MUT wants AI to be included in education curriculum

The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) insisted that Artificial Intelligence must be included as part of the compulsory education curriculum.

They also suggested rethinking the use of technology tools in the classroom to limit students' dependency on digital services, especially in the early years of education.

On Tuesday, the MUT issued a list of proposals sent to political parties ahead of the general election on 30 May, calling for a number of reforms in the education sector.

The MUT said that the education sector must be governed by a permanent commission which is independent from politics and ensures a long-term vision based on research, knowledge, and expertise.

They called on the government to conclude all five agreements currently being negotiated, namely the Junior College agreement, the MCAST Managers agreements, the Student Support Services agreement, the Institute for Education agreement, and the Foundation for Educational Services agreement.

They also insisted that the government implements in full the sectoral agreements for educators, which would provide substantial salary increases and allowances.

The MUT suggested that the negotiations model in the public service sector should be reformed to expedite negotiations and to adopt a more comprehensive model which does not discriminate between educators in different entities.

The union added that educators should be eligible to apply for a second year of paid study leave if undertaking a course at a higher MQF level than the previous course for which paid leave was granted.

The MUT proposed a languages and communication secondary school to be set up along the parameters of the current National Sports School and the Malta Visual and Performing Arts School.

They also insisted that a nationwide project must be carried out to equip all classrooms with air conditioning.

They continued to stress that citizenship education must be central in curricula in compulsory education with a focus on policy and politics to equip students with the tools needed to function in a democratic society.

Adding onto this, the MUT proposed a national language of instruction policy which places the Maltese language and culture at the centre of the educational journey for students in pre-compulsory and compulsory schooling.

The union proposed an investment into early childhood education to equip educators with the skills, knowledge, and resources to provide the best educational experience to children.

The MUT concluded by calling on the next government to strengthen the referral structures and services to address social realities beyond schools which affect education.