Education Minister Evarist Bartolo recently announced a two-month-long consultation period in preparation for an update of the Education Act. What changes would you like to see included in the new Act?

The bureaucracy in the current system should be changed together with the format of subjects/credits at University. Even though some improvements have been made, it is time for students to experience a more realistic view of the profession they will eventually take up when completing their course.

Ideally more internship programmes should be introduced. There is a big difference between what students write in an exam and what they do once they are employed. It is no coincidence that companies prioritise work experience over education certificates. Daniel Caruana, 22, B.Com 3rd year.

I would like to see improvement of safety measures at educational institutions that would provide for a more positive school environment. This would help to lower the crime rate in such institutions; provide more recognition and encouragement to schools that actually show improvement, as we have a tendency to only point out what is wrong; offer more ways of encouraging parents to be more active in their children’s education; and support efforts made to improve school facilities, as I believe commitment to education can sometimes be judged by the quality of its school facilities. Antonio Zerafa, 22, BA Criminology 1st year.

Recent findings have clearly shown how less than 50 per cent of students manage to get the required qualifications to continue their studies at post-secondary level. We still have students who deem schooling as unimportant or unnecessary. The updated Education Act should include the introduction of vocational subjects that might be beneficial to those students who might not wish to continue with their studies.

Another important issue to be addressed should be language, as both the level of Maltese and English are declining. I believe that the introduction of specialised teachers for core subjects at primary level should be one of the first steps towards a healthier education system in Malta. Chiara Fenech, 21, BA (Hons) English.

One of the issues in which reform is being sought is “the promotion of innovative technology, including digital education and the reduction of bureaucracy and inefficiency”. Do you feel such improvements are needed at University and related government bodies?

Improvements in technology are needed not only in education but also in many other sectors. The issue lies in finding the right balance between installing such means of technology and who to provide it to.

Technology might increase efficiency but we shouldn’t forget our roots. In the past, it was rare that so many children had the means of technology that exist nowadays, yet they still managed to be successful. Daniel Caruana

I believe we have already seen some progress in these past few years; however, one can never have enough educational benefits, especially with respect to an essential educational institution such as the University. More promotion in this sector can only lead to the ease of both the teaching and the learning process.

Bureaucracy and inefficiency is an issue that, whenever present, can hinder students from advancing further in their personal educational journey; hence, reform aimed at reducing such obstacles will always be very important. Antonio Zerafa

Both parents and students should be given a voice when it comes to schooling matters since they are the ones who have first-hand experience. Students should be consulted when it comes to new amendments at tertiary level, and parents should be included when making changes at primary and secondary levels. Education is not just about teachers and students, but rather a whole chain link that includes parents as well.

We should start moving away from traditional methods of teaching. We live in a world where technology is omnipresent, and therefore we need to adapt our schooling methods appropriately. However, we need to keep in mind that certain devices might be more of a distraction. Chiara Fenech

What is your opinion on the plans to introduce co-ed classes in all government secondary schools? Do you agree with its proponents that it will enhance the overall performance because “girls tend to do better than boys”?

Changing the system will have its benefits and downfalls. If a student is to do well it is because he/she is primarily intelligent and it is in his or her nature to do well, and not because there are more girls in the classroom. You can take a horse to the water but you can’t make it drink. Daniel Caruana

Having been brought up in a single-sex school it is difficult for me to say whether or not co-ed classes would enhance the overall performance of students. However, I believe that through co-ed education students will be offered diversity where they can interact with a wider range of people and learn how to work with and talk to people of the opposite sex at a rather early stage.

On the other hand, students who are intimidated by the opposite sex might find it difficult to participate in class, while others might find the opposite sex to be a distraction from their academic studies. Antonio Zerafa

Co-education is a more realistic and natural environment for students to learn in. I don’t see why students are mixed at primary level, separated at secondary level and once again brought together at post-secondary level. The task should be one that revolves around inclusion. Chiara Fenech

Interviews conducted by Insite – the Student Media Organisation.