Planned Tawjihi restructuring draws mixed reactions

AMMAN — Recent remarks by Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Azmi Mahafzah regarding changes to the current General Secondary Education Certificate Examination (Tawjihi) have evoked mixed reactions from educators.

The minister stated that “Tawjihi will disappear in two years”, explaining that the two-year education period will be divided into two stages in the 11th and 12th grades.

Commenting on the minister’s remarks, Nathir Musleh, a Tawjihi mathematics teacher, told The Jordan Times that “dividing Tawjihi into two years is a positive step towards achieving quality education in the Kingdom”.

Reforms in the curriculum and examination system of secondary education are crucial, and having only subject-specific or major-specific exams in the 12th grade would prepare students for university, according to Musleh.

Similarly, sociologist Hussein Al Khozahe, who is a professor at one of the local universities, said that the structure of the secondary education system needs development in order to ensure that students have the academic readiness for university.

Providing educational pathways allows students to develop professional knowledge and competencies, he said. He noted that if the system is efficiently implemented, it would also help students make informed decisions when choosing their majors.

The Jordan Times contacted the ministry’s spokesperson, but was not available to comment.