The General Council of Official Colleges of Chemists of Spain, led by Dean-President Ricardo Díaz, has expressed deep concern regarding the declining performance of Spanish students in international assessments such as TIMSS, PISA, and OECD reports.
Recent data reveals that Spain ranks low among EU and OECD countries in mathematics and science knowledge at the onset of secondary education. Furthermore, a significant gender gap has widened by over 63% from 2011 to 2023. To preserve the reputation of Spanish graduates in Science and Technology, the Council emphasizes the urgent need to address existing weaknesses in pre-university education and increase access to STEM degrees.
The Council proposes six strategies to enhance scientific education and foster STEM vocations:
Encourage meaningful learning: Adopt pedagogical methods that prioritize understanding through experimentation, critical thinking, and problem-solving, while also incorporating necessary memorization.
Promote a culture of effort and academic excellence: Incentivize hard work and dedication, integrating playful learning as a motivational tool.
Raise academic standards: Implement rigorous assessments and personalized reinforcement programs, emphasizing that failing does not condemn students but indicates a need for improvement.
Value scientific knowledge: Highlight the societal importance of STEM careers and connect youth with professionals in the field.
Invest in teacher training: Develop continuous professional development programs to provide innovative pedagogical tools.
Encourage collaboration: Foster synergies among educational institutions, universities, research centers, and the tech industry to promote scientific culture.
The Council calls on all social agents, educational institutions, and political entities to collaborate in building a high-quality education system, stating that the scientific training of youth is vital for a more developed, prosperous, and innovative society.