Developing Scientific Research Skills for a Better Future

For Qatar to succeed in the in the 21st century, there is a need for developing an environment in which scientific research is encouraged, developed and celebrated. Students need to learn the fundamental skills of reading, writing and problem solving; foster critical thinking skills; and develop creativity to assist them in preparing for the workforce in a highly complex and competitive global economy. In this regard, the development of scientific research skills has taken a central position in Qatar’s educational system.

Qatar takes pride in reaffirming its ambition of integrating scientific research in education and this is especially apparent as His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani’s decision to devote 8.2 percent of the total national income to support scientific research, and the establishment of a scientific research fund, the Arab expatriate scientists conference in Doha, as well as establishing an Education Excellence Award for scientific research.

As HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al Missned put it: “the beginnings of the education reform project were based on the scientific research. Even the academic programs we focused on adopted a new concept, which is learning through research, all our projects - whether those in the Education City or the reform in K-12 education - focus on scientific research.”

In August 2007, the Education Institute of the Supreme Education Council established a specialized unit to develop scientific research skills in the independent schools. Dr. Eugene Jongsma and Dr. Mary Kellet, the director of the Children Research Center at the Open University in UK supervise the unit.

A high profile steering committee was also established to supervise the project and its implementation, providing consultancy for the Education Institute, and work to ensure quality. The committee is comprised of experts specializing in scientific research in fields such as education, culture, health, finance and industry.

According to Dr. Jongsma, scientific research is not confined only to sciences such as chemistry or physics; it also includes social sciences and Islamic studies.

"The Research Skills initiative builds upon a number of curriculum developments that have taken place in recent years. Most recently, the newly developed Curriculum Standards (KG-Grade 12) for independent schools have been adopted to promote research, These standards encourage students to conduct systematic investigations; make predictions; identify patterns from data and observations; and consider whether evidence supports a conclusion, prediction, or hypothesis. Students are also expected to utilize a variety of methodsto communicate their results. These enquiry activities take place within subject areas and across subject areas," said Dr. Jongsma

The Research Skills Development Project aims to enhance the critical thinking, problem solving, and investigative skills of students as well as improve teachers’ skills and competencies in guiding student research and conducting their own professional research. Dr. Jongsma outlined the following as the major strategic initiatives of the project:

1. Maximize the development of critical thinking, problem solving, and research skills of students within the context of the Curriculum Standards in the independent schools
2. Increase the opportunities for students to learn about and engage in research outside the classroom (e.g. after school clubs, research centers, inter-school projects, international links) so that they appreciate the opportunities, pleasures and benefits that result from doing research
3. Develop teachers who have the knowledge, skills, and disposition to engage in research to improve their teaching practices and their school communities
4. Build community support for research in the Independent Schools
5. Provide forums for disseminating, sharing, celebrating and rewarding student and teacher research

Dr. Jongsma said that the project has been implemented in six of the most prominent schools in all stages as pilot program. Their training will be a starting point for training other independent schools.

Mr. Steve Paten, a special consultant on the research initiative said that the Research Skills Development Program seeks to revive the deep tradition of Arab scientists and Arab explorers who greatly enriched human knowledge and understanding throughout history. He believes the program will succeed because it is state-supported and well planned. “It is very exciting to participate in such a big project.”

The Office of Communications of the Supreme Education Council was placed within the strategic priorities of disseminating the culture of scientific research through the “Power of Knowledge and Exploration,” which aims to build support for the initiative and raise community awareness of the importance of scientific research and exploration to increase the knowledge and the path of success. This campaign contains the following elements:

• Prepare a strategy and plan and start preparing logo and identity and communications campaign, and the preparation of materials necessary
• Advertising campaigns in the local newspapers and magazines, and through the Supreme Education Council website
• The innovative design platform to be used in public places
• Competitions involving students from all independent schools