The School of Educational Sciences at the University of Jordan held the first meeting of the Advisory Council for the Department of Teacher Preparation and Field Training, with the participation of the School’s Dean, Professor Dr. Mohammad Sael Al-Zyoud, and members of the council representing several educational institutions and public and private sector organizations, in addition to representatives from the local community and students of the School.
Professor Al-Zyoud opened the meeting by welcoming the members and expressing his deep appreciation for their active participation and continued support of the School’s efforts to develop its academic and field-training programs. He emphasized that this meeting represents an important step toward strengthening integration and partnership between the School and educational institutions across the Kingdom, with the goal of preparing highly competent teachers who possess advanced skills and deep pedagogical understanding, capable of addressing the challenges of contemporary education.
Al-Zyoud explained that the School continues to advance its programs in line with the latest global trends in education, referring to recent achievements such as obtaining the Jordanian Quality Assurance Certificate and launching several innovative academic programs. He noted that these accomplishments are the result of collective effort and strategic planning aligned with the University of Jordan’s vision for excellence and leadership, with a strong focus on preparing teachers who are critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, and ambassadors of authentic educational values—teachers who serve as leaders shaping individuals and communities.
Discussion of the Council’s Roles and Collaborative Framework
During the meeting, the council addressed several key areas, including defining the roles and responsibilities of the Advisory Council in supporting the School’s mission and vision, and contributing to the development of academic performance and field training. Members also discussed ways to expand cooperation with public education institutions and relevant organizations to strengthen community partnerships and provide effective training opportunities for students.
They stressed the importance of close coordination between the School and partner schools to improve the quality of field training and enhance students’ acquisition of pedagogical and professional skills.
The meeting also included a review of field-training procedures, clarifying the roles of supervisors and cooperating teachers, and discussing mechanisms to improve communication and exchange feedback aimed at enhancing the quality of practical components.
The council reviewed results from satisfaction studies conducted with school principals and stakeholders regarding student performance during field training, identifying strengths and areas of improvement to further advance the quality of practical preparation.
Within the academic development agenda, the council highlighted the department’s intention to launch a new bachelor’s program in Teaching English to Young Learners, a specialized and timely program that responds to labor market needs and modern educational requirements in the region.
The council also discussed the development of the Classroom Teacher program to align with ongoing improvements in Early Childhood Education, including extending the field training period to three consecutive semesters, allowing students to progressively practice teaching in real classroom settings and strengthening their professional readiness.
Council members emphasized the growing role of the University of Jordan in instilling ethical and educational values in pre-service teachers through awareness and character-building programs that reflect the University’s humanistic and educational mission. They also praised the University’s introduction of the Workplace Readiness Course, designed to equip students with communication skills, creative thinking abilities, and modern technical competencies aligned with 21st-century skills.
In closing, the meeting presented a proposal to establish an Alumni Network for the School of Educational Sciences aimed at maintaining sustained engagement with program graduates working in the field, fostering ongoing communication, and building a professional community that enriches the School with practical experiences and continuous developmental insights in cooperation with council members.
Council members concluded the meeting by expressing their appreciation for the efforts of the School’s administration and faculty in advancing academic and training programs, emphasizing the importance of continued coordination and integration with public education institutions to achieve the shared goal of enhancing the quality of teacher preparation and strengthening teachers’ professional and pedagogical competencies in service of education and society.