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The Knowledge & Skills Gaps in Jordanian Education


 
 

Introduction

In Jordan, the basic and secondary education system is grappling with a series of significant challenges that are compromising the future readiness and equitable access to quality education for its students. At the forefront of these challenges is the strain on infrastructure and capacity, highlighted by the enrollment of more than 1.5 million students. This enrollment surge has led to overcrowded classrooms and an increased reliance on double-shift schools, a situation that was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in extended school closures affecting 65% of students, a figure that overshadows the OECD average of 51%.

 
 

Challenges

Adding to the complexity of the situation is the quality of teaching and learning, with Jordanian students' performance in the 2022 PISA assessments falling significantly behind OECD averages in critical subjects such as mathematics, reading and science. This disparity underscores the urgent need for curriculum reform and improvements in teacher training to modernize pedagogical methodologies. Furthermore, the state of English language education in Jordan, characterized by a significant portion of English teachers lacking standardized proficiency testing and students demonstrating only moderate enthusiasm towards learning English, points to a misalignment with global communication standards and job market demands.

The technological divide adds another layer to the educational challenges, with notable disparities in access to computers and the internet between urban and rural schools, emphasizing the critical need for targeted efforts to ensure equitable access to technology for all students. Moreover, the educational system is marred by persistent disparities in educational outcomes and enrollment rates, particularly among Syrian refugees and in terms of gender representation within vocational streams, necessitating strategies that promote equitable access and outcomes for all students.

Central to these multifaceted challenges are the constituencies most affected: students, both Jordanian and Syrian refugees, who bear the direct brunt of overcrowded classrooms, outdated curricula, and a lack of access to technology, significantly affecting their learning experience and future opportunities. Teachers are also deeply impacted, contending with inadequate training and outdated teaching methods that limit their ability to effectively meet the educational needs of their students. The lack of engagement from communities and families in the educational process, crucial for the holistic development of students, points towards a need for enhanced collaboration to support students' educational journeys more effectively. Furthermore, rural and underprivileged populations face a pronounced digital divide that hinders their access to quality education and equitable learning opportunities, underlining the importance of targeted efforts to bridge this gap.

 
 
 
 

Suggested Approaches

To usher in transformative change in Jordan's education sector, fostering strong connections with local communities, NGOs, and the private sector is indispensable. These partnerships are crucial for reinforcing educational initiatives and crafting a nurturing, supportive ecosystem. In this environment, students benefit from the collective backing of their families and communities. This marks a holistic approach to education that is pivotal for sustainable progress. A concerted effort to bridge digital gaps is essential, aiming to boost digital literacy and guarantee equitable access to technology and internet across the board, especially for students in marginalized regions.

This endeavor calls for innovative partnerships between tech companies and NGOs to supply cost-effective devices and affordable internet, effectively narrowing the digital divide.

Simultaneously, a significant overhaul of the curriculum and the introduction of a robust teacher credentialing system are paramount. This reform must focus on enhancing teacher professional development to refine teaching methods and fully integrate technology into the learning environment. Teachers may embrace innovative instructional strategies that nurture critical thinking, problem-solving, collaborative learning, and proficiency in English, underpinned by inquiry-based and project-based learning, as well as adept technology use, thus equipping students to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving global context. Moreover, embedding comprehensive mental health programs within schools is critical to bolster the emotional and psychological well-being of students, through counseling services and the creation of supportive environments that encourage resilience. These transformations will not only address the immediate challenges but also equip future generations with the requisite skills and knowledge to excel in the 21st century.

 
 

Ideation Hub

We have offered viable solution approaches for each of the four sectors to spark your creativity, but we highly encourage you to bring your originality and unique perspectives to the table.

You can use these ideas as a starting point, but we urge you to think outside the box. Let’s come up with pioneering ideas to transform Jordanian industry.
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