Qatar- 140 teachers attend workshops

DOHA: More than 140 teachers and principals from Independent schools completed a series of rigorous professional development workshops and sharpened their skills in delivering science and maths education.

The workshops which were part of ‘Dhia: Engineering Leaders’ partnership between Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) and Maersk Oil Qatar taught teachers new skills and tools for integrating problem-based learning exercises and activities into science maths and engineering teaching.

Dhia delivers strategic educational outreach programmes to motivate young Qataris to choose educational pathways for careers in the fields related to science technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) and supports teachers and students through a broad portfolio of programmes and workshops.

Dr Johannes Strobel Lead Facilitator for the workshops and an internationally recognised researcher in the field of STEM education said the enthusiasm of teachers and administrators from the schools reflects Qatar’s commitment to quality education as a foundation for a knowledge-based society. “Qatar is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in innovative STEM education” Dr Strobel said. “The national development goals highlight the importance of science and engineering education and through this professional development we are providing teachers with the latest tactics for integrating those disciplines.”

Dr Strobel said research studies have identified elementary school as a critical crossroads for students’ attitudes toward STEM disciplines.

“Students are motivated to learn as they see how science and maths relate to real-world problems” he said. “We are helping teachers connect those ideas in their classrooms.”

Dr Ann Kenimer Interim Dean TAMUQ said teachers’ professional development is an essential component of academic outreach efforts to support human and social development towards Qatar National Vision 2030.

“Qatar’s schools are preparing young people to enter universities that will educate this country’s future leaders” Kenimer said.

“We are proud to partner with Maersk Oil Qatar to support high-quality teaching and learning for high-tech fields and grateful to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education for support for our activities.”

Lewis Affleck Managing Director Maersk Oil Qatar said the company was investing in teachers’ development through the Dhia portfolio to build capacity of the country’s technical workforce.

“We are committed to supporting the realisation of Qatar’s National Vision 2030 for generations to come. Human development is at the heart of building a knowledge-based economy” Affleck said.

“Through educational initiatives such as Dhia we are equipping schools and teachers with skills and expertise to inspire and create the scientists and engineers of the future.” He said the geographic range of schools represented at the workshops ensured that students in Qatar will have access to cutting-edge teaching techniques to promote learning in maths and science.

Nouf Al Kaabi Assistant Director Training and Educational Development Centre at the ministry stressed the importance of building teachers’ capacity in STEM education to enable students’ development of critical 21st-century skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking.

“Realising the importance of partnership in providing schools and educators with quality professional development programmes the centre is delighted to work with TAMUQ to provide public school teachers with cutting-edge professional development programmes in STEM education” she said.