Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) The Abu Dhabi Education Council, ADEC, has launched its Student Research Competition, open to students from all school across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Director-General of ADEC, said that the new competition is associated with ADEC's strategic goals with focus on the development of students' ability to research and use, rather than passively receive, information. The competition is also consistent with ADEC's plan to support and guide all activities that help improve teaching and learning to keep pace with developments in various educational aspects.
"The competition comes in line with other research competitions and prepares young researchers to actively participate in them. Since it is targeting students, the competition is of paramount importance. We believe that research, in general, and educational research in particular is essential for informing decision making on teaching and learning through the recommendations of theoretical and practical research," said Dr. Al Khaili.
"It helps develop creative and productive individuals capable of contributing to socio-economic development to meet labour market needs. At a personal level, research enhances researchers' ability to make objective judgments, think flexibly without prejudice, and solve problems within their contexts and procedural circumstances without overestimating themselves or efforts." According to Dr. Al Khaili, research basically aims to "produce knowledge" for a better and safer life.
He added that involvement in research itself can be an exciting and pleasurable experience for researchers. It satisfies their curiosity and appetite for exploration and helps achieve self-realisation. The results of such research can also lead to researchers' satisfaction and pleasure.
"The competition is part of an integrated approach to promote research as a culture and a life-style, rather than a target, among those interested in education in particular and community members in general, said Dr. Al Khaili. "Research encourages individuals to adopt scientific thinking and use their research expertise to find solutions to all levels of problems facing themselves, families or societies," he added.
Dr. Masood Badri, ADEC's Executive Director of Research Office, said, "The Student Educational Research Competition has been designed to help promote research as an integral part of the personality and culture of students and encourage them to conduct self-motivated research. It also emphasises the importance of education in general, and research in particular, while preparing individuals for success in life and solving problems by following a structured scientific approach." The competition encourages students to engage in research activities and acquire problem solving skills. Therefore, it will be free of most restrictions associated with the regular research process. It also promotes research as an effective tool in preparing a qualified workforce that can contribute to the socio-economic development and meet labour market needs.
Source: WAM