Higher education challenges in Yemen: Discourses on English teacher education

Muthanna A., KARAMAN A. C.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, vol.37, pp.40-47, 2014 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 37
  • Publication Date: 2014
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2014.02.002
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.40-47
  • Keywords: Teacher education, Higher education, Yemen, Education policy, Curriculum, English language education, REFORM
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

We investigated Yemen's higher education challenges by focusing on the English teacher education program. Interpretative analysis of policy statements and interviews revealed several factors that are hindering the quality of the program. Deeply aware of the socio-political dimensions impeding progress, the university lecturers shared convoluted visions for improving higher education and, in reflecting on the mission and realities of their program, voiced their quest for social justice and recognition by university administrators. The administrators acknowledged key problems in teacher education, but proposed no specific corrective measures. The findings highlight the urgent need for systemic change in Yemeni higher education. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.