Learning Arabic in Dubai by Encouraging Student Creativity and Curiosity

The UAE's high number of international schools means that Dubai naturally attracts international students and teachers who have made the city a destination of choice. Being a centre of excellence and innovation in a multitude of sectors including aviation, commerce and hospitality means that Dubai connects tradition with innovation, and cultural diversity is woven into the very fabric of daily life. At the heart of this is the Arabic language, which not only serves as the main mode of communication by the city's inhabitants, but also a linguistic treasure trove that serves as a gateway to the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern culture.

However, the future of the language is under threat, says a report by international researchers commissioned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. According to the report, young nationals are increasingly moving away from Arabic and relying on English, the report found. This definitely means more attention needs to be paid to teaching Arabic. Schools must change the way they teach Arabic if students are to persevere with the language.

The Challenge of Traditional Teaching Methods

But learning and teaching Arabic in Dubai isn't just about conjugating verbs and memorizing vocabulary. It's about having a deep understanding and appreciation for the language – a task that requires more than just traditional rote-learning methods. As the need to foster a Dubai that balances a sense of cultural identity with sense of belonging among its diverse populace increases, so are schools faced with the challenge of finding innovative ways to engage students in the study of Arabic.

Educators are at the forefront of confronting this challenge, yet, as noble as their intentions may be, many teachers find themselves grappling with outdated teaching techniques inherited from traditional mode of teaching. One thing is clear from the report above, a more interactive teaching approach is needed to help keep the interest of Emirati students. The traditional teaching methods used in teaching Arabic just doesn't quite fit the dynamic landscape of modern education.

Empowering Educators to Embrace Innovation

It's not all doom and gloom though. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has taken a lead by organizing peer-to-peer workshops to equip teachers with the tools they need to inspire a love for Arabic learning. These workshops aren't just about tweaking lesson plans; they're about fostering a culture of innovation and exploration in the classroom.

Educators and schools can take this further by employing edtech solutions. Edtech can help schools and educators to implement new teaching methods and practices – from flipped learning models that reverse the learning environment to encourage greater student-teacher collaboration inside the classroom; blended learning which incorporates both traditional and digital instruction; and adaptive learning programmes that tailor to each individual’s ability.

Take, for example, STREE Education, a edtech provider in Dubai that weaves innovation into the very fabric of education with cutting-edge courses taught and developed by worldclass educators, schools can deliver modern professional development in Arabic, and equip teachers with the skills and pedagogy needed to engage students effectively. It's a forward-thinking approach that recognizes the importance of cultural fluency in an increasingly interconnected world.

Beyond the Classroom The Greater Purpose of Arabic Learning

However beyond the classroom walls, the teaching of Arabic in Dubai serves a greater purpose. It's a bridge that connects children from dozens of different countries, fostering a sense of unity amidst diversity. And for Emirati children, it's a reminder of the importance of their mother tongue in a digital age where "Arab-ish" reigns supreme on social media platforms.

As a eager student that wants to explore the wonders of the Arabic language or a teacher on a mission to inspire the next generation of linguistic pioneers, it is important to keep in mind the aphorism: education is not just about imparting knowledge – it's about instilling a sense of curiosity and wonder that transcends borders and enriches lives.

Education: A Journey of Curiosity and Wonder

Speaking of enriching lives, if you're ready to embark on your Arabic learning journey, look no further than STREE Education. With a curriculum that blends STEAM and STEM approaches, STREE Education is dedicated to nurturing the brilliant innovators of tomorrow with a personalized learning experience with a mix of content, like videos, games, art and music.