Jordan Curriculum Reforms Show Promise, Teacher Training Key

Alanbatnews -

Jordan's curriculum reforms have demonstrated significant strengths, particularly in building scientific knowledge and fostering conceptual understanding among students, according to a senior official at the National Center for Curriculum Development.

Abdullah Al-Munaizel, head of studies and research at the center, highlighted the positive impact of the revised English language curriculum, noting improvements in linguistic skills and the development of certain thinking skills.

However, Al-Munaizel emphasized that realizing the full potential of the updated curricula, especially in Arabic, hinges on bolstering support for classroom implementation through enhanced teacher training and the cultivation of effective teaching practices.

Al-Munaizel said national studies conducted by the center employed diverse and integrated scientific methodologies to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results.

These methodologies included content analysis of science textbooks, guided by international frameworks such as the PISA study, to assess alignment with global standards.

Impact assessments of the revised Arabic and English curricula utilized a quasi-experimental design, comparing the performance of students who had studied the updated materials with those who had not, using rigorously tested measurement tools applied to a large sample of students across Jordan.

The mathematics study drew upon national data from the TIMSS 2023 study, employing advanced multi-level statistical models to identify factors associated with student achievement and benchmark performance against leading educational systems.

Studies have revealed areas needing further development, including strengthening data analysis skills, connecting scientific knowledge to daily life, and expanding the use of thinking and application-based learning approaches.

Al-Munaizel affirmed that the center, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is leveraging study findings to support curriculum development and improve implementation. This includes revising curriculum components to emphasize practical applications and analytical thinking, promoting activities that link learning to daily life, and prioritizing teacher training programs and modern teaching methods that empower students and cultivate their thinking skills.

The center continues to conduct regular field studies and assessments to ensure continuous curriculum improvement based on scientific evidence and real-world data. These findings serve as a crucial scientific reference for guiding curriculum development, whether in refining content, enhancing the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical application, or advancing teaching and assessment methods in line with international standards and the demands of 21st-century skills development.

While current studies have not addressed artificial intelligence, ongoing research and priorities within the studies and research unit include this aspect, he added.

Al-Munaizel underscored the center's ongoing commitment to conducting studies and research that contribute to curriculum development and improvement, recognizing that curriculum development is a continuous and cumulative process based on ongoing scientific evaluation. The ultimate goal is to provide quality education that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their academic and professional lives.