Sheikha Hind attends QF’s learning forum

HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, vice chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation (QF), yesterday attended the fifth annual Teaching and Learning Forum, organised by the Education Development Institute (EDI), part of QF’s Pre-University Education (PUE).More than 1,500 teachers, education leaders and policymakers from across Qatar and the region attended the forum at Qatar National Convention Centre. This year’s forum, sponsored by ExxonMobil Qatar, was also designed to inspire and motivate teachers to reach for the highest level of student engagement and achievement. It featured international experts, motivational speakers, and authors in the field of education, including leading educator Steve Francis — creator of Happy Schools, a programme aimed at boosting staff morale and reducing teacher stress — who gave the keynote speech at the opening session. 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. Buthaina Ali al-Nuaimi, president, PUE, said, “The Teaching and Learning Forum is a promising opportunity that evokes our responsibility to empower future generations, to value the role of the educator, to foster a culture of innovation, and to invest in a better future.“It is an opportunity for us to renew our commitment to our common principles and goals, as one community; strengthening our resolve to work together, to build a sustainable and knowledge-based future.”This year’s forum saw local experts in the fields of education and medicine provide their insights in several panel discussions, including a discussion on building inclusive systems within schools. It also featured presentations from more than 60 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. In his keynote speech, Francis said, “Teachers play a vital role in society and have a huge impact on student learning.“While teaching can be very rewarding, it can also be very demanding. Many teachers around the world feel stressed, unappreciated, and frustrated. It’s important that parents and staff in schools work together for the benefit of the student.To help teachers to be at the top of their game, teacher well-being and engagement are important factors in school effectiveness.”Additional guest speakers included Dr Janet Goodall, a lecturer in Educational Leadership and Management at the University of Bath; Joy Marchese from Positive Discipline UK and The American School of London and Dr Michael Lovorn, a student engagement expert from the University of Alabama.Alistair Routledge, president and general manager for ExxonMobil Qatar, said, “ Every day, good teachers create opportunities for their students to ask questions, analyse information, and become creative thinkers. They are laying the foundation to foster a sustainable and prosperous future, and it is our responsibility as active members of the community to support their work.”