This edited volume contributes a novel understanding of the past, present and future of higher education across the six countries that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Against the backdrop of intense political, ideological and epistemological disruptions across the Arabian Gulf Region over the last two decades, this volume adopts critical comparative perspectives in order to chart the history, present-day and future realities of higher education in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. By focusing on dynamics relating to neoliberalism, and using the notions of ‘tensionality’ and ‘locality’ to situate topics such as curricula, policies, practices, the volume engages with current discourses, controversies and themes such as the internationalization and marketization of higher education in these countries. In doing so, the book offers a theoretical framework to enable greater understanding of the contemporary functioning of higher education in the Arabian Gulf Region.
This text will benefit scholars, academics and students in the fields of higher education and international and comparative education more broadly. Those involved with educational policy and politics, and Middle Eastern studies in general, will also benefit from this volume.
Author(s): Awad Ibrahim, Osman Z. Barnawi
Series: Routledge Research in Higher Education
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 285
City: New York
Cover
Half Title
Series Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Table of Contents
List of Figures
List of Tables
Editors
List of Contributors
Acknowledgments
Introduction: The Pulse of Higher Education in the Arabian Gulf
Outline of the Book
References
Part 1: Critical Historical Archaeology of Higher Education in the GCC
Chapter 1: Seven Decades of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia: A Foucauldian Genealogy
Introduction
Foucault’s Notion of Genealogy
The Archaeology and Genealogy of Higher Education in KSA
Overview of the History of Education in Saudi Arabia
Objectives, Forms and Content of Saudi Higher Education
Valuable Elements in Saudi Colleges and Universities
The Rise of Higher Education Entities in Saudi Arabia
Discussion and Conclusions
References
Chapter 2: The History of Higher Education in Kuwait
Introduction
Literature Review
Education in Kuwait
The Establishment of the Education Council
Higher Education in Kuwait
Higher Institutions in Kuwait
Kuwait University
Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET)
Australian College of Kuwait (ACK)
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST)
Kuwait Maastricht Business School (KMBS)
Arab Open University (AOU)
American University of Kuwait (AUK)
American University of the Middle East (AUM)
Kuwait International Law School (KILAW)
Box Hill College Kuwait (BHCK)
Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST)
Algonquin College
College of Aviation Technology (C.A.T.)
Military Colleges
Functions of Higher Education
Female Education in Kuwait
Challenges Facing Higher Education in Kuwait
Scientific Research
Findings
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3: A Historical Archaeology of Higher Education in the Sultanate of Oman: A Critical Social and Education Policy Perspective
Introduction
A Brief Economic and Political Overview of the Sultanate of Oman
Neoliberal Ideology
Neoliberalism in Higher Education
Technological Vocational Education and Training
Sultan Qaboos University
Private Higher Education
Conclusion
References
Chapter 4: History of Higher Education in Qatar: A Genealogy
Introduction
Qatar: A History
Qatar: A Population
Qatar: An Education
Qatar: A History of Higher Education
Qatar: A Historical Evolution in Higher Education Institutions
Qatar: An International Turn—A Conclusion
References
Chapter 5: The Coming of Age in UAE Higher Education: The March of the Young Nation to a Postmodern Era
An Overview of Higher Education in the Gulf Cooperation Council
Historical Background of Higher Education
The March to New Millennium
Evolution in Higher Education
Vibration of the New Nation
Considering Quality and Quantity
Conclusion
References
Chapter 6: Higher Education in Bahrain: Current Trends, Successes, Challenges and Future Possibilities
Introduction
History
Current Trends
Challenges
Preprimary and K–12 Education
Language
Gender Gap
Higher Education Reform
Competition for International Students
COVID-19
Successes
Educational Development
Successful Implementation of Strategy
Addressing the Challenges: The Future of Higher Education in Bahrain
Staying the Course
Increasing Funding
Further Developing Internet Communication Technology, Mobile and Online Learning
A Regional Educational Hub
Conclusion
References
Part 2: Higher Education in the Arabian Gulf Region Today
Chapter 7: Development of Higher Education in Bahrain
Introduction
Development of Higher Education in Bahrain
Budget Expenditures on Higher Education in Bahrain
Quality Assurance and Internationalization of Higher Education in Bahrain
Teaching Efficiency in Higher Education Institutions
Research Productivity of Higher Education Institutions
Conclusions
Notes
References
Chapter 8: Higher Education in Saudi Arabia: A Vehicle for Global Promotion and Advancement
Brief History of Education in Saudi Arabia
The Establishment of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia
Invest in Education; Divest in Foreign Labor
Recognizing the Importance of English and E-learning as Vehicles for Change
Challenges Implementing Government Initiatives in Saudi Higher Education
Best Practices in English Language Teaching in Light of Current Trends
Challenges in ELT for Higher Education
Historical Challenges Tied to Teaching and Learning in Saudi Education
Saudization and the Saudi Labor Market
Tatweer Research Findings
Higher Education’s Output Misaligned with Labor Market Needs
Saudi Arabia Vision 2030
Obstacles to Saudi Vision 2030—Economic
Obstacles to Saudi Vision 2030—Education
COVID-19 and Future Challenges in Online Education
References
Chapter 9: Development of the Higher Education in the UAE: Challenges and Current Achievements
Introduction
Higher Education in the GCC: Comparative Perspective
Development of Higher Education in the UAE: Historical Perspective
Teaching Efficiency and Quality of Education in the UAE
Research Productivity in the UAE Higher Education Institutions
Conclusions and the Policy Implications
Notes
References
Chapter 10: Negotiating between Cultural and Academic Values: Undergraduate Education Choices and Divisions in the State of Qatar
Introduction
Qatar’s Demographics and Language Policies
Undergraduate Education Choices in Qatar
QU
QF’s IBCs
Negotiating Undergraduate Education Options in Qatar
Academic Reputation
University Reputation
Student Characteristics
Medium of Instruction
Coeducational Environment
Discussion and Conclusion
Notes
References
Chapter 11: Development of the Higher Education System in Kuwait
Introduction
Brief Historical Development of the Higher Education System in Kuwait
Budget Expenditures on Higher Education in Kuwait
Teaching Efficiency in Higher Education Institutions
Research Productivity and Development at Higher Education Institutions
Conclusions
Notes
References
Chapter 12: Higher Education in the Sultanate of Oman Today
Introduction
Defining Policy, Setting Context and Thesis
Conceptual Framework: An Analytical Setting
Higher Education in Oman: Inception 2020
Academic Factors
Plans
Comprehensiveness and Integration
International Competence
Enhancement and Assurance
Financial Factors
Structural Factors
The Way Forward—Higher Education 2040
Defining Policy, Setting Context and Thesis
Academic Plans
Comprehensiveness and Integration
International Competence
Enhancement and Assurance
Financial Factors
Structural Factors
Conclusion
References
Part 3: Comparing, Contrasting and Projecting a Future of Higher Education in the Arabian Gulf
Chapter 13: Epilogue: The Pulse of the Development of Higher Education across the Gulf Countries in the Era of Neoliberalism: Conclusion, Limitations and Future Prospects
Introduction
How Does the Higher Education Sector Process in the GCC?
Western Higher Education in a Neoliberal Age
The Road Ahead: The ‘Adopt or Adapt’ Dilemma
References
Index
