Reverse Linkage

112 REVERSE LINKAGE ECOSF has undertaken several initiatives to achieve its goals, exemplifying the best practices of South-South and Triangular Cooperation, some of which are outlined below. Inquiry Based Science Education in the ECO region Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE) adopts an investi- gative approach to teaching and learning. It is recognised as an effective tool for catalysing STEM education with a methodology that develops and strengthens students’ skills of observation, questioning, planning, conducting inves- tigations, and reviewing evidence in the light of current knowledge, thereafter drawing conclusions and communi- cating results. The methodology has been recognised with significantly positive results worldwide under the umbrella of the Inter-Academy Partnership Science Education Programme (IAP SEP). IAP is a network of over 130 national academies of science, engineering and medicine. It has been proved that IBSE methodology produces rational citizens, critical thinkers, innovators and scientists of the future. Realising its significant potential and impact on the future generation of IBSE methodology, ECOSF is in collabora- tion with La main à la pâte Foundation under the auspice of the Academy of Sciences of France; the International Science, Technology and Innovation Center for South-South Cooperation under the auspice of UNESCO (ISTIC), Kuala Lumpur; the IAP-SEP and IsDB, to implement its capac- ity building programme to promote IBSE at schools in the ECO Region. ECOSF launched this programme in 2015 from Astana, Kazakhstan as one of its flagship projects in the region. The Foundation has since launched IBSE programmes in Iran and Pakistan to strengthen the science base for The capacity building programme on Inquiry Based Science Education in the ECO region was launched by ECOSF with a capacity building workshop in Astana, Kazakhstan, in June 2015, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science, Republic of Kazakhstan. The workshop was held in collaboration with La main à la pâte Foundation France; the Embassy of France in Kazakhstan; the International Science, Technology and Innovation Center for South-South Cooperation under the auspices of UNESCO (ISTIC), Kuala Lumpur; the Islamic Development Bank; and the Inter-Academy Partnership Science Education Programme. The event brought together a number of science policy makers, teachers, students and global IBSE leaders from across the world Image: ECOSF