Seven in 10 teachers believe science education in their country is unfit for the future, according to a global report published by Oxford University Press.
Teachers voiced their concern that curriculums were failing children by not preparing them to navigate challenges such as climate change and the evolving role of technology.
“The scientific challenges of the past year with the pandemic and the ever-growing signs of climate change mean that there has never been a more important time to focus on science, empowering pupils to thrive in a changing world,” said Andreas Schleicher, the most senior education official at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Researchers polled 398 teachers in 22 countries and regions for the study, called Evolution of Science Education. Some respondents were in the UAE, although most were in India or the UK.
Oxford University Press
Educators said children should be allowed to experiment and encouraged to engage while studying the underpinning scientific concepts.
They requested a rebalancing of exams, away from the current focus on knowledge, towards assessing the application of science.
Teachers said that to remain relevant, science lessons should focus on practical skills, and that a greater connection should be made between the science being taught and what was happening in the world.
Covid-19 changed science teaching in the past year, particularly by restricting practical experimentation in the classroom.
But 42 per cent of teachers surveyed said the pandemic had not changed the focus of science education.
Of those polled, a quarter said climate change was the biggest challenge in the future of science education.
To ensure science education evolves and remains relevant in the future, teachers said, there should be a greater focus on climate change, tackling fake news and adapting more quickly to technological and societal change.
Dave Leach, global assessment director, Oxford University Press said, “When we were first appointed as the developer of the Pisa 2025 science framework [with the OECD] in late 2019 we could never have predicted the chaos that the pandemic would bring.
“We wanted to elevate the voices of those teachers, to start a global conversation about how we enable learners to benefit from the lessons of the past 15 months, how we equip them for the challenges that lie ahead of us.”
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Ms Al Ameri likes the variety of her job, and the daily environmental challenges she is presented with.
Regular contact with wildlife is the most appealing part of her role at the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.
She loves to explore new destinations and lives by her motto of being a voice in the world, and not an echo.
She is the youngest of three children, and has a brother and sister.
Her favourite book, Moby Dick by Herman Melville helped inspire her towards a career exploring the natural world.
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Amir Boureslan bt Mahmoud Zanouny
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Mohammed Al Katheeri bt Abrorbek Madaminbekov
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Ibrahem Bilal bt Emad Arafa
Middleweight
Ahmed Abdolaziz bt Imad Essassi
Bantamweight (female)
Ilham Bourakkadi bt Milena Martinou
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Mohamed Mardi bt Noureddine El Agouti
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Nabil Ouach bt Ymad Atrous
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• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
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The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
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Mina Al Oraibi: Air strike casts a long shadow over the decade ahead
Jack Moore: Why the assassination is such a monumental gamble
Matthew Levitt: Iran retains its ability to launch terror attacks
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COPA DEL REY
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BAD%20BOYS%3A%20RIDE%20OR%20DIE
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
