Sharjah: The Sharjah Private Education Authority and the Sharjah Education Academy have announced the fourth edition of the International Forum for Arabic Language Teachers. This significant event aims to address the challenges in teaching Arabic and explore innovative methods to enhance it, drawing on experiences from schools and successful educational systems worldwide. The forum aspires to celebrate the Arabic language as an essential cultural element, a medium for expressing ideas, and a source of knowledge.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement was made at a press conference held at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park. Scheduled to take place from October 4th to 7th, the forum's theme, "Building and Advancing," will focus on unlocking potential and embracing innovation in Arabic language teaching.
The forum will gather a select group of teachers, education experts, and creative students from the UAE, the region, and various countries globally. It aims to draft a future course for teaching Arabic, a language celebrated for its historical and cultural richness. The event will also foster cooperation among educational stakeholders, encouraging the exchange of knowledge and teaching strategies. This initiative seeks to raise awareness of the Arabic language's importance, promoting it as a dynamic and relevant means of communication for the modern era.
Empowering teachers, who play a pivotal role in the educational system, is a primary focus of the forum. It seeks to equip educators with modern teaching skills and support innovative Arabic teaching methods by showcasing successful practices from both local and international contexts. Participants will include representatives from 36 countries, over 32 schools, and 35 government and cultural institutions.
Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, head of the Sharjah Private Education Authority, emphasized that the forum aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. His vision places significant importance on education and the Arabic language, fostering their development through innovative projects. These initiatives have transformed Sharjah into a knowledge hub and a center for promoting and preserving the Arabic language. The forum also supports the National Strategy for the Arabic Language, reinforcing Sharjah's efforts to strengthen the Arabic language as a crucial element of cultural identity and sustainable educational development.
Khawla Al Hosani, Deputy Director of the Sharjah Education Academy, noted that the forum presents a unique opportunity to enhance educational partnerships and discover new ways to improve Arabic teaching. She highlighted the Academy's commitment to supporting teachers through modern teaching methods and technologies, facilitating their professional growth and knowledge expansion.
The forum will feature a range of educational events, including discussion sessions, hands-on training workshops, and organized classes. A notable event will be a student hackathon, where participants will develop ideas and projects based on the conference's recommendations and research, in collaboration with 48 schools focused on teaching the Arabic language.
Moreover, significant agreements will be signed to promote cooperation, and a digital initiative called the "Arabic Pledge" will be launched to encourage students to use Arabic more frequently. Additionally, a new plan will be introduced to assess the effectiveness of Arabic teaching in schools, particularly with the integration of new technologies like artificial intelligence.