Teacher Education Programs in Jordan: A Reform Plan

Source: Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, Volume 30, Issue 3 July 2009, pages 272 - 284.

The study presents a historical background of teacher education in Jordan. It also outlines the components of the present teacher education program at Hashemite University. This includes admission policy, academic study plans, practicum programs, selection of cooperative schools, selection of cooperative teachers, stages of training, and assessment of student teachers.
Based on the discussion of the current teacher education program and the revision of related educational literature, this article attempts to present a reform plan that will take into account the gaps and shortcomings in the current teacher education programs and the views of researchers in the field.

The reform plan comprises three dimensions: reconsidering the admission policy, revising the academic and the educational preparation plans to meet the challenges of the 3rd millennium, and reorganizing the practicum program.
It is hoped that the suggested plan, if implemented, will yield competent teachers and upgrade teacher education programs in Jordan.