Research-driven educational development

Malta has taken part in eight international research studies organised by organisations such as the OECD, as well as 16 studies and four key data series coordinated by the Education Information Network in Europe (Eurydice), the Education Ministry said.

Communications Coordinator Mario Schiavone referred to a statement by the Malta Union of Teachers in which it encouraged Professor of Education at the University of Nottingham Roger Murphy, who was interviewed in The Sunday Times, to urge Maltese educational authorities promote scientific research on educational development in Malta.

The ministry also rejected claims that no research on the impact of the State College System was carried out or that it was 'under wraps'.

"As the MUT well knows, there has never been such a comprehensive commitment to external research on the Maltese educational system and its outcomes as in the last four years," Mr Schiavone said.

He said that with regard to the compulsory education sector these have thrown light, amongst other areas, into attainment in Maths, Science, Maltese English, Italian and citizenship education in primary and/or secondary.

These studies contributed significantly to the ongoing development of educational policy planning.

Mr Schaivone said that Education Minister Dolores Cristina has consistently explained that after the first cycle of the college experience, this would be researched to guide the way forward.

A public conference was organised in June last year in which two important pieces of internal research were discussed. One was a meta-analysis of a wide range of mainly post-graduate research carried out in Malta. The second was the results of an anonymous questionnaire to all school administrators in state schools.

The two directors general who presented these research results had no problem with discussing the strengths and the weakness that had been highlighted.

These two preliminary research exercises are the basis for a comprehensive research exercise that is presently being planned now that three years have passed since the coming into force of the 2006 Education Act that set up the State Colleges system.

"Whilst feedback from the MUT is always welcome, the government will continue with its policy of rigorous internal and external research to inform on outcomes and guide further development and planning," Mr Schiavone said.