The Ministry of National Education has approved new organizational measures for "guided work" sessions in middle schools, to be implemented starting from the new academic year. For the first time, the English language will be introduced within these sessions. The ministry stated that these changes aim to transition from collective teaching to pedagogical support that is closer to individual learners. This initiative, which is part of recent educational reforms, seeks to improve the overall quality of learning and pedagogical practices within the middle school system. The measures are part of a broader effort to enhance educational outcomes and foster a more effective and equitable school system.
New Measures Detailed
A ministerial circular, numbered 436 and dated August 6th, was issued, referencing a Ministerial Decision from July 28, 2026, which outlines subject timings. The Directorate General of Education conveyed instructions to regional education directors regarding these changes. These instructions emphasize adherence to an updated methodological guide, which details the organization and implementation of "guided work" sessions. An updated methodological guide was attached to the circular to ensure unified application across institutions. This guide serves as the essential reference document for planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating "guided work" sessions across all middle schools.
To facilitate closer monitoring of student progress, classes will be divided into two groups for these sessions. This division is intended to allow for more individualized attention and support. All "guided work" sessions are to be integrated into the official school timetables, ensuring they are a structured and consistent part of the curriculum. The instructions were conveyed through middle school education inspectors and school principals to ensure broad dissemination and implementation of the new measures. This full approach shows the ministry's commitment to the successful integration of these new pedagogical practices.
Focus on Core Subjects
"Guided work" sessions will cover Arabic, Mathematics, and French, with English being added for the first time in the initial phase. This addition reinforces recent decisions to boost English language teaching by increasing weekly hours for second-year students from 2 to 3. The primary aim of these sessions is to focus on core subjects that form the foundational learning base for students. Officials indicate this approach seeks to improve academic achievement and address student difficulties effectively. The initiative is designed to enhance equal opportunities and reduce individual differences among students. The strategy explicitly considers individual differences among students, tailoring support to meet specific needs and ensuring that pedagogical support is closer to each learner.
Session Structure and Goals
The Ministry of National Education stated these measures are part of recent educational reforms. The ministry is aiming for a more effective and equitable school system through these changes. Pedagogical support is intended to become an integral part of the educational process, moving away from a collective teaching model towards more targeted assistance. For first, second, and third-year middle school students, "guided work" sessions will allocate one hour every two weeks per subject. Fourth-year middle school students will receive one hour weekly for Arabic and Mathematics in these sessions, acknowledging the increased academic demands at this level. Additionally, fourth-year students will be allocated one hour every two weeks for French and English subjects during "guided work" sessions. This structured allocation of time is designed to provide consistent and focused support across key subjects, ultimately enhancing learning quality and pedagogical practices.