Nine schools picked for research initiative

Source: The Peninsula
In a bid to promote and communicate the culture of scientific research among the Qatari school students, the Supreme Education Council (SEC) has identified nine Independent Schools to get involved in its research initiatives.

They include Umm Al Qura Model School for Boys, Qatar Preparatory School for Girls, Omar bin Al Khattab Secondary School for Boys, Omar bin Al Khattab Preparatory School for Boys, Al Bayan Secondary School for Girls, Al Bayan Preparatory School for Girls, Roqaiya Preparatory School for Girls (Al Bayan Complex), Amna bint Wahab Secondary School for Girls and Al leman Secondary School for Girls.

"Scientific research has become an essential element of human knowledge in all fields and is also an outstanding achievement of the modern era. We want Qatar society, its industry, its citizens and its students to be able to compete successfully in the global context of the 21st century. And there is a need to develop environment in which research skills are actively promoted and developed", SEC sources told The Peninsula.

To enhance critical thinking, problem solving, and investigative skills of students, the SEC has already launched a Research Skills Development Unit (RSDU). Now, these units have started their pilot projects in these selected schools, the SEC official said.

The objectives of the RSDU are to stimulate the students' critical thinking ability and problem solving skills; increase the opportunities for students to learn and engage in research outside the classroom, build community support for research and provide forums for sharing their experiences.

The SEC's communication department has launched an extensive campaign on driving the message of this cause into the minds of schools and parents.

SEC has chosen "Question Mark" (?) as the mascot of its public campaign, along with it is using the question "Ever Wondered?". In order to order to trigger students' curiosity and encourage them to look for answers through research, literacy and discovery the SEC has put up huge cut-outs of Question Marks at the roundabouts and prime spots of Doha city.

"The tactic used in the campaign is the "Teaser" "Revealer" concept, where the question mark will be used as the teaser for seven days to intrigue the curiosity of the audience, and eventually grab their attention, and then the revealer will be introduced to fulfill the meaning of the campaign,” the SEC official said.