Education
Edu Ministry to request heads of higher edu intuitions to sit with students’ bodies to resume classes
The Ministry of Education will request the heads of the higher educational institutions to discuss with the students’ organisations to resume academic activities after ensuring safe and congenial atmosphere.
Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel revealed the information, said MA Khayer, public relations officer of the ministry.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) on July 16 announced a closure of all public and private universities until further notice considering the issue of students' safety in the wake of widespread protests for reforming quota.
HSC exams for July 28, 29, 31 & Aug 1 postponed
A press release, signed by UGC secretary Dr Ferdous Zaman, said academic activities of all public, private universities, medical, textile, engineering colleges affiliated to the university and other colleges will remain shut until further notice.
The UGC has taken the move in line with the Education Ministry’s decision, said the release.
HSC exams for July 28, 29, 31 & Aug 1 postponed
The HSC and equivalent examinations of all education boards scheduled for July 28, 29, 31 and August 1 have been postponed due to unavoidable reasons.
The new schedule for the postponed examinations will be notified later, according to a notification signed by Prof Tapan Kumar Sarkar, chairman of the Bangladesh Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee and chairman of the Dhaka Education Board.
Read more: Edu Ministry to request heads of higher edu intuitions to sit with students’ bodies to resume classes
Earlier, the HSC and equivalent examinations scheduled for July 18, 21, 23, 25 were also postponed in the wake of violence amid students’ demonstration for reforming quota in public service.
HSC exams to be scheduled earlier from next year : Mohibul
In response to the disruption caused by rain, the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams will be rescheduled to an earlier date from next year, Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury has said.
On the first day of this year's HSC and equivalent exams, many candidates faced significant difficulties due to heavy rainfall.
Read more: HSC exams in Sylhet’s flood-hit areas to be held later: Education Minister
Many students were unable to reach their centers on time.
With more rain forecasted in the coming days, the Education Board instructed that extra time be given to students arriving late at exam centers.
Addressing a press briefing at the International Mother Language Institute in Segunbagicha on Sunday, the minister said, "Our exam schedule was disrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic. We have mostly recovered from that. Next year, the exams will be scheduled earlier, and the HSC exams will be held during the driest season possible."
Read more: HSC, equivalent exams begin
HSC, equivalent exams begin
The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and its equivalent exams have begun across the country except in Sylhet division this morning.
The exams in Sylhet division will start from July 9 as Ministry of Education deferred the board’s exams due to flood.
The examinees under the Sylhet Board will sit for Bangla-I, II and English-I and II papers as per new routine to be announced later, said Sylhet Education Board Chairman Rama Bijoy Sarkar.
A total of 14,50,790 students from nine general Education Boards, Madrasha Board and Technical Board are expected to sit for the exams from 9,463 educational institutions at 2,275 centres across the country, according to authorities.
HSC, equivalent exams begin Sunday; over 14 lakh candidates to appear
Among them, 11, 28,281 students are supposed to appear from nine general boards, 88,076 from madrasha board and 2, 34,433 from Technical Board respectively.
Some 281 students will appear for the examination from eight overseas centres.
Like the previous years, all coaching centres were asked to keep closed from June 29 till August 11.
GPA-5 without taking an SSC exam: Ctg Board fails 2 students
Two students from a school in Chattogram district who initially received GPA-5 without taking an SSC exam have now been failed by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Chattogram.
The two students from Chambal High School in Banshkhali upazila not only managed to pass but also achieved GPA-5 in the SSC exams despite not attending one of their written tests. This anomaly was later corrected, and their results were changed to reflect their actual performance.
The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination results were altered after re-evaluation of their answer scripts. The updated results were published on the Chattogram Education Board's website.
Earlier, on June 8, media reports highlighted the incident, causing an uproar across the country. The news revealed that the two students had passed despite being absent for one of their exams, leaving education board officials baffled. The board initiated an investigation which led to the re-evaluation and subsequent failure of the students.
GD filed over missing mark sheets from Ctg Education Board
It was discovered that the two students missed the 50-mark Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exam, which included a 25-mark objective and a 25-mark practical test, held on February 28. The students did not attend the objective part of the test, mistakenly believing there was no exam that day. When they rushed to the center, they found the objective exam had already concluded.
Despite their absence, the SSC results published on May 12 showed that the students, Sadia Sultana and Urmi Akhtar, received a GPA of 3.5 in ICT. This sparked curiosity and concern in the upazila about how they passed without sitting for the test.
Education board officials noted that the examination center (Banshkhali-1) had erroneously reported that both students had passed the practical test and submitted high marks for the theoretical (objective) exam as well.
