UAE Prime Minister

Mohammed attends education workshop

UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended part of a workshop organised by the Ministry of Education at Bab Al Shams resort in Dubai today. The two-day seminar is focused on setting a long-term education strategy in the country.

Sheikh Mohammed exchanged views with a number of the participants, including the Minister of Education Humaid Mohammed Obeid Al Qattami, second and third tier UAE leaders and Arab and foreign educationalists.

Calling on academic professionals to move away from rote learning practices, Sheikh Mohammed argued that they should concentrate on designing student-centred classes, as the former method limits learners' potential and drains them of their energy and abilities.

Sheikh Mohammed described the importance of offering students the opportunity to express themselves freely in class, thus limiting teacher-talk-time and allowing educators to get feedback and gauge lesson comprehension.

After urging those present to break away from outdated teaching practices, Sheikh Mohammed advised the concerned authorities to lean towards modern, scientific methods, adding that learners prosper more through dialogue.

By giving students the opportunity to actively engage in class, Sheikh Mohammed remarked, teachers will come to a greater understanding of their talents and abilities, which will allow for even more educational development.

Al Qattami briefed His Highness on various aspects of the ministry's education strategy, previously made a top priority by the UAE Government as led by Sheikh Mohammed, who has placed learning at the core of the country's overall development plan.

The minister said that the new strategy, which is due to be launched by Sheikh Mohammed in 2010, defines educational priorities and concentrates on teacher selection, developing UAE national identity and giving equal learning opportunity to all students so that they may contribute to the country's growth.