New education model being developed

A PRACTICAL and effective model intended to bring about a paradigm shift in the mental orientation of school leaders has been developed by the participants of the "School Leaders National Conference and Workshop 2008".

This was announced by Dk Hajah Mastoli PSI Haji Ismail, the acting director-general of Education, Ministry of Education, at the closing ceremony of the workshop.

The model is "aimed to suit the needs of the nation and is aligned with the national vision of 2035, the Ministry of Education's SPN21 and the development of ICT," she said.

One of the Executive Committee member, who wishes to remain anonymous, told The Brunei Times that the workshop gave the participants an opportunity to design a process of implementing strategies with the SPN21.

"This was done through two workshops — the school-based analysis and school-based organisational development plan," he said. Throwing more light on the model, he said that the participants were asked to come up with a template and guidelines for both the secondary and primary levels.

However, he emphasised that the template was not yet finalised and said its final draft will be presented at the next workshop, which is likely be held in early May. The template will be presented to the Minister of Education and then discussed at the lower level

Dk Hajah Mastoli PSI Haji Ismail said the workshop provided the participants, which comprised principals from all levels of educational institutions, an avenue to share their experiences with international and local leaders with regard to changes in the educational system and learn from them.

She said opinions and suggestions that came up during discussions will serve as the basis for identifying guidelines to "spearhead the transformational leadership in Brunei."

Alias Haji Abu Bakar, the deputy principal for Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College, said: "The workshop has taught us how to become instructional leaders in the school in order to help the Ministry of Education towards a more positive and conducive SPN21 to be implemented."

He said that for the successful implementation at a later stage, the brainstorming sessions among the principals of VTI (Vocational Technical Institution) were very useful in aligning VTI with the Ministry of Education's mission and vision. (AAB1)

The Brunei Times