Arab education system needs revamp, scholar
MUSCAT — Despite the various accolades that reached the Arabian education systems, an Arab educationist and a scholar is of the opinion that the regional education system needs a serious revamp.
Nevertheless, the efforts of the Omani government in improving the education system and the importance of constant upgradation are to be lauded, according to Dr Tareq al Suwaidan ( Educationist, and a motivational speaker based in Kuwait.
He opines Oman’s education scenario, although ranked three in the regional evaluation programme, too needs a facelift incorporating various facets of life including leadership skills and critical analysis skills.
“Education system in the Sultanate is one of the best in the Arab world though it doesn’t compete with the international educational systems at all especially in the technical area. In addition, it should focus more on the soft skills development including the critical analysis and leadership qualities that help form
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a sound personality.
“Omani system is not much behind except the Doha system of education and we need a strong revamp to the education system”, Dr Tareq who is also the CEO of Innovation Group and General manager, Al Resalah Satellite TV told the Observer, adding, “In the Omani context, these two skills are left with the teachers while in the Canadian system which spends billions on the system they are a part of the curricula”.
Talking on the sidelines of the announcement of Oman Modern International Schools (OMIS), the first Canadian school in Oman and managed by Canadian staff, Dr Tareq said the Canadian education system is one of the best in the world and there should be attempts to absorb the best part of the same. “We should combine the best part of the Canadian system of education with the Arab system so that a society deep-rooted in Islamic values with a global outlook can be resulted in the country”.
He said the school is one such effort in combining international quality education with the mother tongue as well as their children's Islamic identity. “This new venture will also have a curriculum that is ranked amongst the most advanced in the world. It will also give prominence to mastery of Arabic and the application of Islam to all aspects of life.
The OMIS curriculum is designed according to international standards, emphasising inquiry, stimulating curiosity, and fostering comprehension and creativity rather than learning by rote. Students will have the opportunity to earn the Canadian High School Diploma from Alberta, which provides direct access to Omani and Canadian universities”.
Targeting the Omani population in particular, the school will be accredited by both the Omani Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Education in Alberta. OMIS is expected to begin operation in September 2013 to serve Omani and expatriate children.
The first independent school that offers Canadian education in Muscat, the first years’ enrolment will be open to both male and female students from KG to Grade 3. Higher grades will he added each year, up to Grade 12.