1. Mathematics and Science Instruction -- Stimulating Learning in Math and Science Facility with mathematics and science is key to success in a global economy driven by technological development and the use of information and data.
2. Using Information Technology to Support Teaching and Learning Access to and use of information and communication technologies (ICT) are of primary concern for educators in all APEC economies. 3. Learning Each Other's Languages The ability to communicate across language barriers is essential to international trade and to building mutual understanding among interconnected global economies.
4. Governance and Systemic Reform -- Centralization and Decentralization Many APEC members are reforming education governance systems to meet the challenges they face in teaching the skills students require for the 21st Century.
EDNET met in the margins of the HRDWG meeting in Bohol, Philippines from 15-18 April 2008 and reviewed the preparations for the 4th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting to be held in Lima, Peru from 11-12 June 2008. The theme for the Ministerial, 'Quality Education for All: Achieving 21st Century Competencies and Skills,' will focus on the following four sub-themes: Language Learning; Mathematics and Science, Career and Technical Education; and ICT and Systemic Reform. An APEC Education Sharing Table will also be set up during the meeting for members to share information on their educational systems, special projects or best practices.
The APEC Education Foundation (AEF) reported on its grant programs and informed EDNET that the Foundation will wind up its activities and be dissolved this year.
EDNET endorsed the following project proposals:
Study of Best Practices in Teaching and Learning Languages in APEC Economies: Lesson Study Applications
Quest for Link between Schools and Employment: Research on Technical Vocational Education at the Secondary Level in the APEC Region
Comparability & Benchmarking of Competencies and Qualification Framework in APEC Region (Pilot Area: Construction and Welding)
APEC Encouraging Girls in Mathematics and Science
APEC 21st Century Mathematics & Science Standards and Assessments: A Focus on Middle and Secondary Schools
APEC Conference on Best Practices in School-Based Action Research
APEC Information and Communication Technology for Education Exposition (APEC ICT4E Expo)
Expanding and Generalizing Lesson Study for Improvement of the Quality of Teaching among APEC member economies: Collaborative Studies on Innovations for Teaching and Learning Mathematics in Different Cultures (IV)
A self-funded proposal on 'Best Practices in Human Resources Capacity Building in Science and Mathematics' was also endorsed.
