MPs from the NPC have proposed introducing compulsory classes on sex education and healthy lifestyles for students in grades 7–9. The initiative is part of a parliamentary request to reform biology education and improve scientific literacy among schoolchildren.
WHAT THE MPS PROPOSED
MPs from the NPC faction Irina Smirnova, Islam Sunkar, Makerram Makerramov, Askhat Nuralin and Kairat Seitzhan sent a request to the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva.
In the document, they proposed revising the approach to teaching biology, including the introduction of compulsory classes on sex education and healthy lifestyles for students in grades 7–9.
WHAT ISSUES THE AUTHORS OF THE REQUEST RAISED
The MPs listed several problems which, in their view, exist in the teaching of biology in schools. These include:
- a reduction in the number of teaching hours;
- a predominance of theoretical material with a lack of laboratory and practical classes;
- the absence of a holistic approach to studying the subject;
- insufficient methodological support for teachers when discussing topics of sex education, mental health and HIV/AIDS;
- a mismatch between the difficulty of tasks in the Unified National Test (UNT) and the students' level of understanding of the subject.
It is noted that this may encourage test preparation based on templates rather than deep mastery of the material.
WHAT CHANGES THE MPS ARE PROPOSING
The faction proposed revising the curricula and programmes for biology, as well as increasing the volume of practical classes, including laboratory work, excursions and project activities.
Furthermore, the MPs deem it necessary to strengthen the sections in textbooks dedicated to human physiology, reproductive health, hygiene, ecology and sustainable development, and to supplement them with modern scientific data in the fields of genetics and neurobiology.
As a separate point, it is proposed to develop compulsory modules on sex education and healthy lifestyles for students in grades 7–9.
WHAT ELSE IS CONTAINED IN THE REQUEST
Among other initiatives are improving the qualifications of biology teachers, and better equipping school classrooms with microscopes, herbaria, organ models and digital laboratories.
The MPs also proposed considering the inclusion of practice-oriented tasks on health and ecology in final assessment procedures, and converting the school-leaving exams in grade 9 and grade 11 from a test format to oral and practical forms.
WHY THE ISSUE IS CONSIDERED IMPORTANT
The authors of the request link the quality of biology education to issues of public health, environmental safety and the development of scientific thinking in schoolchildren.
According to the MPs, implementing the proposed measures could help improve students' scientific literacy and strengthen their interest in the subject.