The Pedagogical Training for Teacher Professional Development program is an integral component of a broader development framework in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. At the core of this reformist initiative is the enhancement of education quality and the professional competencies of educators within higher education institutions. The program responds to mounting pressure to reform and modernize the structure of pedagogical training in the region, aligning it with contemporary national and international standards and developments in higher education. For educators, this reform entails upgrading their competencies to meet emerging requirements. Both initial teacher training and ongoing professional development are essential in this context. Teachers need to adopt innovative pedagogical practices, learning and assessment methods to foster active citizenship, strengthen connections between education and the labour market, and develop transferable 21st-century skills that address societal needs and enhance employability and entrepreneurial potential.

The pedagogical training program seeks to empower participants—referred to as teacher-students—to develop specific core competencies essential for functioning as effective, facilitative, reflective, creative, and entrepreneurial educators. These core competencies are carefully aligned with the training modules and are designed to integrate the requisite skills, knowledge, and attitudes. By developing these competencies, teacher-students will be equipped to guide and facilitate meaningful and effective student learning.

The identified core competencies are as follows:

1. Digital Competence

Digital competence encompasses the ability to effectively utilize various digital tools and technologies. Rapid technological advancements have significantly transformed teaching practices and the operations of educational institutions. Teachers must adapt to these dynamic changes within and beyond the educational landscape to remain effective in their roles.

2. Pedagogical Competence

Pedagogical competence requires educators to possess a deep theoretical understanding of pedagogical and learning theories, as well as the ability to translate these concepts into practical applications. This competence ensures that teaching practices are both evidence-based and contextually relevant to society and broader working environment.

3. Facilitation Competence

Facilitation competence emphasizes the educator’s role as a guide and facilitator. It includes the ability to create an engaging and supportive learning environment that encourages active student participation and fosters a sense of ownership in the learning process.

4. Assessment Competence

Assessment competence entails the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to evaluate student learning and development effectively. This involves using diverse assessment tools and methods, considering individual differences, and ensuring that assessments reflect the achievement of learning outcomes. Moreover, it encourages students to actively participate in various learning activities.

5. Moral and Ethical Competence

Moral and ethical competence pertains to the professional responsibility of teachers to act ethically and responsibly in addressing challenges within their professional environments. This competence underpins a commitment to student learning and the broader educational process, contributing to societal welfare and the public good.

6. Interaction and Communication Competence

Interaction and communication competence involves the ability to establish and maintain meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and the broader academic community. This competence enables educators to build effective networks and foster a collaborative atmosphere conducive to learning and professional growth.

7. Entrepreneurial Competence

Entrepreneurial competence focuses on fostering entrepreneurial thinking and attitudes among teacher-students. It highlights the importance of building connections with society and the labour market while helping students develop skills and competencies that enhance employability and productivity.

8. Reflective Competence

It refers to the ability to critically examine personal values, behaviours, and actions. It empowers educators to assess their teaching practices and roles with a critical lens, enabling them to make necessary adjustments to meet the evolving needs of their students and the educational context. This competence also includes cultivating critical thinking skills, which are essential for informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

Pedagogical training course consists of 30 credits comprising of the six modules below which are also divided into themes and sub-themes as shown in Figure 1 below: