Jordan

Special Initiatives in Mathematics and Science Education

The Queen Rania Teacher Academy (QRTA), established in 2009, is an independent nonprofit institution committed to empowering teachers, supervisors, and school principals with the skills, recognition, and support necessary to excel at both the classroom and school levels. The QRTA is in successful partnership with the Teachers College (TC) of Columbia University, and the Columbia University Middle East Research Center (CUMERC). It specializes in training teachers in the use of advanced educational technology and the use of innovative teaching methodology.

The academy is keen to develop innovative curricula and training programs for teachers (including mathematics and science teachers), coupled with innovative approaches to teaching mathematics and science, and works to advance national and regional educational standards. It is expected that the QRTA will start providing training for newly appointed teachers (including science and mathematics teachers) by the first term of the 2016–2017 scholastic year. It is anticipated that these training courses will model approaches for the enrichment of science and mathematics education in the basic education grades, with a focus on making science and mathematics fun, interactive, and accessible.

The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Center for Human Resources Development, has developed teacher guides that are expected to be introduced as compulsory materials in teacher education—one of the major impacts of TIMSS in Jordan. It is anticipated that this initiative will have a positive effect on student achievement in mathematics and science.