Education experts to gather at Global Education Forum 2011

With just over one week to go, educationalists from the all over the region are preparing to congregate at the fourth edition of the Global Education Forum (GEF) in Dubai. The event, which is held in partnership with the Ministry of Education and F&E, will bring renowned regional and international speakers to the UAE to address the key areas of global education development.

GEF provides a unique platform for dialogue between the local and regional academic community and their counterparts in the global education arena, and offers teachers, educational consultants and ICT specialists the opportunity to attend over 110 plenary sessions, workshops, abstracts, exhibitor workshops and roundtable discussions presented by local and global experts in education over three days.

Some of the key issues due for discussion at GEF 2011 include 'The Requirements of a Knowledge Society', 'Sustainability in the 21st Century Education', 'Vocational Education - Education for Employability' and Inclusive 'Education - how to include Special Education Needs children into mainstream schools'.

This year's line-up includes published authors such as Dr Khalifa Ali Alsuwaidi, Assistant Professor at Department of Curriculum and Instruction, United Arab Emirates University and Dr Meshgan Mohammed Al Awar, Director of Research and Studies Centre at the Dubai Police Academy.

Among the renowned international speakers speaking at GEF is Dr Tarek Shawki, Director, Regional Bureua of Science at UNCESCO; Ian Whitman, Head, Programme for Co-operation with Non Member Economies Directorate for Education at OECD.

"GEF once again reaffirms its position as the number one education event in the Middle East and a major event on the international education calendar due to the caliber of research papers submitted and speakers attending. GEF has succeeded in establishing itself as a key platform for education debate and development in the region since its inception three years ago." said Dr. Abdalla AlAmiri, Advisor to the Minister of Education and General Chair of the Forum.

This year will also see the launch of a presentation theatre located in the heart of the exhibition floor which will be dedicated to Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

The programme, which is being delivered by Dragon Fly Training for this edition of GEF, will provide teachers with practical and inspirational ideas, lesson plans, time saving information and tested strategies for improving the quality of learning.

Rhona Greenhill, Conference Director, F&E commented: "GEF is the region's leading platform for debate, knowledge, skills and experience that informs and guides educators and is at the heart of the Gulf Education Supplies and Solutions Show (GESS). GEF attracts world class speakers from across the globe to participate in the event and help shape the education landscape both regionally and internationally. The event continues to be a valuable source of information for teachers, and we look forward to replicating the success of previous years at the 2011 forum."

GEF 2011 will run from 3-5 May 2011 in conjunction with GESS at the Airport Expo Centre, Dubai