By Zayed Alzyoud
The University of Jordan (UJ) on Sunday held the First National Conference, titled “Horizons of Innovation and Development in Curricula and Their Assessment for Achieving Quality Education,” organised by the School of Educational Sciences in partnership with the National Center for Curriculum Development (NCCD).
The one-day event brought together academics, education experts and decision-makers to explore the future of education in Jordan and discuss ways to enhance learning and improve outcomes.
Organisers said the conference aims to share best practices in curriculum design and evaluation, align curricula with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), support teachers’ professional development, and address challenges related to curriculum reform and assessment.
In his opening remarks, UJ President Prof. Nathir Obeidat said change in education and curricula is no longer optional. “There is no progress without change,” he said, stressing that resistance should not stand in the way of the future of education.
Obeidat called for learning environments that foster trust and a sense of belonging, adding that reform should translate into more positive experiences for both students and teachers.
He noted that curricula extend beyond content to include teaching methods and assessment, describing reform as a shared responsibility that balances national priorities with global realities.
Obeidat also expressed hope that ongoing education reform would help realise the aspirations of His Majesty King Abdullah II and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II for a distinctive education system that links learning with creativity and innovation and supports students’ well-being.
Meanwhile, Dr. Muhyieddeen Touq said curricula form the foundation of any meaningful education reform. He emphasised that development efforts must be guided by research and evaluation.
Touq noted that the NCCD has established a Studies and Research Unit to monitor the impact of updated curricula on student performance, learning quality and school-level implementation.
He added that progress in curriculum reform depends on broad national partnerships involving the Ministry of Education (MoE), higher-education institutions, the private sector and civil society.
Dean of the School of Educational Sciences Prof. Muhammad Al Zyoud said curriculum development has become a strategic necessity. He stressed that assessment should be treated as an ongoing scientific process aimed at quality assurance and sustainable improvement, rather than a compliance exercise.
In the first main scientific session, former education minister Dr. Tayseer Al-Noaimi presented a paper on contemporary developments in school curricula, highlighting key drivers shaping reform globally.
These include the shift toward the knowledge economy, digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), widening equity gaps, sustainability and global citizenship challenges, and the need for more flexible learning systems.
The conference also featured sessions on 21st-century curriculum requirements, assessment and quality assurance, pre-service and in-service teacher training, national values and identity in curricula, international comparative assessments such as TIMSS, PISA and PIRLS, and the responsible integration of technology and AI in education.