The Ministry of Education must propose methods for improving the teaching of exact sciences so as to make them more attractive. This is one of the proposals formulated when presenting the conception of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education designed by the USAID Moldova Competitiveness Project, IPN reports.

Deputy Minister of Education Elena Cernei said exact sciences became less attractive to students owing to a number of factors, including the human one, because the teachers are elder and their teaching methodology is theorized, while the interest in becoming teachers among the young people is at a very low level. Last year, of the 87 vacancies of teachers of informatics, only 18 were filled, while the faculties of exact sciences are less popular.

“We consider the STEM conception brings the novelty of cohesive learning of exact sciences so as to better understand them. I think this cohesion must start from primary education as the children must understand from the earliest age how interesting exact sciences are,” stated Elena Cernei.

Director of the USAID Moldova Competitiveness Project Doina Nistor said for stimulating interest in a career in exact sciences, it is important to arouse interest in STEM sciences that are key in forming competent and competitive labor force for engineering and technical professions. An increasing number of sectors of the economy will need exact sciences in the future, including agriculture. To implement STEM education, the program of teaching exact sciences must be reviewed, while the teaching-learning process must be adjusted so that it becomes applicative, relevant, easy to understand and interesting.

The conception of STEM education promotes the modernization of education and supports the development of human capital for the sectors of the economy with high value added. This document will serve as a basis for elaborating the National STEM Education Improvement Program in Moldova. Afterward, the conception will be discussed in a broad meeting that will involve representatives of state institutions, national and international projects in the field, the private sector and teachers.