Latest news with #projectbasedlearning
Khaleej Times
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Holidays in UAE: Your guide to summer camps for children across Abu Dhabi
From AI and entrepreneurship to art and athletics, Abu Dhabi's new summer camp season during the long break offers something for every student. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) has launched its most comprehensive summer camp programme yet, offering more than 60 camps across Abu Dhabi from July 1 to August 29. Building on the success of previous editions and incorporating parent feedback, the School Break Camps span Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, delivering hands-on, project-based learning across diverse interests while maintaining dedicated programs for Students of Determination. "We believe that learning never stops," said Dr Bashaer Al Matrooshi, Executive Director of Adek's Talent Enablement Sector. "Adek's School Break Camps reflect our deep commitment to nurturing students' growth in every sense – physical, emotional, and intellectual. Through project-based learning, our summer camps not only keep students meaningfully engaged during the break but also help cultivate a love for learning that lasts a lifetime." The programme features expanded partnerships with leading universities and organisations. Creative offerings include Culinary Arts by ICCA, Art Explorers by Brainy n Bright in collaboration with Kenaz, Transformative Journalism by Storm, and Arabic Heroes by Beit Arabi Center. Sports enthusiasts can choose from specialised camps, including a five-day Multi Sports Camp by Haraka Fitness offering touch rugby, tennis, netball, cricket, badminton, and dodgeball, alongside the Football Camp by Pass Academy and Wrestling Camp by the UAE Wrestling Federation. A standout addition this year focuses on future-readiness skills, with new camps including Young Business Leaders by Storm, Financial Literacy by Zoud, and Future Careers by Pole Position in collaboration with Hashtat, directly addressing 21st-century skill development. High school students benefit from advanced AI and technology training through university partnerships. These include Build What's Next Camp by Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Ektashef Camp by Khalifa University, Future Tech Explorers Camp by Abu Dhabi University, and Energy & AI Bootcamp by IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi. UAE University in Al Ain offers specialised programs, including Innovate in 3D: Design for Impact, Data Science & Visualisation, and Prompt Engineering camps. Meanwhile, 42 Abu Dhabi provides intensive peer-to-peer boot camps, covering AI Summer Camp, Discovery Piscine - Python, and Generative AI & Prompt Engineering. Parents can browse from 33 additional camps delivered by industry leaders, with registration fees applying throughout the program period. Parents can find more details on the different camps and registration on the Adek website.
Mail & Guardian
07-06-2025
- General
- Mail & Guardian
Less testing, more thinking: The case for project-based learning in schools
Teachers need to move beyond asking learners to memorise information to being able to ask meaningful questions and work together on real-world problems. When we talk about what school must teach young people to be, we often fall back on buzzwords: entrepreneurs, forward-facing leaders, innovative thinkers, team players. But what do these labels actually mean in the context of a classroom — and beyond? At its core, preparing young people for the future means helping them to think critically, work well with others, and bounce back from setbacks. These are the human skills that will remain in demand no matter how fast technology evolves. And there is one approach that consistently builds these competencies: project-based, practical learning. Instead of asking learners to memorise information they may never use, we should be giving them opportunities to investigate meaningful questions, collaborate on real-world problems and reflect on their own learning. From memorisation to critical thinking: Traditional classrooms reward recall over reasoning. But now that artificial intelligence can do deep research in the blink of an eye, knowledge alone is no longer power. It is what you do with it that counts. Project-based learning (PBL) flips the script by asking students to analyse, interpret, evaluate, and apply what they learn. Whether they are pitching a business plan or solving a social issue, learners should be challenged to question assumptions and make informed decisions. These habits drive critical thinking — they are not developed through worksheets or lectures alone. From solo achievement to collaborative learning: School can be a strangely individualistic experience. But in life, success is rarely a solo act. Project-based learning centres on collaboration. It teaches people life skills like how to listen actively, share responsibility, resolve conflict and build on each other's ideas. And these skills are best learned through doing. Through building something together, solving a shared problem or presenting a group solution to a real audience. Collaboration also nurtures empathy and respect. In diverse project teams, people encounter different perspectives, learn to navigate differences and see how their strengths can complement others'. This is powerful preparation for life beyond school. From curriculum silos to integrated learning: Most schools still organise knowledge into neat boxes, but the world is not siloed like this. Real problems, from climate change to financial planning, cut across disciplines and require integrated thinking. Projects naturally connect subjects. A single task might involve mathematical modelling, persuasive writing, ethical decision-making and digital design. This not only mirrors real-world problem-solving but also helps learners see the relevance and application of what they are doing. From marks-focused mindsets to growth and purpose: When everything in school is geared toward tests and marks, it is easy for learners to disconnect from their deeper motivations. Practical, project-based learning reintroduces a sense of purpose. It shows them that their ideas matter, that they can make a difference, and that learning is not just about grades. It is about doing something meaningful. It also builds resilience. Projects do not always go according to plan. There are setbacks, iterations, and feedback loops. But through this process, learners develop grit, adaptability and a growth mindset. From passive learning to participation: Many students experience school as something done 'to' rather than 'with' them. But when learners have ownership over their work — when they are researching a topic they care about, building something tangible or solving a problem that matters — they engage more deeply. Project-based learning invites them to take the lead. Learners should ask their own questions, make choices, manage their time and take responsibility for the outcome. It turns passive people into active participants, and it shifts the teacher's role from information-giver to learning coach and mentor. Project-based and practical learning redefines what learning looks like and what success in school means. It is not a trend. It is a transformation, and it is critical. Shaun Fuchs is the founder and chief executive of Centennial Schools Sandton.
