An approach to curriculum development in developing countries: Saudi Arabia case study

The theme for this year’s conference was ‘Vocational education and training systems, what works and why’ and the program was structured around four topics: VET systems; VET in developing countries; VET and economic and social development; and VET and special needs groups. This case study of curriculum development in Saudi Arabia was part of the first topic. In view of the Government of Saudi Arabia’s strong emphasis on promoting Saudi National’s employment or ‘Saudization’ in a thriving economy, it is becoming more vital than ever to adopt the technical education and training to the real need of the local labour market. A new strategy, which lays out procedures on the development of occupational skill standard, curriculum and instructional material, is being institutionalised within the General Organization for Technical Education and Vocational Training (GOTEVT). This paper presents an overview on one of the challenges facing technical education in Saudi Arabia and it also illustrates the adopted strategy to tackle this challenge. The development process illustrated in this paper proves to be cost effective, reliable, efficient and suitable for application in developing countries.

Executive summary with additional information reprinted by permission of the copyright owner.

The main entry for the IVETA 2001 conference is at TD/TNC 68.302. Individual papers presented at the conference are listed by topic from TD/TNC 68.303 to TD/TNC 68.306. Selected papers (including keynote speeches) are indexed from TD/TNC 68.307 to TD/TNC 68.384. Show less