I.Gogebashvioli “Deda Ena” has been returned to schools

21.09.2011

Newspaper  ”24 Hours” 21 September

I.Gogebashvili “Deda Ena” has been returned to schools

Nino Barabadze

Upon the decision of the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, from 2011-2012 academic year first graders will study their mother tongue according to I.Gogebashvili “Deda Ena (“mother tongue). In the past years there was free choice of the Georgian language and literature textbooks. This year textbooks were approved based on the methodology of I.Gogebashvili.

Newly approved textbooks of Georgian language and literature were specifically designed for ethnic minority schools. For the enhancement of Georgian language learning, Georgian Language Houses are being opened in the regions tightly inhabited by ethnic minorities. To full support of this direction, the Ministry has been developing several educational programs.

Koka Seperteladze, the first Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia: “I.Gogebashvili “Deda Ena” is of tremendous importance in the field of pedagogic. This year, when the Ministry has introduced textbook approval system, our requirement was to make textbooks of Georgian language and literature based on I.Gogebashvili methodology. I.Gogebashvili has created sound analytical-synthetic method that is preserved in the new textbook as well. 

Before then, Georgian language textbooks were developed by various authors and selection of textbooks was optional for schools. Because of that, new textbook approval process was toughened. Besides contextual and high quality illustrations, new textbooks were required to be based on I. Gogebashvili methodology-real treasure for of Georgian language teaching. This principle is outstanding in the new textbooks and I can proudly announce that textbook created by I.Gogebashvili has been returned to schools. The textbook will remain unchanged for 5 years and I hope forever”.

The original textbook of the Georgian language and literature “Deda Ena” (“mother tongue”) or Alphabet was elementary grades was created by I.Gogebashvili and published in 1876. “Deda Ena” is based on high didactic-methodic principles and inspired by national enthusiasm. In author’s life (until 1912) the textbook was published for 33 times. After the death of the author, special commission undertook the publishing responsibilities, chaired by Luarsab Botsvadze. In 1876-1925 years “Deda Ena” was published afor 45 times.

The idea about making the original textbook by I. Gogebashvili mandatory teaching textbook is not true. This is practically impossible, because the textbook had been transformed many times. Requirements of XIX century as well as quality of education are drastically different from the requirements of XXI century. In the life of I.Gogenashvili, “Deda Ena” had been adapted for seven times. The textbook undergoes natural changes, but the teaching method introduced by this greatest author will remain unchanged.

Learning from the textbook by I. Gogebashvili was one of the requirements of pupils and their parents...

Society has always appreciated the talent of I.Gogebashvili and therefore we had no right not to take this requirements into consideration and make teaching method based on I. Gogebashvili “Deda Ena”.

Pupils’ education is our priority. During textbook approval process all the details were considered. Many subject matter experts had been involved in the approval procedure. When we speak about future generation, we have no right other than to be very seriously disposed towards this issue.

The textbooks were evaluated by 7 member competitive committee; scientists, psychologists, methodists, and in service teachers were invited to the committee as well.

Are there any Georgian language acquisition projects being implemented for pupils of non-Georgian schools?

Education of representatives of ethnic minorities as citizens of Georgia are very important and of high priority. As stated in the constitution the State language is Georgia and it is mandatory, that every citizen of Georgia speaks the language. There were regions, where Georgian language was not properly taught. Currently, for the enhancement of Georgian language learning, several programs are activated. “Georgian language for future success” was already activated upon the initiative of the president aiming to recruit Georgian language teachers to the regions tightly inhabited by ethnic minorities.

Before end of the year, volunteers with bachelor, masters and PhD degrees will be allocated at 500 non-Georgian schools, who will provide advance teaching for ethnic minority pupils. They will live in local households and promote inculcation of the Georgian language as primary means of communication. After participation in the program “Georgian Language for future success” the government will cover tuition charges for those teachers willing to proceed with their education and acquire masters degree; PhD candidates will have their credits approved.

After hard work and strict evaluation performed by experts and psychologists, the Ministry made decision to create new Georgian language and literature textbooks for ethnic minority schools, not grade, but level commensurate. The Ministry has published those textbooks on its own expanses and distributed them to each pupil of ethnic minority schools.

Georgian language textbook for first level is already in use. Textbooks for other levels are being developed and will be introduced by the end of this year.

From 1 to 6th grade, every pupil can study from Georgian language textbook. The textbooks are based on modern methodology, supplemented with audio-video resources; consequently the lectures will be more interactive. Specific computer games are developed for children net books, contextually related to the textbook that will assist pupils in acquisition of the English language.

In regards to informal education, competitions and additional programs being implemented by the Ministry plays crucial role. School partnership programs will be launched shortly that will facilitate establishment of partnership and cooperative ties between Georgian and non-Georgian schools. The partnered schools will develop joint projects and present them to the Ministry. The best ten projects will be funded by the Ministry.

The government is ready to spare anything to preserve Georgian culture, history and language.