Innovation, creativity key learning in Dubai

In an effort to share their secret, cutting-edge strategies in the field of education, experts and young minds from various schools in Dubai gathered to revolutionalise learning.

It’s not just about the books, any more.

At the What Works - the education event organised by schools for schools, leaders shared their formulas on allowing students to develop their own ideas, and encouraging them to think out of the box.

Attended by over 600 teachers, school leaders and educators from all subjects from Dubai’s private schools, the congregation focused on finding ways to create something out of nothing or very little. Some schools highlighted that this was already in practice when their young experts showcased their skills in coding, embedded electronics, design and all things computer-related.
Students were able to learn the edgemaker approach from John Kao, who is also known as ‘Mr. Creativity’ and ‘Innovation Maven’ through his work as a Harvard Business School Professor. He stressed how it’s the ‘age of innovation and creativity’, and we must keep pace.

Also drawing a crowd was teenaged Emirati baker, Bader Najeeb, who is now a celebrated young culinary faces in the region.  His motivational presentation further demonstrated how creativity and confidence were key to his success.

“Anyone can be considered a maker if they are creating something from an idea and little else. Although today’s makers primarily focus on computer-related design, technology can be applied across all school subjects and the making theme is of particular prominence in Dubai’s learning community as schools continue to work towards even more innovative ways to learn across all subjects to support the UAE National Innovation Strategy,” said Mouza Al-Suwaidi, chief of engagement at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

On an international level, educators from Korea encouraged Dubai’s school leaders and top educators to think outside the box. The Lighthouse National Agenda workshop gave principals and educators the opportunity to understand how Korean students are able to achieve particularly high TIMSS and PISA results and, more importantly, to consider how such practices could apply to schools here.

“Today’s event has been attended by a variety of subject teachers and has shown that our schools are already full of makers. This is a great indication of the positive practice that is happening in schools in Dubai. Without makers, there would be no innovation and creativity,” Al-Suwaidi commented.