HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani joined educators in the Fifth Annual Teaching and Learning Forum at the QNCC
More than 1,500 teachers, education leaders and policymakers from across Qatar and the region, including no less than HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, attended the Fifth Annual Teaching and Learning Forum at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
The gathering, organised by the Education Development Institute (EDI), part of Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education (PUE), and sponsored by ExxonMobil Qatar, showcased the most dynamic, innovative, and effective presentations and workshops from top international education professionals. It was designed to inspire and motivate teachers to reach for the highest level of student engagement and achievement, and featured international experts, motivational speakers, and authors in the field of education.
QF’s Professional Development Programme
The Teaching and Learning Forum falls under the year-round professional development programme of QF, and designed to provide educators with the opportunity to share knowledge and discuss industry issues, while enhancing the education system and empowering teachers.
According to PUE President Buthaina Ali Al Nuaimi, the forum is a promising opportunity that ‘evokes responsibility to empower future generations, value the role of educators, foster a culture of innovation, and invest in a better future’.
It is an opportunity for us to renew our commitment to our common principles and goals, as one community; strengthening our resolve to work together, to build a sustainable and knowledge-based future.’
Insights from Experts
This year’s forum saw local experts in the fields of education and medicine provide their insights in several panel discussions, including a one on building an inclusive systems within schools. It also featured presentations from more than 60 schools and organisations from across the region with teachers from QF and other local schools, bringing together a diverse range of experiences and innovation-led practice.
Leading educator Steve Francis – creator of Happy Schools, a programme that aims to boost staff morale and reduce teacher stress – gave the keynote speech at the opening session. His speech focused on how teachers play a vital role in society and how they have a huge impact on student learning.
While teaching can be very rewarding, it can also be very demanding. Many teachers around the world feel stressed, unappreciated, and frustrated. It’s important that parents and staff in schools work together for the benefit of the student. To help teachers be at the top of their game, teacher well-being and engagement are important factors in school effectiveness.’
Additional guest speakers included Dr Janet Goodall, a lecturer in Educational Leadership and Management at the University of Bath; Joy Marchese from Positive Discipline UK and The American School of London; and Dr Michael Lovorn, a student engagement expert from the University of Alabama.
ExxonMobil Qatar President and GM Alistair Routledge, said the forum was wonderful and stimulating.
Every day, good teachers create opportunities for students to ask questions, analyse information, and become creative thinkers. They are laying the foundation to foster a sustainable and prosperous future, and it is our responsibility as active members of the community to support their work. This is why ExxonMobil Qatar has been a part of the forum since 2014, and why we continue to work with our education partners to provide teachers with the tools and support they need to help students find success.’
The Teaching and Learning Forum is a key element of EDI’s mission to lead professional learning and development, support curriculum improvement, and build leadership capacity to improve student outcomes in Pre-K-12 education. EDI strives to be a centre of excellence in professional learning by supporting the growth and development of educators in Qatar and beyond.
For updates and more information about EDI and the recent Teaching and Learning Forum, visit edi.qa.
Related Link:
https://www.marhaba.qa/event/fifth-annual-teaching-and-learning-forum/
