Hang Chuon Naron, the Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, on Monday said that learning through research and analysis rather than by recitation would enhance innovation as Cambodia prepares for the arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Chuon Naron was speaking at a seminar on Educational Sector Development in the Digital Age in the Global and Cambodian Framework at the National Assembly in Phnom Penh.
The seminar aimed to provide a forum for consultation and the sharing of experience, knowledge and concepts for the development of the educational sector, as well as to outline the future vision for Cambodia in the digital age.
He said learning by rote was old-fashioned and the education sector embracing new ways of digital teaching – including using YouTube and Facebook – would help students better innovate.
Hang Chuon Naron raised the use of smartphone technology as an example of the importance of research and analytical thinking.
“In the past, the idea to make computers small enough to be used in mobile phones was considered just a dream but now they are commonplace, so it is important that we teach people how to analyse rather than just repeat facts.
“Learning by repeating facts taken from books could cause problems in the future as not all the lessons in textbooks are suitable. So there must be reforms in how students are taught so they know the meaning of the lesson content, skills and theory,” he said.
Nguon Nhil, First Deputy President of the National Assembly, said in his speech to the seminar that the government’s focus was on enhancing the capacity for managing schools, promoting teacher qualifications and teaching ability, as well as adding more teachers in areas they are lacking.
Investment would continue in supplying learning materials and teaching equipment, the building of schools in remote rural areas and providing the necessary means for poor students, those from difficult backgrounds and the disabled, as the quality of education increased at all levels.
“This event has provided progress in the promotion of the learning sector in Cambodia, as the government and Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport strive to implement the educational sector strategic plan,” Nhil said.
