The Community Service, Consultation, Training and Continuing Education Centre at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) has announced the opening of registration for the second cohort of the Professional Diploma in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)until December 4, 2024. This initiative aims to prepare educators capable of professional practice and to keep pace with developments in the educational field, particularly within the STEM programme, thereby enabling them to tackle significant challenges faced by the GCC states.

Prof. Waleed Zubari, Dean of the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences at AGU, stated that this professional diploma, launched in collaboration with the University’s Community Service, Consultation, Training and Continuing Education Centre, has garnered significant success and engagement from education professionals. It has been meticulously designed to enhance teachers’ abilities and develop their skills in interactive teaching, addressing global technological challenges through the refinement of their capabilities in applying educational activities, digital applications and conducting investigative research to enrich the educational process.

The STEM education philosophy, as noted by Prof. Zubari, emphasises the importance of learning STEM as essential requirements for the 21st century. This aligns with the objectives and visions of the GCC for 2030, aiming to enhance education that effectively contributes to economic progress and sustainable development. The diploma seeks to empower educators, equipping them with skills rooted in practical experience, research, analytical thinking and active experiential learning based on problem-solving.

Furthermore, the diploma particularly focuses on fostering integration among scientific disciplines, optimal utilisation of technology, and supporting self-assessment skills, all while adhering to contemporary global trends in teacher preparation based on the integrated science approaches of STEM education.

The Community Service, Consultation, Training and Continuing Education Centre aims to present this professional diploma to teachers across the education sector in GCC countries to elevate their competencies and provide suitable training, allowing them to serve the educational sector professionally, in line with ongoing digital and technological advancements. The Centre is firmly committed to the pivotal role of the teacher in enhancing and developing the educational process on various fronts. The response and feedback from the first cohort of this programme have been overwhelmingly positive.

On the occasion, Dr Afaf Bugawa, Director of the Centre for Community Services, Consultancies, Training and Continuing Education, said: “Continuous education and training are among the most important pillars of education reform, and the teacher is the primary active partner in this process. It is their responsibility to promote interactive education and test innovative learning and teaching concepts through practical applications in classrooms, combined with theoretical courses and electronic applications. Therefore, our centre is keen to launch these professional programmes and specialised training workshops to meet the diverse needs of various sectors in educational, medical and administrative fields, aiming to enhance the capabilities of participants from various institutions within Bahrain and beyond.”

She further elaborated: “The introduction of this diploma aligns with the scientific cooperation between the university and the local and Gulf community to elevate the skills of professionals in both the public and private sectors, thereby fostering sustainable development.” 

Dr Bugawa affirmed that these efforts would continue as long as the university possesses expertise and skills that can be imparted to both governmental and non-governmental institutions, in accordance with current and future national and Gulf needs, underlining that this is essential due to the effective impact of continuous training in developing analytical and critical thinking skills and improving competencies, ultimately enhancing productivity levels.

In conclusion of her statement, Dr Bugawa expressed hope that teachers enrolling in the programme would gain maximum practical benefit, adding: “Undoubtedly, this certification serves as a launching point for educators to overcome the challenges they face in delivering education that meets the needs of all students, enabling them to compete effectively in STEM, while adapting to the rapid changes of the modern era, and remaining aligned with our Gulf values and principles.”