Education in the UAE in the Past and Now - Research Paper Example

DUСАTIОN IN THЕ UАЕ IN THЕ РАST АND NОW Author’s name Institution’s name Еduсаtiоn in thе UAE in thе Раst and Nоw Introduction The world as a whole is always developing. However, some nations develop at a faster rate than others do and that is what brings the different classifications. Over the past 40 years, the UAE has shown significant development in various fields including education (Sadik & Snavely, 1972). The development in UAE is attributed to the discovery of oil. Education in the UAE before the discovery of oil is very different from the present. Educational history in the UAE is attributed to self-education and simulated fiction. Proof of this is from the major historical sites in the UAE. UAE education systems have developed from the simple traditional systems to modern forms based on decision-making, regulations, and lessons. Four major educational developments occurred in the period before oil was discovered in the UAE. The systems are educational seminars, Koranic education, semi-formal education, and the modern formal education (Sadik & Snavely, 1972). Later after the discovery of oil, there was further development in educational systems in the UAE including women in education, resettlement education, and the development of Information Technology (IT). Several questions will be answered in this research paper including, what is the historical development of education in the UAE? What is the role of women in UAE education today? What are the different modern educational systems in the UAE today? What is the historical development of education in the UAE? Koranic education Koranic education also known as Mutawa was in existence in the UAE very many years back. The teachers of this type of education were the Mutawwa and Almtoat. This type of education was all about teachings from the Hadith and Quran and the pillars of ablution and Islam. Besides, the people were also taught how to write and draw calligraphy (Afshan, 2011). The veteran teachers who were well familiar with all aspects of this type of education passed their knowledge to the people, especially children. The information needed to be passed to children at their tender age so that they would grasp and understand the Islamic culture before being exposed to other cultures. Evolution, however, led to this type of education to decline at a slow rate and later it disappeared completely from the society. Education seminars The disappearance of Koranic systems led to the birth of education seminars. Insiders, scholars, and scientists that had a wide range of knowledge on issues of doctrine and dogma were the ones that introduced education seminars to the UAE. Education seminars started issues of grammar, interpretation, spelling, history, and religion. Most of these scholars and scientists were not citizens of the UAE but they originated mainly from the United States of America and European countries such as Italy. These scholars held seminars to teach the people; the seminars were held in mosque corners and other positions known as Beit. The teachers looked at specific times and urged each student to sit. The students were educated on culture, religion, and science. Education seminars were the birth of the new educational systems in the UAE. During this period, the first pioneer scientists and engineers graduated in the UAE (Afshan, 2011). About all that graduated were men since women were not involved in education matters as the society during this time was chauvinistic. Further evolution and development led to the slow disappearance of educational seminars and the UAE people began accessing lessons and courses in semi-formal modern systems. Semi-formal education Semi-formal modern systems are also known as evolutionary systems and they came after the education seminars disappeared. The period of this type of education is approximated to be between 1907 to 1953 (Afshan, 2011). The Pearl merchants adults are also known as Ataiwawih were the major introducers of semi-formal education through revolutions and movements. Schools were opened in major UAE cities and scientists were recruited. The scientists were graduates from the previous education seminars systems and their main duties included management, teaching, and course and lesson organization. Some of the main semi-formal schools included Salmiya founded in 1923, Ahmadiyya in 1912, Altimah Mahmudiya in 1907, Reform in 1935, Happiness in 1925, and Al Falah in 1926. Major educational developments were witnessed in Dubai in 1936 with the founding of the Encyclopedia. Sheikh Bin Rashid who was a pearl merchant headed reforms and movements in the 1930’s. These reforms were major contributors to the development of semi-formal education in the UAE. Other cities apart from Dubai also showed the same patterns concerning the formation of the semi-formal schools. These cities include Abu Dhabi and Emirates, where evolution continued into the 1950's (Abu Dhabi, 2010). Major issues that contributed to this spread include cultured pearls, Second World War Tathiraharbs business, and regression trade. The development of the education curriculum from semi-formal to formal was promoted by the reform Quasmia. The first modern formal education school in the UAE is known as Quasmiyah School Sharjah. Modern formal education Modern formal education commenced with the opening of Quasmiyah School Sharjah in 1954. In this type of system, the government now took the responsibility of managing education in the UAE where there was an organized curriculum, classes, and lessons. Besides, the student underwent evaluation and at the end of the school year, a certificate or any other relevant document for example results slips were awarded. During this period of formal education, dependence was on past knowledge foundations and the local governments. In 1971, formal education was launched on a legal scale through the introduction of the ministry of education and youth, which was formed to oversee all matters concerning education in the UAE (Anupa, 2005). Great developments were witnessed during this period as latest technological devices were introduced in schools. Moreover, there was development in terms of architecture. During this