EDUCATION IN BULGARIA Science teacher’s training Mariana Mehandzhieva Ani Epitropova University of Plovdiv

Ministry of Education and Science The Minister of Education and Science The Regional Inspectorates of Education The directors of kindergartens, school and servicing units. 17.4.2017 г. EuSTD-web meeting Varna

Structure of educational system in Bulgaria PRESCHOOL EDUCATION 3-6/7 years of age Kindergarten SCHOOL EDUCATION BASIC PRIMARY PRESECONDARY SECONDARY Comprehensive and Technical school HIGHER EDUCATION Bachelor Master Doctor’s degrees Structure of educational system in Bulgaria 17.4.2017 г. EuSTD-web meeting Varna

Subjects: Bulgarian language and lierature Foreign language Matematics ICT Social sciences and civics Sciences and environment education Music and art Physical education and sports The curriculum includes three types of subjects: Compulsory Compulsory-elective Free elective 17.4.2017 г. EuSTD-web meeting Varna

Primary school 7-10 years of age Science curriculum 32-45 h per year One teacher is responsible for one class, and teaches all the subjects of the curriculum.

Pre-secondary school 11 - 15 years of age Each subject is taught by separate teacher. Sciences in 5-6 class is integrated subject. In 7 class there are physics, biology and chemistry.

Secondary school 16 - 19 years of age Biology – 72h; Physics – 72h; Chemistry – 72h. Diplomas of completed secondary education and certificates of professional qualification issued by schools.

Assessment Formative and summative assessment On the completion of primary, secondary and vocational education- national exams (tests)

School education in BG is compulsory by the age of 16. 17.4.2017 г. EuSTD-web meeting Varna

Higher education Universities, Colleges and Specialized Higher Schools It includes the followings stages: 1th stage – a course of study of at least 4 years, receiving a Bachelor's degree upon graduation; 2th stage – a course of study of at least 5 years, or 1 year following a Bachelor's degree, receiving a Master's degree upon graduation; 3th stage – a three-year course of study upon obtaining a master's degree that meets the requirements for a Doctor's degree.

Organization of the science teacher training At the Faculty of Education in The University of Plovdiv it is possible to obtain qualification of teacher for primary school level of (1-4 grade). At the Faculty of Physics, Chemistry and Biology it is possible to obtain qualification of subject teacher on the lower and secondary school level (5-11/12grade).

Study programs According to Bologna process in order to compare our curricula for bachelor’s and master’s level with similar curricula used in other EU countries, we present them described also in ECTS-credit points. The credits points (cp) in the Faculty of physics for one semester are 30 and in this way the Bachelor’s Degree is equivalent of 8x30=240cp.

Organization of the science teacher training The education of the Science teachers in the University of Plovdiv is two-subjects: Physics and Mathematics in the Faculty of Physics Chemistry and Physics in Faculty of Chemistry Biology and Chemistry in Faculty of Biology

Diagram 1. The relative weight of the subjects Diagram 1. The relative weight of the subjects. Specialization Physics and Mathematics % of the credit points

Diagram 2. The relative weight of the subjects. Specialization Chemistry and Physics % of the credit points

Diagram 3. The relative weight of the subjects in the Master's degree Physics % of the credit points

Conclusions As it is seen from the diagrams the future science teachers are provided with a very strength basis in their subjects. Pedagogical subjects are substantial part of the study duly 20.1% and 18.3% of the credit points. Elective subjects give possibility students to choose a subject in which they can prepare a diploma project. The teacher practice takes please in three semesters VI, VII and whole VIII. The last one is assess as one of the State exams.

Thank you for your attention! 17/04/2017 EuSTD-web meeting Varna