The start of the new academic year sees both parents and students charged with excitement, apprehension and concern. Gulf News wanted to discover how satisfied parents are with the education system in the UAE. How has the cost of living affected their choices? Most readers said that schooling in the UAE was good but would like several issues to be addressed, such as tuition and qualified educators. They also called for the establishment of a complaint committee that would offer redressal.
The education system in the UAE has improved with each year.
The education system is developing in the UAE. Advanced technology, use of IT tools in teaching and globalisation has had a widespread influence in the process of imparting knowledge. Students today have a wider choice. Being a former educator, I've had the privilege of seeing the system change for the better. I have a daughter in 12th grade, and thereby I can vouch for it.
– Annie R. Samuel
Umm Al Quwain
Many qualified teachers are paid less, such that they cannot meet their basic requirements. Teachers who shape the future of students have been neglected when it comes to their pay. Schools increase fees in the name of quality but don't increase salaries. First pay the educators their rightful dues and then debate on the quality and improvement in education.
– John D'Mello
Dubai
The improvement in the education system is seen in the results of the board exams, global recognition of the institutions and students' achievements worldwide. Education in the UAE has evolved. However, more needs to be done in order to inculcate the right attitude and values through an advanced educational module to further achieve the desired results.
– Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai
The education system is definitely on a par with international standards. However, due to the high fee structure, entry in a good school or university is hardly affordable for many. The 'not-so-high-profile' institutions are deprived of good teachers. The government offers scholarships, but not all students get it. There should be an emphasis on the education standards rather than the price of education.
– Farhana Zaman
Dubai
There is a great need for qualified teachers.
I'm not sure if it's a lack of scrutiny in selecting teachers or a lack of professional training imparted as a part of the training programmes, but from what I've seen there is definitely a lack of qualified teachers in the UAE.
– Syam P. Prabhu
Sharjah
Teachers here are quite qualified, otherwise how would they have got the job in the first place? Going by UAE's reputation of opting for the best, teachers too are not far behind in terms of matching their international counterparts. However, introducing a teacher to new changes in the education system by way of training speaks well of the school.
– Amlanjyoti Basu
Abu Dhabi
There seems to be a block against professionals trying to get teaching jobs in the UAE. However, for most universities and higher-level schools this is not the case. I believe there should be better encouragement and a platform for professionals with good skills and expertise to apply as teachers and offer their service. This is a worldwide problem and not something exclusive to the UAE.
– Nasar Usmani
Dubai
I think there is a fair amount of housewives who are not qualified to teach but manage to get jobs in good schools. If we are looking at the possibility of improving education, such teachers definitely need to get trained. Moreover the educator has to be instrumental in shaping the entire personality of the child and not just impart theory-based knowledge. Teachers should aim at a complete package.
– Niranjan Gidwani
Dubai
Educators must be stopped from providing tuition to pupils outside the school.
No two individuals are alike. For all pupils in a class to achieve a common level of understanding is not possible for various reasons. Children with special needs or those with a low level of perception may require special classes. At the same time teachers must do justice to their code of ethics and uphold their profession by keeping the desire to make money out of it.
– Bose A. Panicker
Dubai
Educators should give their complete attention to their profession; otherwise it's unfair to schools and students. Lack of a proper environment tends to take away legitimate and qualified teachers and discourages them from teaching within the boundaries of the education system. It is a waste of their professional skills and the time, trust and money of parents.
– Vinod Mehra
Dubai
Sometimes the syllabus is extensive and not everything can be taught within the stipulated time. Also schools don't usually provide pupils with extra teaching classes. Sometimes, if a pupil can't get additional help outside of school, he/she might end up failing in that subject. As long as the betterment of the child is the objective, tuitions should be encouraged.
– Arif Akhtar
Sharjah
As parents, we pay the schools to ensure that our children are taught properly. There shouldn't be a need to seek outside help. Everything that needs to be taught should be covered in the classroom. I have a daughter in school and she's never needed a tutor. What is the sense in sending our children to school if we still need additional services outside the classroom?
– Rekha Ram
Abu Dhabi
The authorities need to set up a proper redressal to receive complaints from parents and students.
The management is very lop-sided. They never speak the truth. The teachers are warned never to give negative answers to parents in case of any queries. The parents are therefore cheated. If a redressal system is set up, the weaknesses of the child as well as the education system can be brought forward. We can better a child with views from both sides being voiced.
– Barbara Ali
Ajman
If there is a body to receive complaints, parents and students can both express and duly address the problems they face. This is easier and more effective rather than going to the school, talking about the issue and waiting for a response from the authorities. In this manner, if the school has a problem with the child, it, too, can inform the parent of the same.
– Chandra Phuyal
Al Ain
There are lots of issues parents would want to address directly. Schools should aim at providing the overall development of the pupil and not be interested in making money alone. They need to address the children and their parents' interests as well. There doesn't seem to be strict regulation for teachers. When they're poorly educated you should expect for issues to come up.
– Bala Gopan
Dubai
Parents should have a separate entity in order to talk about issues concerning their children. By providing a redressal system or a separate committee or body, the school can serve the needs of parents with regards to complaints and suggestions more efficiently. This would ensure a better education system.
– Hameed Khawaja
Dubai
