Former Minister Lisovyi Cited the Reasons for the Slow Pace of School Reform in Ukraine
On August 7, Oksen Lisovyi, Ukraine’s former Minister of Education and Science, stated that the implementation of the “New Ukrainian School” reform had been hindered by the outdated mindset of some educators and a formalistic approach at the local level. According to him, these factors were the main obstacles to the full implementation of changes in the education system.
Lisovyi noted that the guidelines developed by the ministry and the equipment purchased did not produce the expected results due to resistance to the old teaching system. He pointed out that the traditional model of education is no longer relevant.
“The principle of education hasn’t changed: the teacher stands at the front of the classroom, there are correct answers, and children must provide them. In today’s world, Google or AI can provide children with answers. They need to be taught to think and to develop a worldview. The teacher’s desire and ambition are crucial,” Lisovyi noted.
He also added that the decline in interest in science and mathematics is a global trend observed in countries across Europe and North America. According to him, interest in these subjects is either fostered or lost during elementary school.
Lisovyi emphasized that simply purchasing equipment is not enough to develop STEM education. Investments are needed in teacher training, the creation of a modern educational environment, and a rethinking of school spaces.
He noted that many schools still do not understand how to use modern laboratories, even though relevant guidelines have already been developed.
“Many educators do not understand what, for example, a school laboratory separate from the classroom is. We took typical designs from Soviet-era schools and developed guidelines on how to renovate and equip such laboratories,” he explained.
At the same time, the former minister noted that even the existence of guidelines does not guarantee their implementation. According to him, funds are often spent using outdated approaches, and equipment is used only nominally.
Lisovyi also stated in an interview with Forbes that the New Ukrainian School reform did not yield the expected results, as changes were often implemented only in name.
