Text Box:

Hammes, Otto

German citizen, born 26 November 1939, PhD Chemistry, actually assigned to the Ministry of National Education in Jakarta, Indonesia, as part of German–Indonesian Government Cooperation. Previous foreign assignments, 2 years in Algeria (1978–80) and 4 years in Afghanistan (1970–74). The employing organization since 1975 is German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ), Eschborn, which has as main task the implementation of the German bilateral government cooperation projects. The work experience was collected at the Headquarters in Germany and in foreign assignments. From 1975–78 Head of Section “Higher Education, Natural Sciences” in charge of section policy for higher education project implementation and evaluations, project design, supervision and monitoring of projects in Asia, Latin America and Africa. Following the assignment in Algeria (1978–80) to establish technical chemistry as a new branch in a higher education institution, took another assignment in Headquarters handling higher education projects, now also including agricultural sciences and forestry. Since 1986, his work concentrated on projects in Asia as Head of the Country Section Philippines and Indonesia. Up to March 1994, his main duties were education policy dialogue with government officials in Philippines and Indonesia, design and implementation of bilateral projects, appraisal monitoring and evaluation as well as coordination with other donors. In April 1994, he was assigned to the Ministry of National Education in Indonesia to manage the development of a reform approach for basic education (Science Education Quality Improvement Project). Key qualifications are: management of project implementation in the field of education and applied sciences; development of strategies, concepts and instruments in the education sector; feasibility studies, appraisal missions, evaluation; human resource development; implementation of training programs; design and moderation of seminars on team building and consensus generation.

 

REFORM OF SCIENCE EDUCATION IN ASIAN CULTURAL SETTINGS

The problems in science and mathematics education are almost the same in all regions of the world: north and south, east and west, rich and poor.

The teachers are poorly trained for science and mathematics and the teaching materials are insufficient. The education management in the past did not generate (put in place) the necessary changes.

At the beginning of the 21st century the science and mathematics knowledge is increasing with accelerated speed. The use of this knowledge is becoming crucial to personal and national “survival”.

The advance in human conditions worldwide will rely on our success in the education of children especially in science and mathematics.

The approaches for reform of the existing education systems might differ according to the culture and value system of the society involved. An example is presented for the reform of science teaching in Indonesia including cultural conditions, strategies, crucial components in implementation and measuring of impacts.