Dubai, Feb 19th, 2009 (WAM): Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reviewed today the elements and objectives of an international project for educational research launched by the UAE Ministry of Education.
The project is part of an ambitious programme rolled out by the ministry in pursuit of the development of the educational system in the country. The project is set up and executed in association with the US based educational development organisation ASCD. At a meeting with the Executive Director of ASCD Gene R. Carter today at the Al-Marmoom Rest house, Sheikh Mohammed stressed the importance of nurturing the culture of research since early stages of a child's education as it will pave way for the growth of a generation that adopts innovative methods for acquiring knowledge. Sheikh Mohammed asked the ministry officials in charge of implementing the programme to focus on the spreading of awareness among students about the importance of seeking new methods for learning in the place of memorisation of the textbooks. Offering every support to the project Sheikh Mohammed said that the UAE government, in its educational policy, places the building and nurturing of human being at the centre of its long term strategy. Education Minister Dr. Hanif Hassan said that the project, felicitated and supported by HH the Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, will be the first of its kind in the region as it introduces the practice of research in the country's schools. The project has several units, each one focusing on students, teachers, syllabus, and methodology; the minister explained. Carter has innovative concepts on education as he emphasizes that it takes a 'whole school' to nurture a 'whole child' who is knowledgeable, emotionally and physically healthy, civically inspired, and ready for the world beyond formal schooling. The meeting was attended by President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive and Chairman of The Emirates Group HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Minister of Cabinet Affairs HE Mohammed Abdullah Al Gargawi and the Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) HE Dr Omar Mohammed Ahmed Bin Suleiman.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2009.
