The inaugural ‘Innovation in Teaching Week’ at Qatar Foundation (QF) held recently and participated by lecturers and deans from QF partner universities, has successfully closes after a week-long gathering to explore innovative teaching methods and discussions on the future of learning. 

The event enabled faculty within Education City to share insights on how to build innovative teaching and learning ecosystems that address the needs of learners in a complex and fast-changing world. Some of the topics discussed include: ‘Technology in the Classroom: An Active Learning Approach’; ‘Learning with Databases in the Humanities: Using Evernote in the Classroom’; ‘The Pedagogical Value of an Image’; and ‘Learning How to Learn: Powerful Mental Tools to Help you Master Tough Subjects.’

Omran Al-Kuwari, QF Acting CEO said they received positive feedbacks on the inaugural collaboration.

This initiative is set to become a regular platform that facilitates and promotes meaningful discussion among faculty of universities within Education City, and encourage sharing of expert knowledge and best practices, which, in turn, can be incorporated into classrooms across campus.

He said that innovation is the cornerstone of their objective to pursue new knowledge at QF. The programme underscores the value of collaboration within Education City’s multi-disciplinary education ecosystem – an ecosystem that strives to nurture students and empower educators.

As part of the event, guest speaker Barbara Oakley, Professor of Engineering at Oakland University, Michigan, spoke about her personal learning journey, and discussed how people can change and grow, no matter their age or stage of life.

Mary Dedinsky, Director of Journalism and Strategic Communication Programme, and Associate Professor in Residence at Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q), said she finds it extremely useful to bring together faculty who are trying to solve the same problems—as lots of ideas spring from these gatherings. She said that they are able to learn about things that could be helpful to students other than the ‘tried-and-true’ teaching methods.

Education City Innovation in Teaching Grant

The inaugural event concluded with the announcement of ‘Education City Innovation in Teaching Grant’ (ECITG), a yearly grant designed to encourage, recognise, and reward educators across Education City who wish to implement creative and innovative pedagogical approaches in the classroom.

Nominated ECITG projects will be showcased at national and international education forums through multiple formats, including the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) and international academic journals.

The ‘Innovation in Teaching Week’ talks took place in various universities within Education City including in Georgetown University in Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, NU-Q, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, and Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar.

For more information about the inaugural event, visit the QF website at qf.org.qa.

Related Link:
Qatar Foundation Education Week