Ratan Chakraborty, the center secretary of Banshkhali Adarsha High School, informed the education board that the two students were absent on the day of the ICT exam. "They did not even come to the center that day. We reported their absence to the board immediately. I do not understand how they received a GPA of 3.5 without taking the exam," he said.
On Tuesday, the Chattogram Education Board's website reflected the corrected results, showing that the two students had failed.
HSC exams to begin from June 30; Coaching centres to remain shut from June 29 to Aug 11
When contacted, Chattogram Education Board's Exam Controller, Professor AMM Mujibur Rahman, explained, "This happened due to an error by those involved in preparing the exam results. Mistakes can occur, but this one will be reviewed by our discipline committee."
Chattogram Education Board Chairman, Professor Rezaul Karim, said, "There are minor mistakes in result preparation, but this error is severe and unacceptable. The board will take action against those responsible under the Board Ordinance, 1961. Criminal proceedings may also be pursued if necessary."
Staying Safe When Studying Abroad: Essential Considerations
Studying abroad is a dream for many, offering quality education, cultural exploration, and a global perspective. However, this exciting journey comes with challenges and safety concerns that students must navigate. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure a safe and enriching experience abroad.
Before You Leave Home: Key Preparations
Research Your Destination
Thorough research about the destination country is crucial. Each country has unique rules, regulations, customs, and social norms. What may seem like a new experience to you could be viewed as cultural appropriation by locals. Utilize resources like Google, YouTube, and social media for insights on where to live, what to eat, what to avoid, and potential scams. This preparation will give you a solid head start.
Read more: Distance Learning: Top Universities Offering Online Courses for International Students
Health Checkup and Vaccinations
If you have any medical conditions, a pre-departure health checkup is advisable. Keep a copy of your medical report and your medications for personal and emergency reference. Additionally, many countries have specific vaccination requirements. For instance, Japan requires the measles and rubella vaccine for all visitors. Check if your destination has similar prerequisites and consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for emergencies.
Kyrgyz Deputy Minister of Education assures safety for Bangladeshi students
Kyrgyzstan Deputy Minister of Education Rasul Abazbek on Wednesday (May 22, 2024) assured the safety of Bangladeshi students in the country.
He gave the assurance when Bangladesh Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan (resident in Tashkent, Uzbekistan) Dr Md Monirul Islam met with him, according to a press release.
Bangladeshi students in Kyrgyzstan capital are safe: Foreign Minister
Minister of the Embassy M Nazmul Alam was present at the meeting, according to a press release.
Addressing a recent incident in Bishkek, the ambassador emphasised the need for a safe and favorable environment for Bangladeshi students studying in various Kyrgyz universities. He urged the Deputy Minister to allow online classes for the next few months, catering to the students' requests. The Ambassador also highlighted the potential for expanding bilateral cooperation in education between Bangladesh and Kyrgyzstan.
“Conveyed our concerns to Kyrgyzstan; no Bangladeshi student severely injured”: Foreign Minister
Deputy Minister Abazbek assured the ambassador that both government authorities and university administrations are committed to ensuring the safety of all foreign students, including those from Bangladesh. He also promised to positively consider the request for online classes and expressed interest in signing a Memorandum of Understanding on educational cooperation with Bangladesh.
Ambassador Islam further discussed issues related to education, security, accommodation, transportation, and food with university officials. The university authorities assured the Ambassador of their vigilance and active efforts to ensure the well-being and security of Bangladeshi students.
Mob attack in Kyrgyzstan: Panicked Bangladeshi students want to return home for a few weeks
How to Teach Students to Accept and Overcome Academic Failures
Albert Einstein has said, “Failure is success in progress”. Failure is an inevitable aspect of life; accepting and overcoming failure is a vital skill for success. Nurturing resilience in students is just as important as imparting academic knowledge. Parents and schools need to prepare students to navigate setbacks effectively. This guide explores effective strategies for instilling resilience in students and helping them embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.
Should Parents and Schools Teach Students How to Accept Failure?
Teaching students how to accept failure in exams is crucial for their emotional resilience, academic success, and overall development. By embracing failure, students learn resilience, bouncing back from setbacks stronger and more determined.
Failure is a natural part of learning, providing valuable lessons and experiences that contribute to personal growth. Accepting failure reduces fear, empowering students to take risks and pursue their goals without inhibition. It also prepares them for real-life challenges, where setbacks are inevitable.
Read more: Why are Suicide Rates Higher Among Men?
Embracing failure promotes a growth mindset, where students view challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement rather than insurmountable obstacles. Parents and schools play vital roles in teaching students to accept failure and providing support, guidance, and structured environments for learning and growth.
Together, parents and teachers can equip students with the coping skills necessary to navigate setbacks and challenges throughout their lives. Ultimately, teaching students how to accept failure instills invaluable life skills essential for success in academic and personal endeavours.
