61% of Jordanians prefer switching times based on seasons — CSS survey

AMMAN — Some 61 per cent of Jordanians prefer switching times based on the seasons, while 25 per cent are in favour of keeping summer time, all year, and only 11 per cent are in favour of keeping winter time year-round, according to a recent poll from the University of Jordan's Centre for Strategic Studies (CSS). 

The centre conducted an opinion poll between September 26 and October 2 on a nation-wide sample that is representative of all governorates, regions, ages and education levels, including a sample representing high school students, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Other topics covered by the poll include whether the General Secondary Education Certificate Examination (Tawjihi) is a true and fair measurement of students' academic abilities, where 38 per cent of respondents said that the national exam is a good indicator of ability.

Another 46 per cent of respondents answered negatively, citing the "immense psychological pressure Tawjihi places on students and parents".

Also, 47 per cent of responders said that they believe that the future of the younger generation should not be entirely dependent on the examinations, as more than one-third of Jordanian students have demanded to abolish the exam altogether, and find alternatives.

Meanwhile, 76 per cent of Jordanians who responded to the survey said that they believed Jordan to be a safe country, and that they feel a sense of safety for themselves and their families.