The historical development of education in Oman: From the First Modern School in 1893 to the first modern university in 1986.

摘要

The history of traditional education (quranic schools) has been known in Oman for many centuries, but modern education was introduced to Omani society at the end of the 19th century. The first modern non-government school was established in 1893 by the Arabian Mission and the first government modern school was established in 1914. These events reflected political conditions that favored the founding of these isolated modern primary schools at those times.;For the four decades prior to 1970, Oman's political regime was not interested in education and as a result, education suffered in both quality and quantity. The oppressive politics of those years influenced many Omanis to leave the country both for economic reasons for opportunity to seek education for themselves and their children. Under these political circumstances, some political groups appeared both inside and outside the country and established their own schools.;When the new government took power in 1970, 90 percent of Oman's population was illiterate. There were only three government primary schools with an enrollment of 909 male students, one islamic institution with 50 male students, one technical school with 20 male students, several private quranic schools with a few hundred male and female students, and one missionary primary school with 50 female members.;The Ministry of Education and Youth was one of the first four ministries initiated in August 1970. The ministry faced several problems such as a lack of teaching staff, leadership staff, school buildings, and curriculum. Since 1970, five public educational areas have been established and are under the ministry's control, responsibility, and supervision. These educational areas are general education, literacy and adult education, special education, technical education, and higher education. In addition, the ministry maintains traditional education through islamic institutions.;Although special education was introduced into Oman in 1974, the first special education school was not opened until 1980 and the second one in 1985. Literacy and adult education started in 1973.;Technical education has three types of schools including agricultural and commercial schools which were introduced in 1979, and an industrial school which was introduced in 1983. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.).