Greater scientific inquiry to be fostered in schools

The Ministry of Education has issued a guideline to promote science education in elementary and high schools, and support the nation's ongoing drive to boost its self-reliance and strength in science and technology.

The guideline, released on the ministry's website on Jan 22, asks local education authorities to ensure the availability of sufficient science teachers in elementary schools.

The release came days after China publicized a sweeping plan to turn itself into a leading country in education by 2035, which elaborated on measures needed for improving students' science literacy.

Junior and senior high schools should have enough science teachers, as well as teachers for other related subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, geography and information science and technology, the guideline said.

To ensure that schools stay committed to improving science education, the ministry requires them to have at least one "vice-principal of science", and encouraged scientists and experts from high-quality universities and research institutions to take on the role.

These vice-principals are tasked with making full use of their resources and professional backgrounds, and lead their schools' science education by conducting lectures, participating in the design of curricula and overseeing students' science projects.

Normal universities — universities that train teachers — should improve the curricula and programs of their science education majors, the guidance said, while emphasizing the cultivation of science literacy for elementary and high school teachers.

Resources at universities, research institutions and science museums should be fully mobilized to develop a training system to improve science teachers' abilities, including the ability to design and carry out experiments and projects, it said.

Students' performance in experiments should be tested in proficiency exams before they graduate from junior high school, and their performance in daily experiments and science projects should also be assessed at school, the guideline said.

Schools should enhance their science education facilities, set up laboratories and let students participate in more open inquiry experiments, it said.

It also called for schools to explore experiments with teaching using artificial intelligence and virtual reality.

More science courses should be included in school after-class activities to meet the needs and interests of students in different school years, the guideline said.

The guideline also urges schools to tap into natural resources such as rivers, ponds, farmland and woods, and introduce knowledge about nature by setting up signs and posters and displaying specimens.

It also called on universities, research institutions and the National Natural Science Foundation of China to work together to conduct research in educational theories and strengthen international cooperation in the field.

Local authorities should carry out surveys to determine the level of science literacy of students, and make policies to improve science education based on the surveys, it said.