Abu Dhabi Teachers Pilot New Techniques To Develop The Uae’s Future Engineers

06.11.10

A group of teachers from 13 regional schools across Abu Dhabi took part in a two-day workshop this week to learn about and share best practices in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

The workshop is part of a new pilot program called Bright Futures, a series of 10 lessons designed to enrich the science curriculum. It was developed by the Institute of Applied Technology’s (IAT) Managed Schools with the support of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). Participants at the workshops were science teachers from the six IAT Managed Schools including schools on Delma Island and seven schools from the Al Gharbia Education Zone. The Bright Futures program aims to support the UAE’s efforts to transform the education system, including its efforts to focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Bright Futures program helps teachers to share and promote new and innovative teaching practices and classroom activities that are effective in getting students excited about STEM subjects. “Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are the foundation for many careers,” said Dr Abdullatif Al Shamsi, IAT Director General. “STEM subjects help students to think critically and teach students how to problem solve – skills that are critical to the development of a knowledge-based economy in the UAE. Through Bright Futures, we hope to encourage more students to understand and pursue the opportunities available to them through these fields.” The concept of ‘learning by doing’ is at the heart of the Bright Futures lessons. Students are encouraged to interact and work through problems using a variety of methods, from hands-on activities, group work and problem-solving exercises to address real-life situations and debate relevant issues to discover answers. These teaching techniques have been tested by researchers and educators worldwide and have been proven to improve student performance in these subjects. By increasing interest in STEM subjects, the program aims to help deliver the future workforce for the UAE’s growing high-technology industries, such as nuclear energy, nanotechnology, aerospace, and clean technology. “We are pleased to be supporting this important program,” said Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation. “Developing the next generation of engineers is a major priority for our industry, and many other high technology industries across the UAE. Teachers play a vital in developing our local talent, by helping young people understand how science, technology, engineering and math subjects will be useful to them in the future.” Teachers will receive a series of lesson plans and classroom activities throughout the year that cover a range of science, maths, engineering and technology topics including electricity, heat and motion, atoms and isotopes.