Valuing the role of teachers, while empowering students, was the highlight of the day two of Qudwa 2017 Global Teachers' Forum, held in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Mohamed Al Neaimi, director of educational affairs office at the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi, told Khaleej Times the goal of the forum is to gather voices from educators of all backgrounds and walks of life, under one roof, which he hopes will help "change, develop and grow," the future of education in the UAE.

"Qudwa has been created to put a spotlight on the teachers and their profession and to create a platform where teachers can connect with each other, share ideas, discuss current and future trends in teaching and challenges they might be facing, as well as solutions to experiences they're going through."

He said empowering teachers in the UAE is key when it comes to helping develop the future generations to come.

"Teacher empowerment is the initiative we're taking, and Qudwa, is one of the empowering tools for teachers where they're welcomed to discuss and suggest ideas. From the teachers' stories and ideas, we can build change, development and growth," he added.

Al Neami said in order to ensure children are heading on the right path in their education, parents must adopt communication tools.

"Just ask your child a simple question about school every day," he said.

"Parents play an important role in the child's education, sometimes a simple question can make a huge difference, 'such as how was your day at school,' or discussing one matter that happened in school that day."

"The parent's role is critical in the development of the next generation and the message to the parents is to always communicate with their children."

He added that as well as valuing teacher's ideas, stories and strategies, educational institutes must find solutions to the challenges the future holds ahead, and that includes the role of technology.

"Technology has impacted education, today we have students that are native to technology. So the important question to look at is how do we integrate technology in teaching?"

"We must look at what is the best model to take on - we all know that computers and robots will never replace teachers, however, technology should be looked at as a compliment to the child's education - and it goes beyond putting laptops on tables."

Al Neami added that the UAE will continue to develop educational forums and events that priorities teachers and the future generations of the country.

"Education is the main priority in our leadership's target and goals, and we know that if we want to achieve the National Agenda by 2021, it will come from education."

Source: Khaleej Times