Science Education in Egypt and Other Arab Countries in Africa and West Asia

Abstract

The Egyptian education system is large, and current practices are very rigid. It is accustomed to mass education as was developed in Europe over the past two hundred years, following closely the British tradition. Full-scale renovation of the existing system will take time; a ten-year period is estimated. 

Significant changes are taking place in science programs offered to future citizens. Traditional patterns of science education, which build a strong theoretical tradition with less emphasis on laboratory and practical experiences, are changing rapidly. New programs and systems with more emphasis on research are being introduced. The content and teaching methods incorporated in these programs are based on the most up-to-date theories about what science is most worth knowing. The primary goal of the new generation science programs is to reflect the national interest of having a scientifically literate population.