On Monday 9.30.2024, the workshop, led by M. Pashew and M. Bahra, explored two crucial aspects of the evolving education system in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). In the first part, M. Pashew examined the education policy landscape, focusing on the reforms and challenges that have shaped its development since 2007. Utilizing qualitative data, he explored key concerns such as centralized policy-making, external influences, and the complexities of policy discourses aimed at modernizing the education system and aligning it with global standards. By mapping these changes, he highlighted the implications for educational governance and stakeholders across the region.
In the second part, M. Bahra discussed the role of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) as a catalyst for innovation and global connectivity. She explained how English proficiency connected students in the KRI to the world, offering them opportunities to study abroad, secure scholarships, and improve their employability. Furthermore, TESOL fostered creativity and critical thinking, preparing students for future success in a globalized economy. Together, the workshop emphasized the transformative impact of both education policy and TESOL on the future of learning and growth in the KRI.