In 1964, the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) was established by the Islamic Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Republic of Türkiye. Later, in 1985, it was renamed the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). Covering over 8 million square kilometers and home to more than 460 million people, the ECO Region connects Asia to Europe, Eurasia to the Arab World, and stretches from north to south. As one of the oldest intergovernmental organizations, the ECO aims to foster sustainable economic development, promoting joint welfare and wellbeing among its Member States. Over the years, the ECO has become an influential forum for economic diplomacy and collaboration, emphasizing connectivity and integration.
In many developing countries, science education faces fundamental challenges. These include a shortage of qualified science teachers, inadequate facilities (such as laboratories and equipment), and ineffective teaching methods that often revolve around teacher-centered and prescriptive approaches. Unfortunately, these limitations leave little room for children to explore and discover, leading to a lack of interest in the subject.
Recognizing these issues, several countries have now taken steps to revitalize science education, even at the preschool level. Science education should encourage active student engagement through inquiry and discovery, emphasizing evidence-based reasoning and hypothesis formulation.
The concept of ‘learning by doing’ involves personal investigation, fostering cognitive processes, curiosity, and creativity. Inquiry-based activities promote communication skills through classroom discussions and interactions with teachers. Rather than rote memorization, Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) encourages students to appropriate knowledge by investigating independently and asking questions. This hands-on approach aligns well with effective science teaching and learning strategies.
Given the significance of science education in schools, the ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF) has developed a capacity-building program for member states, focusing on technical support related to IBSE.
IBSE has been proposed as a framework for authentic science teaching and learning. It emphasizes active pupil engagement, problem-based learning, and the development of critical skills.
IBSE key points:
- Definition of Inquiry:
· Inquiry is an intentional process that involves diagnosing situations, formulating problems, critiquing experiments, researching, constructing models, debating with peers, and forming coherent arguments
· It encourages students to think historically and develop historical skills.
Features of IBSE:
- Active Engagement: Students actively participate in the learning process, emphasizing evidence-based knowledge claims.
- Problem-Based Learning: Authentic and problem-based activities drive learning.
- Systematic Skills Development: Students practice systematic observation, questioning, planning, and recording to obtain credible evidence.
- Collaboration and Communication: Group work, peer interaction, and argumentation are essential for learning.
- Autonomy and Self-Regulation: Developing autonomy and self-regulation is a goal of IBSE.
Misconceptions:
- IBSE is not merely a teaching method; it’s a broader framework.
- It’s not just about engaging students; it focuses on deeper learning and critical thinking.
The history of the collaboration between the University of Isfahan and ECOSF with a focus on IBSE
- The University of Isfahan has established an Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) center in collaboration with the ECOSF, aiming to enhance science education and teacher training in the country
- The University of Isfahan has organized the first workshop on “Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE)” in collaboration with the ECOSF (Economic Cooperation Organization Science Foundation) and the French institute LAMAP. This workshop took place from December 17 to 24, 2016, at the University of Isfahan, with French instructors participating and part of the expenses covered by the ECOSF.
- The second workshop on “Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE)” was held from December 4 to 8, 2018, at the University of Isfahan in collaboration with the ECOSF and LAMAP. Again, French instructors were present, and part of the expenses was covered by the ECOSF.
- The University of Isfahan hosted the sixth executive committee meeting and the fourth board of trustees meeting of the ECOSF on July 19 and 20, 2019. Representatives from Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan attended the event.
- The seventh executive committee meeting and the fifth board of trustees meeting of the ECOSF were jointly hosted by the University of Isfahan and the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture of Isfahan on February 24 and 25, 2023. Representatives from Iran, Tajikistan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan participated.
- A joint webinar titled “Iran’s Action Plan in the European UNITEL Project: Lessons for the ECO region (Experiences of the University of Isfahan)” was organized by the University of Isfahan and the ECOSF in collaboration with the Iranian Virtual Education Association. Researchers from Iran, Pakistan, Italy, Turkey, and Kazakhstan attended the webinar on January 18, 2023.
- Another joint webinar was held on June 6, 2023, in collaboration with the Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology of Pakistan. Researchers from Iran, Pakistan, Spain, Italy, and Turkey participated in this event.
Achievable gains:
The collaboration between the University of Isfahan and the ECOSF holds great promise for advancing science education and fostering a culture of inquiry-based learning in Iran and beyond and may bring about the following outcomes:
1. Enhancing the Role of the University of Isfahan as a Focal Point for Modern Basic Science Education in Iran: The University of Isfahan, in collaboration with the ECOSF (Economic Cooperation Organization Science Foundation), has established an Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) center. This initiative aims to play a significant role in shaping the future of science education and training educators in modern basic sciences within Iran.
