As part of its aim to develop innovative tools and methodologies to achieve the adequacy of research and investigation for school students and university, the Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QU-YSC) alongside the Education Training and Development Center at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) cooperated to launch the teacher-training program ‘Research Methodology.’
The initiative aims to enhance competencies and research expertise through an intensive training program designed by the YSC. It follows the latest innovative methods and approaches in education and scientific research. The first session of the program was launched in January 2023 with the participation of 17 teachers from 9 preparatory schools and 8 secondary schools, and concluded in the closing ceremony at the MOEHE this month.
The program methodology, prepared by the YSC, combines innovative educational methods and interactive practices that contribute to developing scientific research skills among teachers and students. The program included many training workshops to familiarize teachers with the research methodology in an integrated manner so that they could share research knowledge with students, such as enabling teachers and students to conduct a research study by selecting a research topic, finding previous studies, and then identifying relevant previous studies using Prisma technology. In addition to introducing them to methods of collecting and analyzing data and designing research posters according to international standards. The program contributes to refining students' skills and enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
A total of 347 students participated and carried out 81 scientific research. The teachers were evaluated periodically to emphasize the importance of offering the program in accordance with the standards and the set plan. The projects of the participating students were evaluated internally until the best group from each school was selected to compete in the final evaluation.
HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Ms. Buthaina bint Ali Al-Jabr Al-Nuaimi, and Professor Mariam Al-Maadeed, Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies at QU, in the presence of several invitees from the Ministry and the University, honored the closing ceremony.
During the ceremony, winning teachers and students were awarded:
Mr. Rami Gamal from Al-Doha Secondary school for boys won first place, while Ms. Alshayma Sobhi from Al-Thaen secondary school for girls won second place. The third place goes to both Mr. Mohamed Gooda from Saeed bin Zaid Preparatory school and Ms. Amal Mohamed Sabri from Al-Shahania school.
Students from secondary schools were honored as follows:
Students from preparatory schools were honored as follows:
Commenting on the projects and research presented by the students, Prof. Mariam Al-Maadeed, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, said: “Among the most important requirements of society in our current era, which is witnessing great and rapid developments, is reaching high stages in innovation, research, and technical and technological progress. This can only be done by activating the mission of universities in revitalizing the scientific research movement at all levels, linking the methodology of scientific research at all academic levels with development issues, and opening channels of cooperation with educational institutions in the country and various development sectors to provide the best programs for students.” She also thanked the YSC team for their efforts in developing the program’s content and presenting it efficiently to students and teachers.
Prof. Noora Jabr Al-Thani said: “Qatar University, as the first scientific and research institution in the country, has a great desire to promote a culture of scientific research by establishing a clear curriculum for scientific research that is appropriate for every academic and age stage so that it becomes an integral part of their lives and their thinking towards all challenges they face. The aim is to prepare students from an early age in the basic research methodology and to apply it practically in an environment that supports thinking, exploration, and creativity. The center also seeks, through the program, to make scientific research easier and better for students through practical application that permeates all the program’s workshops.”