KHDA: Dubai a Hub for Positive Education

First Published:

Monday 27 November, 2017

At the ‘What Works: Our Journey to Expo 2020’ event held by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), leaders and teachers from emirate's private schools came together to learn more about Expo 2020 and what it means to schools and students in the UAE, as well as the value of positive education, innovation and disruptive ideas.

Emily Larson, Director of International Positive Education Network (IPEN), presented to packed audiences on the elements and benefits of positive education, backed by data and insights collated by the NGO.

Based on ‘positive psychology,’ or the emerging science of wellbeing and happiness, positive education is a whole school approach to imparting life skills such as grit, optimism, growth mindset, engagement and mindfulness.

Data compiled by IPEN shows that introducing positive education not only improves the resilience and wellness of students but also improves overall academic success in the process.

Justin Robinson, the inaugural director at the Institute of Positive Education based at Geelong Grammar School, highlighted the work already done in the field, and the impressive results being achieved at his school.

Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of Dubai's education regulator, the KHDA, intimated we are likely to hear more of the benefits of positive education in the future in the UAE.

"[We have an] opportunity to create new partnerships that can strengthen our position as a regional hub for positive education", he said. "By working together, our schools are united in their journey towards achieving future national goals.”

The ‘What Works: Our Journey to Expo 2020’ event was attended by 550 teachers, and hosted at Emirates Aviation University.

As an Official Supporter of Expo 2020 Dubai, the KHDA is one of several organisations extending their support to Expo 2020 and its youth engagement initiative Youth Connect, by providing platforms such as What Works, for Expo to engage and inspire teachers across Dubai.