More than 1,000 teachers, education leaders and policymakers from across Qatar and the region attended Qatar Foundation (QF)’s fourth annual Teaching and Learning Forum at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) yesterday.
The event organised by the Education Development Institute (EDI), part of QF’s Pre-University Education (PUE), showcases the most dynamic, innovative, and effective presentations and workshops from top international education professionals.
This year’s forum, sponsored by ExxonMobil in Qatar, was further designed to inspire and motivate teachers to reach for the highest level of student engagement and achievement, according to a press statement.
The forum featured international experts, motivational speakers and authors in the field of education, technology and leadership, including US astronaut Dr Mae Jemison, who gave the keynote speech at the conference’s opening session.
She was the first African American woman to travel in space, and the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa)’s first science specialist, performing experiments in material science, life science, and human adaptation to weightlessness.
The Teaching and Learning Forum falls under QF’s year-round professional development programme and is designed to provide educators with the opportunity to share knowledge and discuss industry issues, while enhancing the education system by empowering teachers.
PUE president Buthaina al-Nuaimi said: “In just four years, EDI’s Teaching and Learning Forum has become one of the premiere annual teaching conferences not only in Qatar, but throughout the region.”
“This important forum constitutes an integral part of QF’s drive to ensure innovation and knowledge sharing remain central to building creative educational strategies and helping our teachers prepare today’s young men and women with the skills, knowledge and tools they need to face the challenges of tomorrow,” the official added.
This year’s forum featured presentations from more than 40 schools and organisations from across the region, including teachers from QF and other local schools, bringing together a diverse range of experiences and innovation led practice.
EDI executive director Sheikha Noof Ahmed al-Thani noted: “The Teaching and Learning Forum strives to lay down foundations for a culture of excellence by exchanging expertise, ideas and best practices, and encouraging teachers to enhance their professional skills continuously.”
“The success of this year’s edition will certainly contribute to the amelioration of the standard of education in Qatar, producing graduates and global citizens who will ultimately lead Qatar to become a more sustainable and diverse economy,” she added.
Additional guest speakers included Katherine Merseth and Dr Deborah Jewell Sherman, both leading educators at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Dr Mahmoud al-Batal, a leading author and voice in Arabic language education, and Tom Shimmer, an independent education consultant from Vancouver, Canada, who is an internationally recognised expert in the areas of assessment, grading, RTI (response to intervention) and educational leadership.
ExxonMobil Qatar president and general manager Alistair Routledge said: “We are delighted to be involved in Education Development Institute’s Teaching and Learning Forum 2017 once again as its main sponsor.
“This important event is in line with our broader efforts to help improve the quality of education in Qatar’s schools by providing teachers with the tools and skills needed to inspire students to excel, especially in STEM subjects,” he added. “We believe that quality education ultimately helps citizens work together to create strong, sustainable institutions and societies.”
Through the Teaching and Learning Forum, EDI is supporting QF’s mission to promote a culture of lifelong learning in Qatar and further advance its commitment to education in helping shape the future of the nation, the statement adds.
PUE to host student projects on national programmes
Students from Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Pre-University Education (PUE) schools will showcase projects related to the National Programmes, namely Islamic Studies, Qatari History, Arabic Language, and Qatari Heritage, the newly established programme unique to QF schools.
PUE’s academic affairs, in line with the PUE Vision of “Leading Learning”, will bring QF school students together to exhibit performances and research projects from Qatar Academy Doha, Qatar Academy Al Khor, Qatar Academy Al Wakrah, Qatar Academy Sidra, Qatar Academy Msheireb, Qatar Leadership Academy, and Awsaj Academy.
The two-day event will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, April 26 and 27, from 9am to 2.30pm at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar atrium in Education City.
Winning works from competitions for best theatrical skit, best film, and best exhibition booth will be awarded.
Special booths by Nomas Centre (a government educational centre under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Sports) and the Theatre Affairs Centre will also be present.
“A nation that is not grounded in its identity and culture has no future. Our aspirations towards the age of science and modernity should be guided by our religious, national and cultural values,” said PUE academic affairs director Abeer al-Khalifa.
“QF schools, while adopting international educational programmes, carefully nurture their National Programmes,” the official added. “Pre-University Education has further pioneered the Heritage Programme, and supported it with educational resources and electronic content.”
The authors and consultants of the Qatari Heritage programme from the Ministry of Culture and Sports, and other contributors will also be acknowledged.
The event is open to all students, parents and the local community.
EDI executive director Sheikha Noof Ahmed al-Thani. Right: Leading entrepreneur HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, Public Health Department director Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad bin J al-Thani, who is also a board member of the Qatar Academy Doha, PUE president Buthaina al-Nuaimi, Qatar University president Dr Hassan al-Derham, and ExxonMobil Qatar’s Alistair Routledge at the forum.
