The Ministry of Education's plan for studying during Ramadan: Monitoring absences and preventing negligence
In a move aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the education system and ensuring its continued operation with the same level of seriousness and discipline, the Ministry of Education has directed its school administrations and all staff to implement a comprehensive procedural plan to regulate the educational process during the holy month of Ramadan. These directives come within the framework of the Ministry's efforts to instill the concept that fasting is a motivation for work and achievement, not an excuse for laxity. The Ministry emphasized the necessity of making the best use of class time and immediately recording absences without any leniency.
Context of the transformation in Saudi education
These measures are particularly important given the major transformations underway in the Saudi Arabian education sector, stemming from the objectives of Vision 2030. The most significant challenge in recent years has been balancing the spirituality of the holy month with academic demands, leading to fluctuations in student attendance in schools. However, the Ministry's current approach focuses on changing the prevailing culture and emphasizing that school discipline is a constant standard, unaffected by the changing seasons. This reflects a more mature administrative and educational approach, one that aims to compete with the ever-evolving global education systems.
Details of the action plan and timeline
The Ministry has already begun preparing the school environment, adopting flexible class schedules to accommodate the holy month, while maintaining strict enforcement. The plan outlines the timeframe for implementing these measures, beginning on the first of Sha'ban and extending until the sixteenth of Ramadan. This preparatory period aims to ensure the stability of educational performance and prepare students both psychologically and physically before the start of Ramadan, while also identifying students expected to be absent early to proactively monitor their attendance.
Educational strategies to break the deadlock
The ministry's directives extended beyond administrative matters to include the practical aspects of classroom learning, urging teachers to employ "active learning" strategies. These strategies are particularly crucial during Ramadan, as they help break the monotony and accommodate students' physiological changes, ensuring they remain mentally engaged rather than passively receiving information, which can exacerbate feelings of lethargy.
Community partnership and expected impact
The plan emphasized the immediate activation of communication channels with parents, considering the family a strategic partner in its success. Through regular notifications and disciplinary reports, the Ministry aims to unify efforts between home and school. These stringent measures are expected to contribute to improved learning outcomes and reduce the learning loss that previously occurred due to mass absenteeism before holidays. This will reinforce the values of responsibility and diligence in young people and underscore the educational institution's role as a nurturing environment for values and hard work.
