News & Event

The Ministry of Education, represented by the main committee supervising international studies in mathematics and science, held a symposium titled "Local and International Best Practices for Enhancing Students' Knowledge and Skills in Science and Mathematics." The two-day symposium targets 350 science and mathematics specialists from supervision, assessment, curriculum, teachers, supervisors, and school administrators.

The opening of the symposium was patronized by HE Dr. Khamis bin Saif Al Jabri, Head of the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, in the presence of HE Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibaniyah, Minister of Education, the Honorable members of the State Council, Their Excellencies the members of the Shura Council, Their Excellencies the Undersecretaries, Advisors, Directors-General, members of the teaching staff, and invitees. The event was held in the Grand Hall of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Center.

Dr. Mia bint Said Al Azri, Advisor to the Minister of Education for Scientific Innovation and National Coordinator for the International Study TIMS, delivered a speech in which she said: “In light of the accelerating global trend towards promoting science and innovation as key drivers of sustainable development, the Ministry of Education has been keen to establish a renewed educational system based on keeping pace with these changes and enhancing students’ knowledge and skills in scientific and technical fields. The Ministry has continued to develop the science and mathematics education system within its strategic plans by adopting the international chains in science and mathematics, starting with the 2017/2018 academic year. The educational evaluation system has also been developed to enhance the quality of educational outcomes, in addition to developing the e-learning system in terms of electronic platforms and technical means such as interactive whiteboards, mobile computer labs, and others.”

She added: “In support of teachers, as the pillar of education, the Ministry has been keen to implement specialized, qualitative programs through the Specialized Institute for Professional Training for Teachers, seeking to build educational competencies capable of inspiring and innovating teaching methods. In its quest to build innovative capabilities among its students, the Ministry has implemented several qualitative programs that support and enhance science education in partnership with various relevant governmental and private sectors. Among the most important of these initiatives and programs are the establishment of science and innovation centers in various educational directorates, and the implementation of the STEM OMAN program in a number of government schools, in addition to national scientific events that have proven the importance of partnership in enhancing passion for science not only among school students but also among various segments of society. The fourth edition of the Oman Science Festival was a national scientific epic that attracted more than 300,000 visitors, who experienced the passion for science through activities presented by 140 institutions from various governmental and private sectors.”

This was followed by a video titled "Science and Mathematics, A Future Vision," which showcased the Ministry of Education's efforts to develop science and mathematics curricula, raise students' academic proficiency, introduce modern and technical equipment, apply Cambridge series in teaching science and mathematics, implement training programs for teachers, develop scientific activities provided to students, and showcase their regional and international participation. Dr. Juliane Henke, Director of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (LEA) in Hamburg, then gave a visual presentation introducing the TIMSS International Mathematics and Science Study, its objectives, global impact, the role of the Sultanate of Oman in it, its results in 2023, and future directions. This was followed by a video titled "The Story of Oman," which featured glimpses from the previous edition of the Oman Science Festival, one of the pioneering national initiatives that stemmed from the Ministry's belief that science is the cornerstone of all renaissance and development.

The first session of the Symposium was titled "Science and Mathematics Teaching Strategies," and featured five papers. The first paper was titled "Problem-Solving Strategy in Science and Mathematics Education: Developing Students' Analytical Thinking Skills." The second was titled "Enhancing Science Learning Through Practical Activities and Laboratory Experiments: Strategies for Developing Scientific Understanding." The third paper came titled "Exploring TIMSS 2023 Vocabulary: Analyzing Challenges and Building Improvement Strategies." The fourth was titled "The Role of STEM Programs in Enhancing Science and Mathematics Learning." The fifth was titled "Science and Mathematics Teaching Strategies in Light of Effective Practices: Classroom Insights and Applications."

The second session was titled "Employing Technology in Teaching Science and Mathematics," and included six papers. The first was titled "Smart Education: How Do the Ministry and Schools Develop Digital Learning Strategies in Science and Mathematics?" The second was titled "Employing Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies to Enhance Science and Mathematics Learning: The Role of Interactive Simulation in Improving the Educational Process." The third was titled "Employing the Noor Platform in Enhancing Science and Mathematics Learning." The fourth was titled "Noor AI Platform: Promoting Innovation in Science Education Using Artificial Intelligence." The fifth paper was titled "The Role of Artificial Intelligence Tools and Applications in Improving Scientific Understanding – The Experience of the Kingdom of Bahrain." The sixth was titled "Interactive Education in Science: How Do Virtual Labs Contribute to Improving Practical Understanding?"

The symposium aims to enhance science and mathematics education by reviewing effective practices for motivating students and achieving a deep understanding of concepts in science and mathematics. It also aims to develop teaching methods by focusing on student-centered learning strategies. It also aims to employ technology in education by highlighting the role of digital tools and software in enhancing science and mathematics learning in an engaging and interactive manner. It also seeks to improve educational assessment by discussing appropriate assessment tools that support students' understanding and development of their science and mathematics skills. In addition, the symposium aims to enhance partnerships among stakeholders, focusing on collaboration between schools, parents, and experts to support and motivate students towards excellence in science and mathematics.