The development of education in Morocco: trends, initiatives and problems

Abstract

This dissertation is an attempt to give a comprehensive account of the system of education in Morocco as well as its historical development and the influence of various trends. It is also an investigation into the different stages that Moroccan education has gone through and their influence on the present situation. This work consists of seven chapters: Chapter One introduces the different aspects of the country: the geographical, cultural, economic and historical features of Morocco. Chapter Two is concerned with education in Morocco before 1912, i.e. before the Protectorate, with emphasis on its traditional institutions and teachings which still persist. The second part of this chapter deals with education under the Protectorate, especially the influence of the French system and the decisions that were then created among Moroccans. Chapter Three is an examination of education from Independence until the present time, the different problems that faced the Ministry of National Education and what immediate measures were taken to tackle them. Chapter Four provides a survey of the structure of the system of education in Morocco, especially the pre-primary, the primary and secondary levels. In addition to describing these different levels, there is a discussion of the reforms that have been implemented since Independence. Chapter Five is devoted to higher education with reference to both Vocational Establishments and Universities. There is also an analysis of the curriculum of higher education.