Amidst the ongoing debate surrounding the importation of foreign universities as a solution to elevate educational standards, a central question arises: do local universities possess the inherent capacity to enhance their performance independently? Some argue that importing foreign universities could facilitate technology transfer and improve scientific research. However, this approach carries cultural and social risks that could lead to the marginalization of local identity. Education is not merely a commodity to be bought and sold; it is a civilizational endeavor aimed at nurturing individuals in accordance with their cultural identity and societal values. Hence, developing local education becomes an urgent necessity, emphasizing cultural and societal values that students can internalize and disseminate within their communities.
University education is not solely a means of knowledge transmission; it
is an effective tool for instilling the cultural and social values that support
the building of a strong and cohesive society. As noted by sociologist Ibrahim
Khalifa in his study on the role of education in building cultural identity,
education contributes to shaping individuals' awareness of societal values and
ethical principles. Carefully embedding cultural heritage and local values into
curricula enables students to internalize these values and disseminate them
within their communities, thereby positioning graduates as effective
ambassadors of these values in their professional and social paths. For
instance, incorporating activities such as participation in traditional
celebrations or learning folk arts enhances pride in local culture and
contributes to heritage preservation.
A modern university with a glass facade or contemporary architectural design, located next to a well-known archaeological site or national monument in the city. In the foreground plaza, diverse students converse or participate in a cultural activity, while details of the historical landmark are clearly visible in the background, the scene reflecting the interaction between academic modernity and national identity.
Furthermore, local universities can enhance educational quality by
adopting diverse strategies that bolster their academic and cultural roles.
Firstly, adopting Total Quality Management (TQM) serves as a
fundamental pillar for the continuous improvement of educational performance.
As W. Edwards Deming (1900-1993), a pioneer of the TQM movement, emphasized,
applying its principles necessitates a focus on the perpetual development of
all aspects of the educational process. Establishing effective systems for
performance monitoring and data analysis to identify and systematically address
shortcomings is a vital step in this direction.
Secondly, developing curricula that reflect the university's
strategic objectives and the community's cultural values is essential. For
example, Al-Azhar University in Egypt has developed programs incorporating
coursework that blends modern sciences with Islamic heritage, enabling students
to understand their cultural identity while acquiring advanced academic skills.
In Europe, the experience of the University of Helsinki in Finland stands out,
focusing on integrating humanistic and environmental values into curricula to
foster critical thinking and social responsibility among students.
Thirdly, investing in faculty members is one of the most critical
factors for elevating educational quality. Their competence can be enhanced
through continuous training programs and workshops focused on the latest
pedagogical trends and educational technologies. The MORHEL project in Morocco
serves as a successful example, aimed at enhancing academic leadership by
training 132 leaders and managers in Moroccan higher education institutions in
partnership with European universities such as the University of Granada in
Spain. This project has resulted in improved governance practices and strategic
planning within these institutions.
Fourthly, strengthening scientific research is a fundamental
pillar for advancing the standard of higher education. Establishing specialized
research centers and supporting collaboration between universities and
industrial institutions facilitates the development of innovative solutions
that serve the local community. Tunisia's experience in establishing the
"Cité des Sciences" (City of Sciences) as an integrated research and
educational center is a successful example of how scientific research can be leveraged
to support national development. Germany stands out as a model with its
'Forschungscampus' program, an outstanding initiative fostering long-term
partnerships between universities and industrial sectors aimed at driving
technological development and innovation.
Fifthly, digital transformation has become an imperative for
advancing the educational process. Creating digital learning platforms, such as
Jordan's 'Edraak' platform for open online education, provides a comprehensive
learning experience for students and enhances interaction between them and
faculty members. As noted in a European Union report on digital education, the
use of modern technologies offers effective assessment tools and contributes to
improving the quality of the educational process.
Finally, instead of importing foreign universities, local
universities can strengthen international and local partnerships to exchange
expertise and design joint programs without compromising the cultural identity
of the local community. The collaboration between Qatar University and
University College London to establish joint educational programs focusing on
environmental challenges and sustainable development serves as an example.
In conclusion, elevating the quality of university education does not necessitate importing foreign universities. Rather, it depends on developing curricula that embody the community's cultural values, supporting academic staff, strengthening scientific research, and focusing on digital transformation and sustainable development. Education is not merely an academic pursuit; it is an effective tool for instilling cultural and social values that support the building of a strong and cohesive society. When local culture is integrated into education, students become ambassadors of these values within their communities, leading to the reinforcement of national identity, social bonds, and respect for cultural diversity. In this way, local universities can achieve tangible progress in educational quality without needing to import foreign models that may not align with the community's aspirations and civilizational identity.
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