Transforming education: the power of ICT policies - Commonwealth ...

Within this policy framework, the GoJ has prepared a comprehensive investment programme for a fi rst major reform
programme for: the Education Reform for Knowledge Economy (ERfKE).
The ERfKE includes four themes:
apple The re-orientation of education policy, objectives and strategies through governance and administrative
reform. This includes redefi ning the future integrated educational vision and strategy, updating the future
educational administration and decision-making mechanisms, building an integrated educational decision
support system, activating educational research for monitoring, evaluation, policy development, and effective
management, and coordinating investment in the fi eld of educational development;
apple The transformation of educational programmes and practices for the knowledge economy. This axis includes
developing curricula and learning measurement methods, developing lifelong professional development and
training programmes, thereby refl ecting the evolving needs of the labour market, and providing sources for
supporting effective learning;
apple The provision of quality learning environments, particularly for more vulnerable groups. This axis includes
replacing unsafe crowded school buildings, upgrading schools to support and improve learning and providing
suitable school buildings to cope with population increase; and
apple The promotion of readiness for learning through the generalization of Early Childhood Education. This
axis includes building institutional capacity, professional development of kindergarten teachers, expanding
pre-primary education in deprived areas and raising awareness on enrolment in pre-primary education.
In 2004 the Ministry of Education issued its draft National Education Strategy that was formalized in 2006 based on
extensive input from internal and external dialogue. Also, in 2004, the MoE commenced its policy review process based
on the directives from the Government’s Cabinet Retreat Policy Recommendations. Work on policy formulation and
strategic planning within the MoE continued but in 2006, the Government’s “Jordan National Agenda” took precedence
and provided further guidance on both the process and content of reform initiatives in all human resource sectors in
the Kingdom. The MoE’s planning for ERfKE II has benefi ted from the policy and planning imperatives provided by
the Agenda, the MoE National Strategy for Education (2006) and the Policy Framework for Education and the MoE Strategic Plan,
2009–2013 (2008). The Ministry established a core guideline for the development of policy:
“Curriculum, assessment and resources are to refl ect national and cultural goals translated into knowledge, skills, and
attitudes that learners must acquire at the school level in order to achieve their maximum potential. Educators, and the
communities they serve, must demonstrate understanding that in today’s competitive world, no society can afford the high
social and economic costs of an unprepared or under-educated population. All stakeholders need to understand that in an
increasingly global technological economy, it is not enough to be solely academically strong in subsequent pursuit of post
secondary education, employment or participation in civil society. 28
Table 4: Critical Knowledge Economy Skills 29
104 | Transforming Education: The Power of ICT Policies
Academic Skills Personal Management Skills
Communication skills
apple Understanding and speaking the languages in which business is
conducted
apple Effective writing and comprehension of charts, graphs, and other
technical forms of displaying information
Thinking skills
apple Thinking critically and logically to evaluate situations, solve
problems, and make decisions.
28 Curricula and Assessment Framework, 2004, p.4 Ministry of Education.
29 National Education Strategy, 2006, p.6.
Positive attitudes and behaviours
apple Self-esteem, honesty, initiative
Responsibility
apple Setting goals and priorities
apple Planning and managing time
apple Accountability for actions taken
Adaptability
apple Identifying creative ideas for doing things differently
apple Maintaining a positive attitude toward change
Teamwork
apple Using a team approach to problem solving
apple Understanding and contributing to an employer’s goals
apple Planning and making decisions with Others