Oman has become the first country in the Gulf region to introduce German as a second foreign language in public schools.
The project, which was initiated by the Goethe-Institut in cooperation with the Ministry of Education (MoE) in 2010, was implemented in select Omani schools last month, as first reported by Muscat Daily on October 3.
"The German language plays an important role in economic development, particularly as far as tourism in Oman is concerned," said H E Dr Madeeha bint Ahmed al Shibaniyah, Minister of Education. "We are thankful to the Goethe-Institut for its active role in introducing German at Omani schools. It ensures the quality of education at schools and in teacher training. We hope to continue collaborating with the Goethe-Institut in future."
The move to introduce German as a second foreign language at Omani schools goes back to the year 2010 when the then Minister of Education, H E Saud al Mansoor Sulaimi Yahya, and the Secretary-General of the Goethe-Institut, Hans Georg Knopp, signed an agreement in this regard. The goal was to introduce German in five pilot schools selected by the ministry in South Batinah and Muscat governorates.
On July 23, 2010, ten English language teachers were chosen to be trained as German language teachers through a tailor-made programme by the German Language Center Oman in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut. The medium of instruction was German - right from the very first lesson.
The teachers' training programme included language, methodology, as well as three courses in Germany of four-eight weeks' duration.
"The Goethe-Institut is very pleased at this fruitful cooperation with the Ministry of Education in Oman. It is crucial for every society that young people learn different languages. Oman sets a very good example by qualifying its own teachers to teach German as a foreign language. These teachers demonstrate that learning a new language is not that difficult, but opens new opportunities in life," said Susanne Sporrer, director of the Goethe Institute Gulf Region.
Ahlam al Belushi, a teacher who attended the programme, spoke about the learning proc-ess. "Learning the German language was a challenge. But all my doubts and fears disappeared after interaction with my teachers and following their simple methods for teaching. Being in Germany gave me a chance to learn the colloquial language and culture of the country."
All the trained teachers hope to transfer their knowledge of the German language to Omani students by teaching according to the Goethe-Institut's methodology. Classroom studies will involve the use of modern textbooks and materials, practice tools and audio-visual resources. Goals will be set to enhance students' speaking, comprehension, reading and writing abilities.
© Muscat Daily 2012
