Andrei Ivanets social science and humanities textbooks lay the foundation for students' civic engagement
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has signed a Directive “On the preparation of textbooks in the humanities and social sciences” on May 13. A state commission established under the directive will conduct an evaluation of textbooks on Belarusian and Russian literature, history, social studies, and geography of Belarus. Education Minister Andrei Ivanets told a BELTA correspondent about this.
"Over the years of state sovereignty, the country has created a system of educational book publishing that includes a multi-level evaluation of educational publications. The content of teaching aids and textbooks is being improved taking into account the objectives set by the Head of State at national pedagogical councils and meetings on the development of the education system," Ivanets said.
The most important task of improving educational publications today is to enhance their educational potential and ensure their content complies with the ideology and principles of the historical policy of the Belarusian state. Textbooks are being improved during their preparation for reprinting, which is carried out systematically, taking into account the established deadlines for their use in the educational process. In preparing textbooks for reprinting, the results of pilot testing of textbooks, national assessments, the Centralized Exams, and the Centralized Tests are taken into account.
"Over the past three years, the State Commission for the Preparation of Textbooks and Teaching Aids in the Humanities and Social Sciences has reviewed important teaching aids prepared for reprinting, including textbooks on Belarusian Literature (grades 8-9), Russian Literature (grades 5-6, 9), Belarusian Geography (grade 9), World History (grades 5-7), and the new textbook, 'The History of Belarus in the Context of World History' (grades 10-11)," the Minister of Education stated.
According to him, it is social science and humanities textbooks that lay the foundation for students' civic engagement and shape their understanding of Belarusian statehood. "Considering this, the commission included renowned scholars, practicing teachers, and the country's best methodologists. Therefore, the state commission's work is an important element of state education policy, ensuring the high-quality production of social and humanities textbooks that reflect historical truth and the traditional values of the Belarusian people," he added.