Dubai: Outdated teaching methods and poor work conditions for teachers are among the big concerns that schools in Dubai face, a report by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) found.
According to the report, casual recruitment, low salaries and poor working conditions are the key factors causing staff to quit.
Indian, US and “other curriculum” schools in particular were among the schools that were found to have a high staff turnover. “High staff turnover is often harmful to the continuity of students’ learning," the report said.
The report accused schools of failing to understand the importance of fair employment. “Not all schools understand that to provide teachers with training, support and fair terms of employment is a vital investment strategy,” it read.
Another key issue that schools face, especially underperforming ones, is a narrow approach by teachers to learning and outdated teaching methods that don’t encourage investigative skills.
Although the report did not study whether there was a link between teachers' poor performance and poor working conditions, those who spoke to Gulf News said they believed the two were very much related.
“I always try to do my very best regardless of the situation that I am in, however I must say that when I was in my previous job where I was working in a hostile and poor environment it did eventually get to me and I felt that I was not doing my job well,” said Jameela Hijawi, who teaches at a school in Sharjah.
She added that after she changed jobs to a much better school, her mental state improved and so did her teaching.
Teacher Lamia Yaseen agreed, stating that good working conditions and salaries were vital to the performance of not just teachers, but all professions.
“Not only teachers, anyone who works in a poor environment will eventually break down and leave. I am fortunate enough to work in a great school that provides growth opportunities through regular workshops.”
To improve teachers’ skills and expose them to new methods, Fatima Bel Rehif, DSIB Director at KHDA, said the authority has introduced an event where teachers are provided with a platform to exchange ideas.
“KHDA launched 'What Works' in 2012 to provide a platform for teaching professionals to develop their techniques and expertise in a range of areas. The conferences were designed to engage teachers and leaders, encouraging them to share positive practice in education and develop their skills,” she added
Students and parents were also interviewed to learn what they thought about teaching methods.
University student Mohannad Yousuf, an 18-year-old Egyptian who as a student studied in three different schools, said he encountered more bad teachers than good.
“Most of my teachers were fresh graduates from abroad who lacked any skills. I hope that schools would care more about experience.”
Mother of four, Manal Al Waleed, believes improvement of Arabic teaching methods in schools should be a priority.
“I don’t even understand the Arabic material assigned by my child’s grade nine teacher. Teachers should simplify it and make it more interesting.”
