Teaching methods that are prevalent in Saudi Arabia’s education system involves dictation and memorization of theories, and little hands-on practical training. The methods that are used in effect imply that our companies and factories still rely on traditional equipment even though we are in an era of globalization.
Our educational methods seem to result in developing a type of student whose mind has been stuffed with an array of information transforming him or her into an information database. Such a student is unable to think objectively and reach correct conclusions by analyzing information. The reason for this is simple: These students have not participated in the acquisition of knowledge; instead knowledge has been imposed on them. It seems that students have become the receivers and teachers the transmitters.
Students themselves are unable to cope and understand the real purpose of education. There is a lack of interactive learning techniques between the two sides of the equation and fundamentally a lack of practical knowledge depriving students of the ability to evaluate information. In addition, students are never given the chance to manifest information they acquire into reality.
Let us look at other factors apart from the classroom that leads to students being deprived of a good education. Many institutions play an insufficient role in creating a unique learning environment. They restrict themselves to using traditional methods of dictation and memorization. If we analyze the common attitudes in many higher institutes, we find that the schools play a unilateral role in providing knowledge and only help students prepare for exams. It’s a strategy that depends on teachers storing information in the curriculum in the brains of students. As a result we are seeing a new generation of students who don’t see the other side of the coin and are unable to being critical and intellectual.
Schools and colleges are failing in meeting job market requirements. What we really need to see is educational institutions that enhance the skills of students after identifying their full academic potential. In order to practically implement what is taught, schools need to offer their students practical experience.
Our educational system seems to separate education from work. This results in creating a student who is unable to function properly once in the world of work. The job market is developing new initiatives. Unfortunately our schools are still under the influence of certain backward theories that have no relevance to the job market.
