The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Algerian Education System

Education is one of the most critical issues and the main priority of the Algerian
government. It is free and compulsory for all Algerian children from the age of 6 to 15. The
Algerian education system is characterised by its three major schooling levels managed and
supervised by the Ministry of Education: five years of elementary/primary school, four years
of middle/lower secondary school, and finally, three years of secondary/upper secondary
school. After students have succeeded in secondary school and passed the baccalaureate
exam, they can move to higher education and finally choose a major and enrol in college,
which is managed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Nevertheless, like any other education system, the Algerian has its advantages and
disadvantages that can positively or negatively affect Algerian students.

Although the Algerian education system has many advantages and positive aspects, it
also has its share of flaws, disadvantages, and negative aspects. First and most importantly,
Algerian students can receive an education without their parents worrying to pay any
expenses or tuition. In addition to the free-of-charge education, some students, under certain
conditions, can have additional privileges and concessions such as having their private
classes paid, getting free school equipment, and receiving sums of money occasionally. Still,
although many populations might support such a feature, most of them do not realise that it
also has a negative side. Due to the free education, the provided materials and equipment in
classrooms are very cheap, useless, and impractical. Moreover, the number of teachers
assigned in every school is too small. Consequently, the classrooms are overcrowded; the
number of students in every classroom has exceeded the typical average. Second, although
most teachers are well-trained and have the required knowledge and experience to carry out
teaching pupils, the education in Algeria lacks quality and efficiency. That is, many pupils
drop out of school due to their inability to succeed; some could not even succeed in their
elementary school. Furthermore, despite the poor quality and inefficiency of education in
Algeria, the government is gradually improving schooling systems and teaching
methodology. It highly supports the adaptation of a competency-based approach that focuses
on the student/pupil him/herself rather than the teacher. Hence, teachers are now giving a
chance and more space to the students to participate and build their own knowledge; they
encourage students to be more active and less passive in classrooms, which will eventually
help them get a better understanding of the presented lessons. In short, despite the negative
side and the many unfixed flaws of the Algerian education system, it has many advantages
and the potential to create creative and bright minds to adapt to future changes and make
innovations.

It is a fact that the advantages of the Algerian education system can help pupils
succeed and graduate with honourable degrees. Still, the previously mentioned flaws and
disadvantages might lead to a national educational failure. Thus, many students might end up
on the streets without hope to have a proper job. To summarise, the Algerian government
must put improving the education system a priority and make serious procedures that will
effectively enhance and boost the learning and teaching processes.
Author: Imen Aggoune