The 2nd Round Table Discussion Meeting on Heritage Education
A two day expert meeting was held in Amman from 18 to 19 December 2011 on the current state of heritage education in Jordan and measures for improving it. The meeting was convened by the UNESCO Office in Amman in coordination with the Jordan National Commission for UNESCO and the Ministry of Education and with the participation of the Ministries of Tourism and Culture, the Department of Antiquities, universities, museums and national and international experts in the field of archaeology and heritage education.
Education plays a major role in teaching young people about the significance of national and world heritage at all levels of the educational systems. It provides an opportunity for raising awareness and putting emphasis on protecting heritage sites. Developing effective approaches and suitable materials for teaching tangible and intangible heritage for students is vital for its achievement. UNESCO in partnership with the Ministry of Education has identified that greater guidance is needed to encourage the involvement of young people in their heritage and enhance their perception of, and role within, their own historical environments.
At the roundtable a national expert in heritage education presented the findings of a national survey that mapped out all references to cultural heritage (tangible, intangible, cultural diversity) at the elementary and secondary levels in 15 curricula (including English, Arabic Mathematics, Science, Information Technology, Vocational Education, Art, Music and Citizenship). These findings were the basis of an expert discussion on the type of supplementary educational resources that should be developed for teachers and students in Jordan. In addition, strategic recommendations were formulated on the way forward of heritage education in Jordan.
The meeting was a follow up of research and a preliminary round table discussion held in August 2011. Present was a targeted audience of Educators and Ministry officials. Education specialists, members of the Ministries of Education, Culture, Tourism & Antiquities, as well as the Department of Antiquities, the National Commission, UNESCO Amman, and other parties.
For more information please contact Dr. Hadeel Talli, h.talli@unesco.org