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In a move that reflects the evolving needs of the modern education system, Turkey’s Ministry of National Education (MEB) has announced changes to the “Primary Education Institutions Weekly Course Schedule.
” This change specifically concerns the “Guidance and Career Planning” course, which was previously available only for 8th-grade students. Starting from the upcoming academic year, this course will be renamed “Guidance and Orientation” and will be offered to all middle school levels, from grades 5 through 8.
The New Structure of the “Guidance and Orientation” Course
Under the updated “Primary Education Institutions (Primary and Secondary School) Weekly Course Schedule,” the course that was once offered exclusively to 8th-grade students as a weekly 1-hour lesson will now be a part of the curriculum for 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The renamed course, “Guidance and Orientation,” will continue to be a weekly 1-hour lesson.
The Ministry aims to foster not only students’ academic success but also their personal, social, and emotional development. The goal is to help students prepare more consciously and well-equipped for the future, enabling them to understand themselves better, discover their potentials, and make informed decisions in life. This holistic approach to education is intended to contribute to the development of healthy, happy individuals.
Why the Change Matters: Empowering Students for a Better Future
With this shift, the Ministry hopes to ensure that students are not just prepared academically, but also well-rounded in terms of their personal growth.
The “Guidance and Orientation” course will cover various aspects of personal development, including emotional intelligence, decision-making, and self-awareness, which are essential for navigating the complexities of modern life.
The course will provide students with tools and strategies to better understand themselves, communicate effectively, and make informed decisions about their futures.
This change also reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental and emotional well-being alongside academic performance in fostering successful futures.
Implementing the Changes for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
The new curriculum changes will officially take effect starting from the 2025-2026 school year. Schools across Turkey will implement the “Guidance and Orientation” course, marking a significant step in the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to modernize and enrich the educational experience for students.
This move by the Ministry of National Education is a step in the right direction, aiming to provide a more balanced and supportive educational environment for students. In an era where the pressures of academic success can often overshadow other aspects of a child’s development, it is encouraging to see an emphasis on emotional and social growth. Preparing students for life, not just exams, will likely have long-term benefits for both individuals and society.
Source: www.ankarahaberler.com
