Abu Dhabi: Developing the skills of students, their knowledge and motivation and encouraging teachers to teach students to participate rather than learn passively was the focus of a recent conference titled "Towards a student-centred classroom".
The event was held under the patronage of Abu Dhabi Education Council jointly with University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and University of Cambridge ESOL examinations. University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) has had a presence in the Middle East region for over 20 years and works with nearly 70 schools in the UAE alone.
Adapting to times
"If we continue to teach as we always taught, we will not prepare the students for the world they will face," Ann Puntis, CIE chief executive, told Gulf News.
"Teach less, learn more is today's goal; this conference brings together expertise from Cambridge University, to equip young people with new strategies for tomorrow's world", she said.
Developing an enquiring approach is what Cambridge's research has proven successful in improving students' overall progress, which leads to better performance in examinations.
A number of Abu Dhabi's schools have already embraced the concept of student-centered learning, including Al Nahda School, Al Najah School, and the International Community School.
