DINA JOUNI (ABU DHABI)
The Ministry of Education (MoE) confirmed the implementation of a new project-based learning and teaching initiative across all public schools starting in the upcoming academic year, aiming to enhance the educational experience by focusing on students’ skills and comprehensive evaluations rather than traditional exams.
Teacher Training and Student Support
To ensure the success of the initiative, specialised training weeks will be conducted for teachers before the start of each semester. Additionally, the MoE will provide extra support for students during the second semester to help them effectively implement their projects.
Updated Assessment Policy
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, highlighted the MoE’s updated school assessment policy, which focuses on students’ achievement portfolios, aiming to measure students’ progress through comprehensive evaluations that assess their skills, not just academic performance. The focus is on active learning and innovation, she emphasised.
Importance of Intermediate Level
The initiative targets the second cycle (intermediate level) due to its critical role in students’ development, Al Amiri noted. The stage is marked by significant changes in personality, intellectual, and social growth. The project-based learning approach will allow students to showcase their skills through group or individual work, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, she said.
Al Amiri stated that one of the ministry’s priorities is to enhance students’ skills in preparation for higher education and the job market, thus making acquired skills a fundamental pillar in improving the education process and its quality, stressing the importance of integrating efforts across all aspects of the educational sector.
Assessment Weightings Adjusted
The MoE adjusted the weightings for formative and central assessments for intermediate students. The new distribution is as follows: First Semester – 10% formative test, 25% central test; Second Semester – 20% formative test, 10% project-based learning and assessment; and the Third Semester – 10% formative test, 25% final test.
Overall, 40% of the total grade will come from formative assessments, and 60% from central final exams. The adjustment aligns with the ministry’s mission to adopt modern educational methods and empower school leaders, teachers, and students.
New Policy Goals
The new assessment policy aims to develop practices that include skill enhancement, providing opportunities for students to demonstrate academic growth and progress, closing learning gaps, and compensating for lost learning. It also seeks to develop and update diverse educational methods and practices to support the teaching and learning process. It also promotes positive attitudes toward learning, time management, planning, goal setting, self-directed learning, and focuses on students’ quality of life.
Encouraging Critical Thinking
The updates aim to stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity by assigning students practical tasks that deepen their understanding of educational materials. Students will work on practical tasks in small teams, based on real-life topics, enhancing their connection to the material and making the educational process more enjoyable and motivating.
Comprehensive Evaluation Criteria
To ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment, students will be evaluated based on the quality of their final projects, individual effort, group collaboration, and skills acquired. This comprehensive assessment prepares students for the working world and real life, developing both their academic and social skills, and creating a generation capable of facing future challenges effectively and creatively.