How to Teach Students to Accept and Overcome Failure
Avoid Criticism
Students should be taught that failure in exams is not the end of life. Criticism can destroy the self-confidence of students and make them vulnerable to self-harm.
Instead of criticising their poor grades, parents and teachers can focus on ways of improvement. By holding a positive attitude towards challenges, academic failures can be turned into success.
Read more: Parenting a Teenager? 10 Tips to be Their Best Friend
Move Forward
Students should be encouraged to accept their poor academic performances and move forward. Thus, they can foster long-term perseverance and adaptability against unwanted incidents like failure.
Introducing setbacks to students as stepping stones for future success is important. Parents and educators can turn failure into a springboard for students to become more resilient and resourceful learners.
Educationists say these are the reasons why boys lag behind girls in SSC, HSC
Boys are increasingly lagging behind in secondary and higher secondary education, as the recent SSC 2024 results have demonstrated. This trend has led many including the Prime Minister to wonder why boys are underperforming in schools.
Educationists have pointed out that many boys are glued to their mobile phones and social media platforms even when at home, resulting in inattentiveness and lack of focus. In contrast, girls tend to be more attentive and diligent in their studies. As a result, male students in schools are falling behind their female peers.
Experts believe that boys' addiction to technology, coupled with inattentiveness in class and a tendency to disobey their parents contribute significantly to their educational lag. Conversely, girls benefit from stronger parental control and are more focused on their studies.
Government initiatives such as promoting social awareness about girls’ education, preventing child marriage, and offering scholarships have also boosted girls' participation and success in education.
SSC, equivalent exams 2024: Significant gains for Madrasa Education Board
Girls ahead in SSC and HSC
Recent results from the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations underscore this trend. Girls have outperformed boys with an 84.47% pass rate compared to 81.57% for boys. Additionally, more girls achieved the top GPA-5 score, with 98,776 girls attaining this grade against 83,353 boys.
PM calls for investigation into boys' underperformance
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during the release of the 2024 SSC examination results on May 12, highlighted the need to investigate the reasons behind boys' declining performance. She emphasised that while the higher pass rates for girls are positive, it is crucial to understand and address why boys are falling behind.
The Prime Minister also raised concerns about teenagers forming gangs, noting that this trend is unacceptable. She stressed the importance of guiding youth towards productive activities and away from delinquency.
Education Ministry's response
Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel acknowledged the Prime Minister's directives, stating that while scholarships are provided equally to both genders, additional measures may be needed to support boys' educational progress. The ministry is committed to investigating the underlying reasons for boys' underperformance.
Insights from Experts
Dhaka University Emeritus Professor Serajul Islam Choudhury attributed boys' lagging behind to excessive use of social media and a lack of discipline. He noted that boys are more likely to be distracted and less attentive in their studies compared to girls, who are often under stricter parental supervision.
Rasheda K Chowdhury, educationist and a former caretaker government adviser, echoed these sentiments, pointing to boys' misuse of the internet and time-consuming gaming habits as significant factors. She emphasised the need for boys to adopt the same values and responsibilities instilled in girls to achieve educational parity.
SSC, equivalent exams 2024: Pass rate 83%, 2.65% higher compared to 2023
Educational institutions' observations
Heads of various educational institutions reported that many boys are becoming involved in gangs and antisocial activities at a young age, which detracts from their academic focus.
Distinguished educationist and Emeritus Professor of BRAC University, Manzoor Ahmed, noted the absence of research on boys' educational lag and highlighted the visible involvement of young boys in non-academic activities, such as teenage gangs, as a growing concern.
While girls continue to excel in the educational sphere, boys' addiction to social media and other distractions necessitates urgent attention from parents, educators, and policymakers to ensure balanced academic success for all students.
SSC, equivalent exam results 2024: Girls outperform boys
Girls have outperformed boys in this year's SSC and equivalent exams, similar to that last year.
A total of 20,13,597 students -- 10,24,803 female and 9,88,794 male -- appeared for this year's exams.
Among them, the pass rate for female students is 84.47 percent. Meanwhile, 81.57 percent of male candidates have passed the exams.
Mixed outcomes in SSC exams: No passes at 51 schools, but record highs elsewhere
Girls outperformed boys in terms of GPA-5 achievements as well.
Out of 1,82,129 students who obtained GPA-5 in this year’s SSC and equivalent exams, 98,776 are female students and 83,353 are male.
Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury Nowfel announced the summary of the results of SSC and equivalent examinations in front of journalists at the Ministry in Dhaka earlier today.
SSC, equivalent exams 2024: Pass rate 83%, 2.65% higher compared to 2023