In a remarkable departure from convention, Sulaimaniya College in the Dehiowita Education Zone of Sabaragamuwa Province has written a new chapter in Sri Lankan school education. Breaking away from the dominant exam-centric culture, the school organized a research symposium, a rare undertaking in the country's school system. This visionary initiative seeks to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students, essential qualities for success in the 21st century.
The symposium, held on December 22, 2023, at the school's auditorium, showcased the findings of more than forty research projects conducted by students. Each project, presented through well-designed posters, demonstrated the students' dedication and the school's commitment to fostering a holistic educational environment.
Established in 1920, Sulaimaniya College celebrated its centenary in 2020. The school's journey, from a single-block building adjacent to the Gurugoda Oya River to its present location, reflects a rich history of evolution and growth. The school's commitment to academic excellence and innovation was highlighted by the presence of Hon. Ranil Wickramasinghe, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka at the time, during the centenary celebrations in 2019.
While the school has faced challenges, including temporarily discontinuing the science stream at the advanced level due to a shortage of teachers, Sulaimaniya College has appeared as a stronghold of scientific exploration. Since 2016, the science stream has been reestablished, overcoming previous hurdles. The school has successfully established a comprehensive team of teachers for all science subjects, enabling students to pursue scientific studies with no “interruption.”
One of the driving forces behind the success of Sulaimaniya College in promoting science is its active science club. Led by science teachers, the club has played a crucial role in fostering a culture of scientific curiosity among students. Various initiatives, such as Sci-Talk, Astro camps, Practical camps, Astronomy week, Sci-Quiz, Sci-Show, Moon Observation Night, and Meet Scientist Online, as well as Eclipse Observations, etc., have been organized to engage students and enhance their interest in scientific pursuits. Another remarkable initiative by the science club is this 'Little Scientist' event, aimed at developing a research-based learning approach among students.
The idea of organizing a research symposium at the school level originated when Mr. Ameer Mohamed Rajah collaborated with Mr. Fadil Iqbal, the founder of the IQLAB YouTube channel. Their vision was to promote research among school teachers in Sri Lanka, believing that it would eventually flow down to students. This collaborative effort took approximately eight months to materialize into the first-ever research symposium in the region.
The process began with an introduction to research concepts, as many students were unfamiliar with the specifics of research projects. Students were encouraged to identify research problems and areas of curiosity, resulting in a diverse array of topics. The science club teachers played a crucial role in refining and simplifying these topics to ensure they were attainable at the students' level.
Once the topics were finalized, students were given a three-month window to complete their research. Students regularly met with their assigned supervisors during this period, receiving valuable feedback and guidance. The structured approach allowed students to navigate the various aspects of research, encouraging a sense of ownership and responsibility for their projects.
The completion of this intensive research process was the preparation of posters that concisely communicated each student's work, methodology, and findings. More than 90% of the research posters were crafted in English, a testament to the school's commitment to bilingual education. The students' proficiency in presenting their findings in English was commendable and showcased the effectiveness of the school's language instruction.
The success of the symposium was further highlighted by the participation of distinguished guests. Dr. M.C.M. Iqbal, a retired scientist from the National Institute of Fundamental Studies, and Mr. Fadil Iqbal, the founder of the IQLAB Youtube Channel and a Ph.D. candidate at IUPUI University in the USA, graced the occasion as chief guests. Additionally, Miss. P. G. S. Chandramali the Science director and Mr. Tharindu Wijerathna the planning director of the Dehiowita Education office added their valuable insights to the event.
During their speeches, the chief guests praised the students' work and acknowledged the guidance provided by the teachers. The idea of compiling the students' research works into a small school research journal was proposed, opening routes for further recognition and dissemination of the students' efforts. This proposal aligns with the broader vision of sharing knowledge and best practices among educational institutions.
The significance of this research symposium was emphasized by the Science Director, who noted that this was the first time students in the region had engaged in such an event. The success of Sulaimaniya College's Little Scientist Research Symposium is a testament to the school's commitment to fostering a culture of research and development among its students.
The road to this achievement was paved with dedication and detailed planning. The science club navigated the challenges of introducing research concepts to students unfamiliar with the process. The structured approach, from identifying research problems to presenting findings through posters, allowed students to develop valuable skills.
The success of the symposium also highlights the crucial role played by the school administration, principal, and staff. Their unwavering support enabled the students and teachers to achieve this milestone in the school's history. Such support from the educational institution is crucial for fostering an environment that encourages innovation and forward-thinking.
This event serves as a model for other schools in Sri Lanka. While the world is advancing rapidly, the education system must keep pace to equip the upcoming Alpha generation with the skills necessary to navigate an ever-evolving landscape.
In conclusion, Sulaimaniya College's Little Scientist Research Symposium is a great success, illuminating the path for schools in Sri Lanka to embrace progressive and research-focused education. It stands as a testament to the potential within the country's school system to facilitate future leaders equipped with the skills needed for the challenges of the 21st century. This outstanding initiative is a clear call for educational reforms that prioritize research and development, laying the foundation for a brighter and more innovative future.
