Poll: Education Policies Failing

A survey published by the pro-government website Syria Steps on October 17 found that families are largely unhappy with government educational policies and want to see reforms.



The survey of 500 families in Damascus, Latakia and Homs found that 96 per cent of parents were concerned about their children’s education and worry that students are not learning critical thinking skills.



The website reported that pupils felt overwhelmed by the volume of schoolwork, including new policies requiring them to learn both English and French. Parents said their children were memorising information and copying homework without understanding the material.



Families with means are paying private tutors to get their children through their studies, while mothers are being forced to leave their jobs to help their children study.



The website warned the government that if it did not review its policies, future generations might have degrees but they would have little intellectual capacity, and the dropout rate might increase.



Levant News also reported on October 19 that the cost of books at state schools have doubled in some places, with the most dramatic rises at secondary schools. Private universities have hiked their tuition fees by as much as 50 per cent.