Dubai schools partner on Arabic teaching project

Five schools in Dubai have joined hands to form an "Action Research" initiative to improve Arabic language teaching at private schools in the emirate.

The project was announced during a Living Arabic organised by Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), and hosted at the Nord Anglia International School Dubai.

Allowing teachers to explore and identify evidence-based practices aimed at improving Arabic language teaching, the idea works towards improving skills of learners.

As part of the initiative, Arabic language teachers at participating schools will monitor and collect data to plan better and find innovative classroom practices, which can impact academic achievement and language learning skills of students.

Dubai Schools Agency CEO Fatma Al Marri said: "In the last year, we have heard many wonderful stories from children about how their Arabic language teachers have touched their minds and hearts through learning. It has allowed us to see that the Arabic language has introduced vivid experiences and innovative ideas to our children in a way that they can understand and enjoy.

"The Living Arabic initiative is now in its second year and it serves as an important platform to share best practices among Arabic language teachers and opens up new avenues of collaboration and knowledge sharing among educators."

Nord Anglia International School principal Matthew Farthing commented: "Interestingly, within Dubai over the last few years, many communities have witnessed a trend in establishing reading cafes, public libraries and dedicated spaces for reading combined with social engagement. Reading develops our imaginations, it focuses our minds and allows us to visit unseen worlds that help us to understand the complexity of our own"