In the context of Amman Arab University’s commitment to developing the educational process and enhancing the critical thinking skills of students, the university participated in a workshop titled "Capacity Building: Active Learning Strategies for Critical Thinking Development in a Changing World", organized by the British Council, aiming to highlight the importance of active learning in improving academic outcomes, enhancing graduate readiness, and meeting the needs of various sectors, along with emphasizing the pivotal role of higher education in bringing about transformative change in learners.
Representing the university at this workshop were Dr. Ahmad Al-Tawalbeh, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Samah Al-Omari, a faculty member in the Faculty of Educational and Psychological Sciences. The workshop focused on aligning active learning strategies with the competencies contained in the Jordanian National Qualifications Framework (JNQF), which includes autonomous learning, problem-solving, and lifelong learning.
The workshop addressed numerous key themes, most notably the concepts and characteristics of active learning and critical thinking. Dr. Al-Tawalbeh presented a teaching activity model from the English Language and Translation program that had encountered challenges related to enhancing active learning, increasing student engagement, and developing critical thinking skills. This model was discussed during the workshop sessions within specialized groups, and redesigned according to the Six Learning Types Framework which is based on six main learning styles including: acquisition, inquiry, practice, production, discussion, and collaboration. This framework contributed to highlighting the role of effective educational activities in enhancing student interaction and developing critical thinking skills, where the workshop constituted a rich learning experience that provided a deeper understanding of the importance of active learning in developing academic and life skills of students.
Amman Arab University emphasizes through its continuous participation in international workshops and programs, its commitment to providing a stimulating educational environment adopting the latest pedagogical methods. It also aims to foster innovation and critical thinking, alongside its ongoing efforts to build effective partnerships with local and international institutions, which contribute to elevating the educational process and fulfilling its vision in preparing graduates capable of competing and contributing to community development.
