Over 64 percent of female and male students from intermediate and secondary schools in the Eastern Province, who participated in a poll conducted by a local Arabic daily newspaper, doubt the abilities of their teachers, especially those teaching mathematics and science. Many teachers have rejected the results of the poll and said they are well trained but face various challenges including overcrowded classrooms and too little time to concentrate on quality education. Hanyia Al-Issa, a first-year intermediate student, said her mathematics teachers are “weak” and allegedly teach two lessons in one period. She said her mother had conveyed this observation to the school's authority but it did not respond. Her mother then transferred her to another school. Khaled Ismail, a high school student in his second year, said most of his teachers are good with the exception of the Arabic and physics teachers. He claimed that they do not explain the lessons in depth. Lumia Ali, a female student in her third year at intermediate level, said her mathematics teacher was too old to communicate and got nervous when students asked a question. “The students have discovered this weakness so they tease her until she loses her temper and abuses them verbally.” Areej Abdullah, a secondary school student, praised her teachers and described them as highly qualified, competent and experienced. Amnna Radi, a secondary school teacher, said: “The teaching profession needs skills, talent and aptitude which most of the teachers don't possess. Most teachers want high salaries, short working hours and paid holidays. These privileges, which are not offered in other jobs, attract them to teaching in the first place.” Manal Khalil, a teacher, said she has taken many courses and is able to teach science subjects. She said the Ministry of Education's supervisors constantly assess their performance. Khaled Al-Hamad, Director of Educational Media at the Education Directorate in the Eastern Province, said the ministry appraise the technical skills of all teachers. Teachers with evaluation scores of less than 80 percent are obliged to undertake intensive training courses in methodology and teaching skills.
