The School of Educational Sciences at the University of Jordan made a distinguished academic contribution to the 39th edition of the International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI), which was held for the first time in the Gulf region. This prominent academic milestone reflects the School’s advanced standing and active presence in international educational forums.
The School was represented at the conference by Prof. Mohammad Amin Al-Qudah, Professor of Foundations of Education, who presented a research paper on improving school performance in light of values. His paper focused on institutional evaluation as a key approach to achieving sustainable school improvement and on linking the quality of education to ethical and value-based dimensions in educational practices.
Dr. Rania Al-Sawalhi, a faculty member at the School, also participated in a joint academic symposium where she presented a research paper on empowering student voice and student leadership. Her paper highlighted the importance of involving students in school decision-making processes and the role of this participation in promoting a culture of shared leadership and building more inclusive and sustainable learning environments.
In line with the School’s interest in digital transformation in education, Dr. Al-Sawalhi presented a second research paper on digital leadership in public schools in Jordan. The paper discussed the reality of digital leadership practices and the challenges related to infrastructure and institutional support, in collaboration with Dr. Abdulsalam Al-Awamreh, and based on contemporary theoretical frameworks in digital educational leadership.
Dr. Al-Sawalhi also co-authored a research paper with Dr. Paul Campbell on educational leadership and innovation, in cooperation with the ICSEI Educational Leadership Network, reflecting the depth of international research partnerships that the School of Educational Sciences seeks to build and strengthen.
In addition, Dr. Al-Sawalhi contributed to leading a specialized session within the GRID (Generational Renewal, Inclusion and Diversity) sessions, focusing on the concept of cultural sensitivity and the role of educators in promoting it within culturally diverse educational environments. She also actively participated in the Emerging Researchers Session led by Dr. Shelby Cosner.
It is worth noting that ICSEI is one of the most prominent international conferences specializing in improving school effectiveness and educational systems. It has been held annually for nearly four decades, with its headquarters based in Australia. Hosting the conference in the Gulf region marked a historic milestone that reflects growing shifts in the global educational research landscape and strengthens opportunities for international academic collaboration in this field.