Quality Assurance in English Education in Omani Schools

Abstract

Quality emerged as an important consideration in educational contexts around the world more than three decades ago. However, providing quality education is no simple matter as there are many different perspectives about achieving this outcome. Despite this challenge, there is an increasing awareness in the Sultanate of Oman about the need to create and monitor education quality at all levels. In pursuit of this goal, Oman's Ministry of Education has implemented several important reforms which have encompassed all school subjects, including English. Basic education is one of the most significant of these reforms. To date, however, there is no indication of any significant improvement in English achievement levels in either schools or universities as a result of these programs. The aim of this chapter is to elucidate the challenges reported in the literature that face the provision of quality education at all levels in Oman. Opportunities for improvement and solutions to existing problems are also discussed.