowledge based economy requires a higher capability in the mathematics and science fields. Recognizing differences between Asian and Western education systems in the area of science and technology, APEC's challenge is to identify and share the strengths of all systems.
Using Technology for Teaching and Learning - Advances in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have created new opportunities for expanding the delivery and quality of educational resources throughout the region. The challenge for APEC is to harness this technology to make learning more accessible and of higher quality.
Centralization and Decentralization and Education Governance Systems - Reform in Education governance systems has led to differences between economies depending on their degree of decentralization. More centralized systems aimed at standardizing knowledge in core content areas have developed in some areas while decentralization programs featuring privatization, alternative teacher certifications and programs intended to promote greater innovation and flexibility have developed in others. Identifying the right balance between centralization and decentralization in governance is a key concern for APEC leaders.