Job Discussion Forums

[scot47]

Who was this "unperson" ?

[sheikher]

How do I change the Topic to DEADWEIGHT IMPEDING EDUCATIONAL DISCUSSION IN THIS THREAD?

[veiledsentiments]

[Cleopatra]

[sheikher]

Everyone loves statistics!

In 1970, in comparison to all countries in the Middle East and North Africa, the literacy rate of 15 percent for men and 2 percent for women in Saudi Arabia was lower only in Yemen and Afghanistan. For this reason, the steep rise in literacy rates--by 1990 the literacy rate for men had risen to 73 percent and that for women to 48 percent--must be seen as an achievement.
http://countrystudies.us/saudi-arabia/31.htm


Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 78.8%
male: 84.7%
female: 70.8% (2003 est.)
Rank: 155

Definition: This entry includes a definition of literacy and Census Bureau percentages for the total population, males, and females. There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise specified, all rates are based on the most common definition - the ability to read and write at a specified age. Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of the Factbook. Information on literacy, while not a perfect measure of educational results, is probably the most easily available and valid for international comparisons. Low levels of literacy, and education in general, can impede the economic development of a country in the current rapidly changing, technology-driven world.

Source: CIA World Factbook - Unless otherwise noted, information in this page is accurate as of November 3, 2010
http://www.indexmundi.com/saudi_arabia/literacy.html

[Cleopatra]

[johnslat]

Dear sheikher,

Being able to read (literacy) and liking to read are, unfortunately, not the same at all.
Saudi, in my experience, is not a land where reading is much enjoyed or encouraged.
I wonder is one reason for its not being encouraged is that many consider the Quran to be "the sum of all there is to know?"
I mean, if you truly believe that, why bother reading anything else?
Moreover, I suspect those in power may feel more comfortable having a population that doesn't read much.
I know that's usually the case in the States.
Regards,
John

[sheikher]

I concur, Mr Slat, that literacy and reading-for-pleasure are not necessarily camels within the same kettle.

I am not registered with any of Saudi Arabia's public libraries, but am informed, perhaps erroneously, that book circulation is restricted to within their four walls.

Apparently, librarians eventually despaired in their attempts to collect overdue fees, suspecting that their books found the same fate as those in the horrific photo above.

Does the same apply to public school libraries and higher education libraries?

I am aware of a prominent local university's library's hours of operation. Closed Thursdays and Fridays!

[scot47]

What was the question again ?

[Cleopatra]

[007]

[sheikher]

Let us now praise our colleague:

Mixed reaction to new curriculum changes

JEDDAH: There has been mixed reaction from students and teachers to the continuous evaluation method introduced by the Ministry of Education at elementary and intermediate schools in the Kingdom.

The new system will see students being evaluated on their performance throughout the year, instead of having the bulk of marks coming from mid-year or end-of-year examinations.

The new method has already been implemented for certain subjects.
There was a mixed reaction this week from teachers and students on the changes.

Asem Al-Ghamdi, an English teacher, said that the new system must ensure that knowledge is gained throughout the year. He supports it, as long as it is applied correctly and makes students work consistently.


http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2010112688031

[scot47]

Many of our hosts like to drive in the desert in their 4x4's and play at being bedouin. Maybe that can be seen as a hobby. Not so different from our cousins across the Atlantic whoi like to get dressed up and play at being cowboys.

[johnslat]

Dear scot47,

Actually, from what I've seen here, it's mostly the tourists (especially the Japanese and the Germans) who like to play dress up.

Karl May and Old Shatterhand live on.

Regards,
John

[veiledsentiments]