President ECOSF emphasizes on Critical Thinking and Inquiry Based Science Education with reference to Islamic Traditions at a National Seminar organized by Study Aid Foundation for Excellence (SAFE) – a Youth Organization
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National Seminar on Education was organized by Study Aid Foundation for Excellence (SAFE) in Islamabad on 10th November 2016, H.E Engr. Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman Minster of State for Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training graced the seminar as a chief guest. Students from various disciplines attended the seminar to address the issues of education system and policies of Pakistan and their possible solutions.
President ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF) Professor Dr. Manzoor Hussain Soomro was invited as a speaker to share his thoughts on the issues of Education Systems, policies and their Solutions. Professor Soomro appreciated the efforts of the organizers in conducting the education seminar. He emphasized over the importance of critical thinking and inquiry based learning by youth as well as by the communities. “Moreover, education based upon the “inquiry” holds much importance in training the minds of individuals for understanding the world. It should be inculcated among children at primary & secondary school levels to nurture critical and innovative thinking in the society especially young children, no matter what career they may choose”, he said.
Dr. Soomro also apprised the audience that for knowledge-based societies, there is need to make science education and science careers attractive for young people to enable them to opt for a scientific careers; thus allowing scientifically literate citizens to actively participate all along their life to the socioeconomic development of their countries. He also emphasized on linking education with Quranic guidance, the teachings of Islam and the Prophet of Islam. Therefore, the concept of "inquiry” i.e. critical thinking and critical observation to nurture the understanding of scientific processes in nature and technological innovations is a must. He further added, Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE) is a step forward to ensure sustainable supply of young talent for linking advance research with economic development. It not only enhances research interest through improving knowledge levels of the young generation but also is helpful in building a science community at national as well as global level. Since teachers play a key role in nurturing the minds of children, we need build their capacity. “Capacity building workshops on IBSE should be conducted for the teachers to change their views about learning and education and the youth can play a key role”, he added.
H.E Engr. Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman in his remarks said that, Education is the basic right of every child and a very important aspect for progress of any nation. Human Resource Development is the central pillar of the government policy and education plays a fundamental role towards the formation of human social capital. The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has aligned all its programs to achieve the targets of Sustainable Development Goals. He also shared the statistics of education of Pakistan and the progress made during the last 3 years. He informed the audience that the Ministry is actively engaged with all stakeholders in changing the Provinces in a National curriculum for schools, which will also have a subject of reading Quran at Schools. On behalf of Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, he assured the student federations to improve the state of Education in Pakistan that will ensure holistic development and economic growth.