Strengthening Early Childhood Education in Jordan
Early childhood education in the public sector is relatively new in Jordan, with kindergarten classrooms only existing since 1999. As such, universities are eager to improve their existing courses and overall curricula for early childhood education. The purpose of this project is to work collaboratively with the University of Jordan and Petra University in achieving this goal.
This partnership will focus on:
1. improving the undergraduate degree program at the two Jordanian universities to reflect best practices in early childhood education,
2. enhancing the theoretical and assessment backgrounds in undergraduate classes,
3. increasing the links between theory and classroom practice,
4. augmenting the student teaching experiences available to students, and
5. evaluating the impact of the project.
These goals will be met through:
1. developing a collaborative relationship with the Jordanian universities,
2. implementing web-based learning opportunities for Jordanian and USU faculty and students,
3. engaging in cross-cultural exchanges whereby faculty visit the other country to learn more about the context of early childhood development and education in that country,
4. attending national and/or international conferences on early childhood education and development together so further reflection and discussion can occur,
5. implementing assessment activities with 3rd and 4th year early childhood students to evaluate the effectiveness of their education in preparing them for careers in early childhood,
6. beginning to require student observation and assessment of young children?s skills and linking those assessments to theory as well as what to do to promote their skills,
7. assessing kindergarten children?s skills at the beginning and end of the kindergarten school year to understand the effect of kindergarten on children?s development,
8. expanding the in-service program developed by the Ministry of Education,
9. increasing the collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Jordanian universities,
10. increasing the skills of mentor teachers and field supervisors, and
11. working together to tackle tough questions about early childhood pedagogy and the components that make up quality programs.
It is expected that through these methods, we will learn how to improve the undergraduate curricula at the two universities as well as to ensure that student teachers are prepared to enter the classroom and teach when they begin their senior year. Theoretically, this will result in improved teaching methods when students graduate from the university and begin their teaching careers.
Project Assets