Although the UAE has achieved much in the field of education, there is a real awareness that constant updating of policy and continual investment in infrastructure are required to ensure graduates are properly equipped to enter the work force and assist in the country's development.
Culture is different from science. The former is wider and more comprehensive than the latter. Every nation has its own culture based on beliefs, ideas, principles and other components of culture.
The Emirati society had simple beginnings in almost every aspect of life. In terms of education, the Katateeb, or the private religious schools that were based on teaching Islam and some Arabic language lessons, were the only primary education available for children and young people.
In the past four decades, the government provided the necessary finances to improve the education system and thousands of citizens pursued education, within the country and abroad. Many of them obtained university, graduate and post graduate degrees. The UAE provides a comprehensive education system for boys and girls, with free education for nationals in government schools, colleges and universities.
A classroom has always been a second home for students. Although, some classrooms do not meet the expectations of the students, the lessons that they learn there were worth the time. At the same time, schools mould pupils into better persons. And when these pupils leave their schools, they take their school experience with them in the real world.
International universities
In the UAE several international universities have opened their branches. They are not bad at all for the country. At the same time, the international universities in the UAE are aligned with the government's goal of having international academic schools. This idea makes the UAE a hot spot when it comes to achieving good education for those who want it.
The issue right now is the collaboration of research studies that the university administrators should have. Although there are some organised meetings for researchers, some think that they are not enough or something better can be done. In the first place, the main reason for holding research conventions is to focus more on the development of universities and what more they can do in promoting good education and excellent teaching facilities.
On the other hand, instead of focusing more on research, universities are more drawn to the business side of teaching. Although, some universities place greater emphasis on research, there are others which give more priority to the business aspect. We must admit that money matters. Innovation and upgrading facilities and the system is very costly. No doubt, we must take it into consideration that a place which is equipped with the latest facilities is a lot better than outdated schools.
But this is not the only thing that should be taken into account by the administrators. We should also look into the quality of education that is imparted to the students. No wonder, the recent researches that were conducted in the UAE have stressed on upgrading the level of teaching and the quality of education.
Problem
Going to school is never a habit. Many would hesitate to sit in a classroom for several hours and listen to a lecturer. However, there is a problem within the education industry when universities start to compete with each other. Rivalry is not good for students, but for the owners and the administrators of each university, it is a way to show off.
Competition among universities is not a good thing. Maybe it wasn't a good idea after all. In the end, it matters to some people, but not to students. The students deserve more than just big buildings and good facilities. Students need new learning methods, strengthened by research which should be the priority of each centre of learning. In the end, what matters most is not the number of students which a certain university has in its database, but the quality of education it can give to those hopefuls.
Classroom matters might provide the students with sufficient care and enough knowledge, but there are some things that classrooms, schools, colleges, universities and institutions should have. Sometimes, some things should be repaired. Like a blackboard. If it cannot function as a board, it must be repainted so that it will be useful again. Schools, on the other hand, need to be upgraded; innovations are needed for good business and education quality.
Education is not a privilege. It is a right and people, including the administrators, should realise that there are many hopefuls who want to acquire more knowledge. They should not disappoint them.
By Salim Mohammad, Special to Gulf News
Dr Salim Mohammad is an independent Emirati writer, based in Dubai.