The German Jordanian University (GJU) held a specialized workshop titled “Academic Programs Placement in the National Qualifications Framework,” attended by the university’s deans and heads of academic departments. The workshop aimed to highlight the importance of academic placement as a tool for curriculum development and alignment with both national and international qualification frameworks, enhancing higher education outcomes and meeting labor market demands.
The workshop was presented by Dr. Samer Al-Abed, Director of the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Department, who explained the true concept of placement according to the National Qualification Framework (NQF). He clarified that academic placement spans from basic education to postgraduate studies, encompassing ten levels, starting from kindergarten (Level 1) to doctorate (Level 10).
The workshop focused on Level 7 (bachelor’s degree) as the foundation for developing academic programs, emphasizing the necessity of designing Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) based on precise standards assessed through coursework, practical projects, and specialized exams. Dr. Al-Abed stressed the importance of linking academic outcomes to local and international market needs, citing examples from countries like the United Kingdom, Bahrain, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia in adopting placement within their national frameworks.
Dr. Al-Abed also highlighted the use of capstone projects as a comprehensive tool to measure performance indicators, allowing the evaluation of students’ capabilities in areas such as sustainable engineering solutions, scientific report preparation, and practical implementation of prototypes.
The workshop concluded with productive discussions among attendees on the challenges of implementing academic placement and improving programs to align with international accreditation standards like ABET and AACSB, reaffirming GJU’s commitment to advancing education and enhancing the competitiveness of its graduates locally and globally.