The project's launch was attended by Professor Dr. Mohammad Sayel Alzyoud, Dean of the School, who confirmed that the program represents a qualitative leap in teacher preparation by integrating music as an effective educational tool. This tool will contribute to the comprehensive development of children across cognitive, emotional, sensory, and motor levels. He added that the project aligns with the School's goals to develop teaching methods and adopt unconventional strategies that enhance students' motivation and appreciation for the arts.
This project is part of national efforts aimed at improving the educational environment and promoting interactive curricula based on the arts. It contributes to fostering critical thinking skills and creative expression among students. It also aligns with the vision of the "Madrasati" initiative, launched by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah in 2008 in partnership with the Ministry of Education and under the umbrella of the Jordan River Foundation. The initiative aims to provide a student-centered educational environment and support teachers with the necessary tools to enhance teaching practices.
A specialized team led by Dr. Ahmad Al-Qaisi and Mr. Tarek Al-Jundi developed the training packages. The first phase of the program includes both theoretical and practical aspects of implementing the music and songs curriculum, while the second phase focuses on methods for using songs within the classroom.
The first phase includes intensive training on advanced musical educational concepts such as physical and vocal warm-ups, rhythm exercises derived from the Arabic language, distinguishing between regular and irregular beats, and using environmental sounds inspired by rural and urban settings. Students will also learn how to lead music sessions and activate sound and movement games within lessons.
The second phase involves training in group and solo singing techniques, methods for cutting songs into melody and rhythm, and classroom interaction through musical signals. It also includes improvisational vocal exercises, creating pieces using body rhythms, and performing national and religious songs like “Saffi Ma Ahla Saffi" and “Song of Cleanliness."
The program's implementation relies on an interactive, practical training approach through applied sessions in a classroom setting, which will last for over 60 hours, including theoretical sessions, vocal training, rhythmic performance, and final assessment presentations to evaluate learning and application outcomes.
Dr. Alzyoud expressed pride in the fruitful partnership with the Madrasati initiative, confirming that the collaboration will continue to offer modern educational models that align with the aspirations of the Jordanian Ministry of Education and contribute to preparing a generation of teachers equipped with innovative teaching tools based on creativity and cultural openness.
Dr. Moayed Al-Khawaldeh, Assistant Dean for Graduate Diploma Affairs, emphasized that the collaboration in implementing, developing, and sustaining these programs with the University of Jordan represents a continuous series of distinguished educational initiatives that positively impact students and their families. These efforts aim to improve the educational and school environment, focusing on the student as the central element in its programs and the primary goal the School of Educational Sciences seeks to achieve.
For his part, Dr. Omar Al-Khatatbeh, Director of the Graduate Diploma in Education Program, expressed that this initiative aligns with the vision and mission of the University and the School in providing an appropriate educational environment to work in real partnership with a number of educational institutions. The program will empower teacher-students with high-quality learning tools, raising educational outcomes and impacting student behavior positively, equipping them with life skills to open new horizons for their future.
The project will be implemented experimentally with a group of first-grade teachers in several governorates, including Amman, Zarqa, Salt, Karak, Mafraq, and Aqaba, where focused training will be provided in real classroom settings. It is expected that this will have a positive impact on the performance of the teachers and student engagement, helping to raise levels of vocal and creative expression among learners.