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Daily Tribune

Sparking creativity in young students

Primary school students are now being taught how to carry out real-world research projects, and their work is screened for AI and plagiarism. Meanwhile, universities are required to set aside at least three per cent of their net income for academic research, under a national push to bring research into every level of Bahrain's education system. Education Minister, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Juma, outlined the ministry's approach in a written reply to a question by Shura Council member Dr Anwar Al Sada. Changes The response lays out changes beginning in early schooling and continuing through to university and postgraduate levels. In schools, pupils are being introduced to research through subjects like environmental science and entrepreneurship. They are expected to come up with ideas, look into them and share what they have found, often as part of their yearly assessments. Classrooms are being connected to digital platforms and fitted with libraries and labs to help students carry out experiments and small-scale projects. Practical research Programmes such as the UNESCO Associated Schools Network and the GLOBE environmental scheme have been brought in to get students involved in practical research. A separate scheme for gifted students, called The Al Mobtakeroon (Innovators), helps them tackle real-world problems using science, design and presentation skills. Universities now require most students to complete a research paper or project before graduating. Many take part in research contests, and some have seen their work published in academic journals. Courses Research methods are built into the courses, and students are urged to share their work beyond the classroom. Teaching staff are also being asked to do more. Trainee teachers complete research tied to school problems as part of their diploma. Those already in post take part in workshops and short courses on how to carry out and teach research. Income Universities must spend part of their income, no less than three per cent, on developing research. That includes books, labs, journal access, and support for staff to publish or attend conferences. Research efforts are tracked. Universities must report data on staff, research funding, published papers, patents and work with outside bodies. Schools use simple scoring guides to mark student projects for structure, content and use of sources. A panel of judges from local universities looks at work submitted by gifted pupils in national contests and gives feedback. Concerns about the misuse of AI have led to tougher checks. The Ministry uses tools such as GPTZero and Plagiarism Detector to scan written work. Sources Students are taught how to cite sources, avoid copying and use material fairly. Workshops cover copyright, cyber safety and how to licence original work. Universities must have their own rules on fair research. Master's degree topics must be cleared by the Higher Education Council before work begins. National archive Finished theses are stored in a national archive to stop others copying or reusing them without permission. Dr Al Sada asked how the Education Ministry was supporting research in schools and universities, what it was doing to help teachers, how it kept standards in place and how it tracked progress. The reply sets out a system that stretches from early school to postgraduate study, combining training with closer checks and firm expectations.