The Minister had promised 'simplification': Even geography and chemistry will be taught with 'religious references'!

Following Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin's remarks regarding simplification in the curriculum and his signal in December that a new curriculum was on the way, the content of the curriculum has become a subject of curiosity. 

According to a report by Mustafa Bildircin from BirGün; it is alleged that in the new curriculum, references to Islam will be made in all subjects from geography to chemistry, and from history to biology, with almost every topic being explained with “religious references.”

TURKISH SCHOLARS TO BE CHANGED TO ISLAMIC SCHOLARS

The details have brought to light claims that “the government's efforts to make education religious will gain momentum.” Details of the curriculum changes, which began preparations in the field of education under the instruction of the Palace, have been reached. It is alleged that many individuals working at the Ministry of National Education's Board of Education and Discipline were dismissed before the curriculum work began and that new individuals were hired. According to the allegations regarding the curriculum change, references to Islam will be made in all subjects, and every topic in the lessons will be conveyed to the student with a religious reference. The title of the topic “Turkish Scholars,” which is among the lesson subjects, will be changed to “Islamic Scholars.” In biology lessons where anatomy is covered, the Islamic perspective and the views of Islamic scholars will also be addressed. In geography lessons, the formation of the Earth and landforms will also be taught to students with Islamic references. The views of Islamic scholars will also be included in chemistry and history lessons. With the new curriculum, the weight of the teacher will be reduced, and students will be directed toward “research.” Criticisms from teachers stating that “the facilities and conditions of the schools are not suitable for this change” will not be taken into account.

INEQUALITY WILL DEEPEN

Within the scope of the “simplification of lessons” efforts also pointed out by Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, students will be prioritized over teachers. Following the changes, students will have an 80 percent influence on lesson delivery, while teachers will have a 20 percent influence. According to the information obtained, an attempt will be made to implement in Turkey the system applied in most European countries, where students are given tasks such as presentations and reports. However, according to teachers, this system will further deepen existing inequalities in Turkey, where there are issues with crowded classrooms and a lack of equipment.