During the past years the government of the Saudi Arabia has proved by its actions that education plays essential role for the country. Today everyone can see that the government makes attempts to develop education and raise it to the standards of European countries. Changes, which are witnessed in educational system of the Saudi Arabia, can be explained by the fact that the government understands the bond between qualitative education and the future of the country.
The beginning of modern education in Saudi Arabia is associated with the establishment of the Ministry of Education. This event took place on 24th of December, 1953. It was an extremely significant event for the country, which led to modernization of educational system and expansion of resources. Thus, numerous schools were created. This time can be characterized by the expansion of public education throughout the country. A few years later, in 1958, a universal educational ladder was accepted. In accordance with it, there are four main levels: pre-elementary, elementary, intermediate and secondary. Higher education stands separately and has its own peculiarities.
When speaking about education in Saudi Arabia, it is worth saying that it is regulated by the government of the country. Higher education is considered to be a social right, it is free and students do not pay any fees. Education in Saudi Arabia can be characterized by the following features:
-teaching is focused on Islam;
- state provides funding for education, it is free for everybody;
- educational process is strictly controlled, the system of support is centralized;
-gender segregation is present at all levels of educational ladder.
Pre-elementary level is the very beginning, which prepares children for further education. Children begin to study either at four or five years. Pre-elementary level is desirable, but not compulsory.
Compulsory education in Saudi Arabia begins with the elementary level of schooling. Elementary level is considered to be a foundation of further education, and that is why children spend there a considerably long period of time- the whole six years.
Intermediate and secondary levels are shorter and last 3 years each. At the intermediate level children start studying English language and it becomes a compulsory subject. On completion of the level, students have to pass exams and receive corresponding certificate.
Secondary education in Saudi Arabia is divided into several branches: regular education and vocational and technical education. At present time government of the country pays great attention to vocational and technical education, because it is a priority direction of education. At this level students have a variety of trainings including commercial, agricultural, technical, e.t.
During the past five decades higher education of the Saudi Arabia has changed greatly. At present time there are over 11 national and 9 private universities in the country. In addition, there is a huge number of colleges and institutes. For instance, 24 technical colleges, 40 colleges for health.
When speaking about education in Saudi Arabia, it is essential to discuss role of education for women. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can be called progressive in this aspect, because the country aims to provide equal education both to men and women. In accordance with the latest statistics, the number of female students is almost equal to the number of male students. In the majority of cases, women in Saudi Arabia study human sciences, but of course there are those who prefer to study medicine, economics and even computer sciences.
It is crucial to note that there are still some limitations for women. Education is greatly influenced by the system of beliefs. It is one of the reasons why "males and females are directed into different courses males are taught about male activities; and females, about their nurturing roles as mothers and housewives." (Baki, p. 3).
Although, education is available in the Saudi Arabia, still not all women can study. One of the obstacles is mobility. As far as women do not have "easy access to transportation", the process of getting education becomes rather problematic for women.
In almost all universities of the Saudi Arabia, students are both male and female. There are only two exclusions: King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals and Princess Nora bint Abduralrahman University. The first university is only for men and the second is only for female students.
Interestingly enough, education at all levels is controlled and designed to correspond with the general plan of country's development. The main task of Saudi Arabian educational institutions is to supply all industries with the required human resources. The curricula at educational institutions is unstable, it undergoes changes constantly in order to make sure that universities and colleges can provide country with the those professionals, which are most needed.
It is rather interesting that at the time, when Saudi Arabia only began to think about the importance of education and started to invest money in this branch, many countries, like the United States, started to hesitate about the necessity of compulsory education. Thus, for instance, many student may nowadays say that instead of learning they want "to do something real, and not just sitting around" (Gatto). It is suggested that one of the problems with modern education is the system of evalution. There is an opinion that "helping students forget about grades is the single best piece of advice for creating learning-oriented environment).
Many students complain that their teachers lack professionalism and do show enthusiasm to learn more. Of course, this tendency does not mean that all people refuse to study. A lot of student enter universities, because they know that there is a clear correlation between higher education and intelligence. Unfortunately, "generalizations about intelligence, work, and social class deeply affect our assumptions about ourselves and each other, guiding the ways we use our minds to learn, build knowledge, solve problems, and make our way through the world" (Rose).
As can be seen, today attitude to education differs in Saudi Arabia and other countries, and this can be explained by the fact that education in various countries is at different stages of development.
Works Cited
Baki, R. (2004). Gender-segregated education in Saudi Arabia: Its impact on social norms and the Saudi labor market. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 12(28). epaa.asu.edu/epaa/v12n28/. Web. 21 Nov 2013.
Gatto, J.T. (2003). "Against School." Harper's Magazine. www.wesjones.com. Web. 21 Nov. 2013.
Kohn, A. (1999). "From Degrading to De-Grading." http://www.alfiekohn.org. Web. 21 Nov 2013.
Rose,M. (2009). "Blue-Collar Brilliance". http://theamericanscholar.org. Web. 21 Nov 2013.
