Amman, March 2022 - Queen Rania Teacher Academy (QRTA) continues its training programs for 2022 in cooperation with the Jordanian Ministry of Education and with the support of the Canadian government, implementing pedagogy programs for numerous majors – namely Arabic, Science, English, Social Studies, and Math – as well as the Innovation in Education Program, Advanced Instructional Leadership Professional Diploma (AILPD), and Teacher Education Professional Diploma (TEPD).
The ongoing partnership with the Jordanian Ministry of Education and the Canadian government is centered this year on nationwide efforts to disseminate vital topics that underline the twenty-first-century skills required of teachers, supervisors, and educational leaders.
The Arabic Language Program offers specialized workshops in capacity building and developing the proficiencies of Arabic teachers in instilling reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills for grades (4-10). The program modules were designed per the latest international strategies in teaching reading and writing skills - in cooperation with the University of Colombia and regional and local programs. The Arabic Language Program comprises five modules that ultimately equip teachers with the competencies of a successful reader, thinker, creative writer, and adept communicator, enabling them to transfer those skills to their students in class. The program, which aims to build teachers’ capacities in all language skills inside and outside the classroom, targets the directorates of education in Ramtha, Southern Badia, Giza, and Rusayfah.
The English Language Program is specialized in capacity building and developing the proficiencies of English teachers in instilling reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills for grades (4-10). The program modules were designed per the latest international strategies in teaching reading and writing skills - in cooperation with the University of Colombia and regional and local programs. The English Language Program comprises four modules that ultimately equip teachers with the competencies of a successful reader, thinker, creative writer, and adept communicator, enabling them to transfer those skills to their students in class. The program, which aims to build teachers’ capacities in all language skills inside and outside the classroom, targets the directorates of education in Amman, Marka, and Bani Kenana.
The Math Program was initially designed to train teachers on content-specific pedagogies related to critical mathematical concepts – such as early numeracy, proportionality, algebra, measurement, data, and geometry. The methods applied to produce the training materials were built on evidence-based best practices in teacher professional development strategies and incorporated the latest research in mathematical concept-based teaching and learning strategies. Accordingly, the Math Program not only trains teachers in the most effective ways of teaching specific math concepts to students, but also supports them in analyzing student work and making instructional decisions based on evidence retrieved from students. Moreover, the program enhances teachers’ knowledge of ICT and its applications in math lessons by having them explore ICT software for subject concepts and appropriate solutions to its dilemmas. The program targets the directorates of education in Petra, Dheban, Ain Basha, and the Northern Region of the Jordan Valley.
The Science Program guides teachers to adopt student-centered approaches by integrating inquiry-based learning based on three main themes. The first theme involves improving teachers’ comprehension of inquiry-based learning; introducing the 5E learning cycle (engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation) and science practices; presenting STEAM, which focuses on interdisciplinary strategies concentrated on science, technology, engineering, and math; and assessing according to higher-order thinking skills measured by the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). The second theme provides teachers with opportunities to explore their successes in overcoming challenges faced while implementing the acquired skills. The third theme centers on offering teachers in-class support and feedback on their performance while guiding them into building professional learning communities to ensure the sustainability of their professional development. The program targets the directorates of education in Tafileh, Salt, Wadi Sir, and Mafraq.
The Social Studies Program provides a model for sustainable professional development based on the latest research findings and best practices in social studies teaching and learning. The program’s professional development activities incorporate courses related to social studies teaching, map technology, values, citizenship, classroom assessment, and special social studies skills. Additionally, the program schedules regular meetings for social studies teachers that include professional learning communities, reflective meetings on training content, field visits for onsite support, and documentation, monitoring, and evaluation activities. The program targets the directorates of education in Southern Mazar, Sahab, Irbid, and Ramtha.
The Innovation in Education Program focuses on empowering teachers with knowledge and skills to advance the innovation and entrepreneurial capabilities of students in order to give rise to a creative and pioneering generation capable of generating job opportunities. The program targets the directorates of education in Bani Kenana, Al Qasr, and Ain Basha.
The Teacher Education Professional Diploma (TEPD) encourages teachers to view the educational environment as more than a classroom, but as a source of creativity, leadership, and intellectual curiosity. TEPD comprises subjects in the general pedagogies of teaching and learning and in subject-specific pedagogies and ensures the practical application of theoretical frameworks so teachers can provide their students with the skills and knowledge necessary to build a generation that contributes to society and the nation. Participants of TEPD – which this year targets the entire Kingdom - are also trained to manage the learning environment as a space to elevate the competencies and capabilities of students.
The Advanced Instructional Leadership Professional Diploma (AILPD) incorporates four main modules - curriculum, instruction, and assessment; supervision, evaluation, and professional learning for continuous improvement; building a positive school climate and culture; and school and program management to support individual and organizational effectiveness.
AILPD also aims to provide educational leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead their schools effectively and improve the quality of learning and teaching. Such efforts are at the core of the diploma’s objectives, which center on linking the pillars of the teaching learning process (teacher, student, and curriculum).
AILPD - based on the professional development curriculum extended by the University of Connecticut in cooperation with QRTA - targets the entire Kingdom this year and seeks to generate essential changes in leadership practices by including best international practices in instructional leadership.