His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched a seven year UAE National Agenda leading to the UAE Vision 2021. It was developed by over 300 officials from 90 federal and local government entities. It includes a set of national indicators in the sectors of education, healthcare, economy, police and security, housing, infrastructure and government services.
A report that appeared in Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) website, which was titled “Inspection Handbook 2014-15,” recommends that schools must focus on fulfilling the agenda put forward by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad, regarding the UAE’s ranking in international assessments.
The two main objectives of the Agenda:
- UAE should reach in the list of top 15 countries in TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study)
- The UAE will be among the 20 highest performing countries in PISA (Program for International Student Assessment).
For helping the schools to obtain these objectives, Dubai School Inspection Bureau (DSIB) of KHDA has provided workshops to assist schools to raise their standards.
What Schools Must Do to Meet This Goal?
Schools must raise students’ performance, says KHDA. If they plan on meeting UAE’s national agenda, private schools in Dubai must raise pupils’ performance level in mathematics and science.
Director-General of KHDA, Dr Abdullah Al Karam said, “We have been witnessing linear progress, what we need to meet this target is an exponential growth. It is no longer about making parents or students happy, it is about making parents or students happy, it is about putting Dubai on top.”
How It Can Be Done?
Student performance can be increased by giving more attention to individual students and by making learning interesting by using modern techniques. Teachers should focus to utilize the school hour maximum in a pleasing way. The students must be given the chance to do things as their own.
Mathematical and scientific learning skills can be increased by constant practice and application. The increase in student performance in mathematics and science means their ability to apply their knowledge in real life situations. So the teaching must be focused on practical applications.
The curriculum has to be modified according to the needs. It must provide time for using mathematical concepts, facts, procedures and reasoning, and to interpret and evaluate mathematical outcomes.
While learning science, students should be able to describe, explain and predict phenomena based on scientific knowledge, interpret and communicate evidence and conclusions.
To improve student performance, we can get help from modern technology.
School Apps
Opting for a good school mobile app is the best way to improve student performance. Today, children are masters in using Smart phones and tablets. If we choose a perfect school mobile/tablet app for them, it will really benefit a lot for improvement. So, choose an app that is relevant, affordable, easy to use and motivating. It must provide entertainment along with learning. It should help them to think creative.
Early education is really important in this point of view of development. Edsys has introduced EYFS Managing software, which helps early education providers to pave way for student development. With the help of EYFS Managing software, the teacher can understand the mental development of the child and they can also help the parents to know about their child’s growth. Smart apps for preschoolers can also be used.