Ministry of Education
Department of Higher Education
(Lower Myanmar)

Panorama of Myanmar Higher Education

4. Special Four-Year Plan for Education (2000-2001 FY to 2003-2004 FY)

With the aim of further developing the education sector, and in particular, to strive for the development of highly qualified human resource and to introduce regional human resource development programmes, the Ministry of Education formulated the Special Four-Year Plan for Education to be implemented from 2000-2001 FY to 2003-2004 AY. The Special Plan defined 21 programmes to be implemented by the higher education sector
The 21 programmes which produced a wide-ranging agenda for the development of higher education are:

  1. To review and revise the curricula of universities, degree colleges and colleges to be on parity with international standard
  2. To revise the assessment system in line with curriculum changes to conform to international practices
  3. To enhance originality, creativity and analytical skills, ability to grasp and utilize modern technology and development of maturity through changes in curricula and teaching method
  4. To reduce constraints to produce an education system that promotes and conserves human resource development
  5. To develop an education system that advances lifelong learning and continuing education
  6. To seek ways and means to transform distance education universities into open universities
  7. To undertake research not only related to academic concerns but also be of relevance to the needs of private enterprises and organizations seeking modern technology and be directly beneficial to the nation
  8. To establish collaboration and networking with Southeast Asian and international universities
  9. To establish a self-sustained system in the management and financing of universities, degree colleges and colleges
  10. To create educational programmes that fulfil community needs
  11. To upgrade science laboratories so that research can be carried out using modern technology and equipment from undergraduate to doctoral levels
  12. To establish an education Intranet system
  13. To utilize information technology in multimedia resource centres in higher education institutions for teaching and research purposes
  14. To utilize information technology in the learning centres of open universities to enhance learning
  15. To establish language laboratories in higher education institutions
  16. To upgrade the Universities’ Central Library and libraries at higher education institutions using information technology so that users will be able to utilize library facilities without having to come to the library
  17. To establish the necessary structure for the establishment of an open education system
  18. To fulfil the need of higher education institutions for improved facilities
  19. To produce and distribute audio and video teaching and learning materials in departmental studio utilizing modern technology and equipment that will suit local conditions and needs
  20. To produce and distribute audio and video learning materials on practicals and lessons based on the curriculum to be utilized in multimedia classrooms of basic education schools and
  21. To produce video and audio materials related to individual courses to facilitate Universities of Distance Education students in their study.

The 21 programmes on five core areas are:

  1. Promotion of the quality of education
  2. Introduction of ICT in education
  3. Advancement of research
  4. Development of a lifelong learning society and
  5. Enhancement of international collaborations.

Major achievements at the higher education sector due to the successful completion of the four-year plan are:

  • Establishment of ICT facilities, namely e-education learning centres, e-education resource centres, computer training centres, multimedia lecture rooms and language labs at all higher education institutions
  • Introduction of new curricula at higher education institutions from 2000-2001 AY and production of textbooks and course books for undergraduate programmes in line with curriculum revision
  • Initiation of new programmes including the doctorate programme
  • Introduction of new specializations and multidisciplinary courses at universities, degree colleges and colleges
  • Introduction of teaching methodology that promotes critical thinking, and analytical skills
  • Development of skills development courses at human resource development centres of higher education institutions to meet community needs
  • Upgrading of library, research and recreation facilities at all higher education institutions
  • Increasing linkages with regional and international educational institutions and organizations

The successful implementation of the Four-Year Plan for education has led to the renewal of core capabilities and facilities and the extensive applications of ICT in the higher education sector.