Saraya Bandar Jissah supports Qantab school programme
Times News Network MUSCAT: As part of its commitment to meaningfully contribute and serve the community, Oman’s newest integrated tourism complex, Saraya Bandar Jissah, has set out to make a lasting impact on the Qantab Public School by supporting a professional development programme for its teachers. Presented by the Centre for Community Service and Continuing Education (CCSCE) at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), the training programme was held from August 17 to 20, on the eve of the new academic school year.
A number of topics were discussed during the training programme, which covered learning and teaching-related techniques. The courses were presented by two CCSCE faculty specialists. The programme began with a speech by the school principal, as she welcomed participants and thanked Saraya Bandar Jissah for their ongoing support of the Qantab community.
Shareefa Yousef Al Wahaibi, principal of Qantab Public School said, “It has been a pleasure conducting the first of its kind initiative at the school. Ongoing training and professional development for teachers ensures they are up to date with contemporary teaching methods. Not only is it critical for teachers to know their materials, they must also be able to help students in order for them to truly succeed. This professional development workshop has provided just that, highlighting the best ways to instruct and motivate students for the best possible outcomes. We are appreciative of Saraya Bandar Jissah’s contributions to our school and must say that our teachers are looking forward to a new year of fun and learning.”
Saleh bin Khalifa Al-Hinai, head of continuing education at CCSCE, SQU stressed the importance of the professional development programme. He noted that SQU - represented by CCSCE - is providing several services to different organisations in the educational sector.
Prof. Ali bin Huwaishil Al Shuaili, director of Omani Studies Centre (OSC) and a professor at the College of Education, conducted the first session, entitled ‘curriculum and capacity building’ and discussed general concepts related to school curriculum concerns, the basics of designing and implementing a curriculum, and its role in building cognitive, mental and behavioural capabilities of learners. He highlighted models of school curricula, mechanisms of teaching and school atmospheres in a number of developed countries. He also shed light on curriculum reform movements in some developed countries, existing international studies on student achievements, and variables associated with students, the school and, in particular, the PIRLS and TIMSS study.
On the second and third days, Prof. Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, dean of post-graduate studies at SQU, presented the strategies of Active Learning for trainees. On the last day of the training programme, Prof. Ali discussed teachers’ roles in caring for students and encouraging a balanced nutrition during school hours.