DUBAI - Arabic language studies should be made simpler and substituted with modern teaching techniques to motivate students, say schools, ahead of the curriculum modifications by the Education Ministry.
Arabic language, Islamic sciences and national education, are particularly under the scanner as part of the changes to the national curriculum.
“Often, the vocabulary in Arabic studies is too high for students. Textbook content should be relevant instead of being traditional or outdated. It is boring and not motivating for students and teachers,” said Mustafa Ahmed Al Moosa, director of Al Ma’arifa International School, Sharjah.
Mossa also called for consultation and teacher training before the changes were rolled out.
“Teachers, schools and parents should be consulted and their feedback should be used while making changes to the content. Teachers should be part of the change and the changes should be based on scientific research,” he added.
Addressing the national curriculum development committee recently, Dr Hanif Hassan, Minister of Education, stressed that the purpose of reviewing and improving the national curriculum was to change subjects, their content and the general framework.
Principals also opined that the modified curriculum should be relevant and must encourage students to be self-reliant.
“Students need to be empowered to enquire, instead of being spoon fed. This generation needs to ask questions and we need to open the doors for that,” noted Deeb Abdullah, principal of Dar Al Marefa School in Dubai.
“Teachers have to be trained well in advance before any changes are implemented. There is no point in changing the curriculum or the text books if the methodology and technology remain the same,” he added.
Fatma Abdul Malik, principal of Nad Al Hamar School for Basic Education, Dubai, expressed optimism of the impending revisions.
“We are moving towards a self-directed learning, which is very imperative. The exhaustive curriculum could soon become less intensive with the ministry’s attempts to review it, hence allowing students more time to study,” she said. Malik however maintained that a research-based curriculum was the way forward as it gave teachers the chance to research and expand the curriculum.
Dr Hanif Hassan said that the ministry is currently studying the implementation of the comprehensive educational system consisting of curricula for Arabic language, Islamic sciences and national studies after obtaining the approval of experts and advisers.
The committee meeting also reviewed the report on the Arabic Language Efficiency Test presented by the UAE University, the time frame for developing the text books and the criteria for selecting Arabic language teachers.
Preeti Kannan and Ahmed Shaaban