2. Financial and Moral Support from the Head of the ECOSF: Dr. Tabibi, currently representing our country, holds the position of the head of the ECOSF. His support, both financially and morally, contributes to the successful launch of the IBSE center at the University of Isfahan.
3. Pursuing a Long-Term International Project: The University of Isfahan is actively pursuing a long-term international project. This project is of paramount importance for the country’s educational future and the training of educators in modern basic sciences.
4. Organizing Various Educational Workshops: The University of Isfahan hosts diverse educational workshops with the participation of international guests. These workshops focus on training teachers in both primary and secondary education, as well as university-level educators.
5. Proposed Activities of the IBSE Center in Isfahan: The activities proposed by the IBSE center at the University of Isfahan are not limited to the national level; they have the potential to expand across the ECO region.
The main objectives behind the collaboration with the ECOSF
1. Joint Research Projects: Collaborate on defining and executing joint research projects.
2. Exchange of Laboratory Services and Equipment: Facilitate the exchange of laboratory services and equipment.
3. Quality Postdoctoral Student Recruitment: Collaborate to attract high-quality postdoctoral students to the University of Isfahan and recruit foreign researchers.
4. Diverse Student Population: Attract students from ECOSF member countries to enhance diversity among international students at the University of Isfahan.
5. Guidance for Graduate Students: Provide joint guidance for graduate students pursuing advanced studies.
6. Shared Publications and Editorial Roles: Collaborate on joint publications (books and journals) and involve prominent faculty members from member countries in editorial boards of the journals published by the University of Isfahan.
7. Establishment of Joint Research Centers: Focus on areas such as water and energy to establish joint research centers.
8. Operational Collaboration between the Language and Literature Departments: Foster practical collaboration between the Persian language and literature department at the University of Isfahan and related groups, including the Persian language and literature department at Lahore University.
9. Naming a Day as “Isfahan Science and Technology Day” and Inviting Prominent Figures: Invite leaders from all prominent ECOSF member centers and universities to sign agreements and form specialized teams and networks.
10. MOC Signing for International Student Recruitment: Sign Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between the University of Isfahan, ECOSF, and reputable centers in member countries to attract international students.
11. Comprehensive Support for the University of Isfahan at Exhibitions: Provide full support for accommodation, meals, suitable booth allocation, and more for the University of Isfahan’s participation in the Pakistan TiTek Exhibition.
12. Collaboration on International Student Theses: Facilitate bilateral collaboration on defining theses for international students studying at the University of Isfahan from ECOSF member countries. The goal is to attract grants from ECOSF, targeting a minimum of 10 theses at the beginning.
13. Recruitment of International Faculty Members: Collaborate to attract at least five international faculty members to the University of Isfahan from ECOSF countries.
14. Strengthening Editorial Boards and Attracting Eco Researchers: Support and strengthen editorial board members of the University of Isfahan’s journals and attract articles from researchers in the field of ecology.
15. Persian Articles for Persian-Language Journals: Attract Persian-language articles for the University of Isfahan’s journals from ECOSF member countries. The University of Isfahan is willing to collaborate on editing these articles.
16. Collaboration with Knowledge-Based Companies: Foster connections between the University of Isfahan’s knowledge-based companies and international companies.
17. International Student Recruitment: Collaborate to attract a minimum of 20 international students from ECOSF countries. Upon obtaining necessary approvals, the University of Isfahan is prepared to provide requested scholarships.
18. Study Opportunities for Iranian and ECOSF Students: Create study opportunities for Iranian students in ECOSF universities and vice versa.
19. Connecting the University of Isfahan with International Centers: Aiming for attracting support initiatives from the Center for Advanced Studies in Technology (CAST).
20. Joint Courses Beyond Persian Language: Organize joint courses in various fields, in addition to Persian language courses.
21. Collaboration with Eco Researchers for Grants: Facilitate collaboration between ecology researchers for joint projects and grant applications from INSF.
22. Highlighting the University of Isfahan’s News on ECOSF Platform: Publish important news from the University on the ECOSF scientific platform.
23. Joint Persian-Language Journal with Lahore University: Publish a joint journal in Persian language in collaboration with Lahore University.
24. Establishment of IBSE Center at Isfahan University with ECOSF Collaboration: Create an Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) center at Isfahan University.
25. Connecting Isfahan’s Entertainment Industry Innovation Center with ECOSF: Foster connections between Isfahan’s entertainment industry innovation center and the field of ecology.
26. Transfer of Technology: Transfer knowledge from the University of Isfahan, knowledge-based units, and active entities in the Innovation Zone of the University of Isfahan to prominent universities in ECOSF member countries