Capacity Building for Social Studies Teachers’ Guide Developers

Since the introduction of the new social studies curriculum by the NCCD in 2023, teachers have been facing difficulties in adapting their teaching methods to complex civic topics. The updated curriculum introduces critical topics such as political parties, human rights and elections, which require innovative teaching strategies to engage students effectively. Equipping teachers with the necessary skills, knowledge and tools to deliver these subjects successfully is therefore essential for the curriculum’s success.

In his introductory speech, Dr. Muhammad Kinanah, director of the NCCD, stressed that civic education is a vital part of the curriculum and that it includes comprehensive information on a number of civic education and sustainable development issues. He said that sustainable development is considered an important pillar in building the citizen’s identity. Dr. Kinanah also pointed out that the training aims at enabling the participants to produce practical activities that will enrich these guides and reinforce the educational process.   

In her welcoming remarks, Veronika Ertl, Resident Representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Jordan Office pointed out that the concepts and key aspects of educational reform and support constitute a fundamental part of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s work, implemented in partnership with various stakeholders. She went on to say that the timing of this workshop is crucial – particularly following the release and piloting of the new curriculum – as this phase presents a genuine opportunity to focus on developing teachers' capabilities.

The significance of this workshop, Ms. Ertl said, lies in its focus on the teacher’s guide; the guide’s role extends beyond merely presenting content; it establishes the theoretical framework that precedes implementation. It is designed to support teachers and empower them to translate knowledge into effective educational practice. The goal is not merely to introduce and discuss topics; rather, the priority is to acquire teaching and learning skills and to translate theory into practical application through clear, systematic activities outlined in the teacher's guide. She concluded that, in this context, the role of the guide developers is to breathe life into the teacher's guides, and through them, this work will inspire all the teachers who will go on to teach the curriculum.

In her introductory speech, JCCE Director Mona Al Alami, Director of the Jordanian Centre for Civic Education (JCCE), presented an overview of the centre’s work, programs and long-standing partnership with the KAS Jordan Office. Al Alami also explained the mechanism of JCCE’s cooperation with the National Center for Curriculum Development, particularly in the fields of social studies and national and civic education and highlighted the NCCD’s role in curriculum development.

The three-day workshop covered the most important content of the new textbooks and included targeted interactive activities for the authors, focusing on enhancing a deep understanding of civic education concepts and empowering developers to transform these concepts into practical educational activities. In this context, groups of participants were asked to prepare actual lesson simulations that apply the concepts of civic education. They incorporated strategies and designed activities that teachers can implement in the classroom and created learning situations that connect students to their reality and daily lives.

The training also focused on standardizing the writing style in developing the guides, establishing procedural guidelines and classroom advice and enhancing critical thinking skills, problem-solving and developing appropriate solutions. It also introduced guidelines that support national values and democratic practices in the classroom by fostering a sense of belonging, respecting laws, promoting dialogue and encouraging teamwork.