period, it was reported that there was an increase in the rates of literacy among UAE citizens. What is the role of women in UAE education today? Women empowerment through education has been massive in the UAE in the post-oil discovery era, which includes now. Through Emirati Women, women in the UAE have benefited from the many opportunities that have come along. Previously women did not get any opportunities concerning education issues as they were mainly directed towards performing domestic chores and some if not all were viewed as sex objects. With the many opportunities for women concerning education after the discovery of oil, women have shown that they can take responsibility. Proof of this is through secondary results of 1996 to 1999, which depicted the superiority of female students over their male counterparts (Anupa, 2005). This has further led to the transformation of education in the UAE and has allowed the UAE woman to get leadership positions today. Besides, more women today are involved in the nation’s development compared to the past where the number was close to zero. Emirati women now work with their male counterparts in both private and government institutions and their performances are not any different. The distribution of women and men in UAE universities today is almost equal as it can be proven by the list of graduates in all departments including information and technology, communication and media, applied sciences, and engineering (Kirkpatrick, 2016). Education has been and continues to be an excellent women empowerment tool in the UAE. What are the different modern educational systems in the UAE today? The discovery of oil, however, led to further changes and development in many fields education included. Oil discovery led to more attention being paid to education especially to the young people. Sheikh Bin Sultan Zayed explained that it was important for young people to be educated as they were the nation’s real wealth. He further stated that most of the nation’s projects should be focused on promoting education to produce a generation that is qualified to grow the nation. Four stages of education were developed including kindergarten, primary, medium, and secondary. Education now included both males and females that were provided education in the public schools free of charge. Education was now a major concern for the state and now incorporated foreign languages and mathematics. Some of the major educational developments after the discovery of oil that are still in place today include resettlement education, women empowerment through education, and IT. Information Technology (IT) Information technology is now a main priority in the education systems in the UAE, especially in Dubai. In the UAE today most schools including primary schools teach information technology to students. Previously there was no information technology in UAE schools since technology had not developed much. Besides, the UAE also has specific schools that teach only information technology. The world today runs on technology and it is not only in UAE where education systems are now technology and science based. Resettlement education Resettlement education is the country’s focus to shift into education through ensuring that by the year 2020, the percentage of citizens working in the education sector is above 90% (Anupa, 2005). Moreover, it also entails that schools are spread all over the nation including every village, which is the case today. No citizen that is a student is discriminated in any way when providing education. Adult education, Youth Activities, and Special needs education Other education systems that accompanied the discovery of oil include youth activities, special needs, and adult education. Youth activities in the education sector included the formation of clubs such as scouts, science clubs, and culture and art clubs. Besides religion is also part of this system through teaching Quran. Adult education systems were started to help the adults in development issues that the nation is currently facing especially when it comes to technology. Incorporation with the women unions, the state was focused on wiping out illiteracy by introducing adult education programs. The ministry of education also established the department of special needs that focuses on students with special needs and ensures that they receive great care and effective education. Conclusion In conclusion, over the past 40 years, the UAE has shown significant development in various fields including education. The development in UAE is attributed to the discovery of oil. Education in the UAE before the discovery of oil is very different from the present. Educational history in the UAE is attributed to self-education and simulated fiction. This paper has provided answers to several questions that relate to education in the UAE. The questions are what is the historical development of education in the UAE? What is the role of women in UAE education today? What are the different modern educational systems in the UAE today? Education in the UAE and the world, in general, has developed over the years and will continue to develop especially with the technological developments. One of the major development is in relation to women and the gender equality. In the past women were not involved in educational matters but today the percentage of women that are educated and those in schools has grown immensely. Overall, educational like any other sector in the UAE and any other nation will continue to grow and develop mainly due to technological advancements. References Abu Dhabi. (2010). The Report: Abu Dhabi 2010. Oxford Business Group. Afshan, A. (2011). “The UAE's History Lesson,” The Nation, UAE. Accessed May 5, 2017, from http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/the-uaes-history-lesson. Anupa, K. (2005). “Education Past, present, future,” Gulf News, Education. Accessed May 5, 2017, from http://gulfnews.com/culture/education. Kirkpatrick, R. (2016). English Language Education Policy in the Middle East and North Africa. Sadik, M. T., & Snavely, W. P. (1972). Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates: colonial past, present problems, and future prospects. Lexington, Mass: Lexington Books. Read More