“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire” - W. B. Yeates

“Miss, I have to show this to you. Look, I used the data to show how our health is declining because of climate change, and what we need to do,” said a grade 7 student.

“We worked together to show how serious things are using math. We want people to feel that they must do something about it,” said a grade 6 student.

Arab International Academy (AIA) believes that effective learning is an intentional, purposeful, and dynamic process – that is inclusive and student-centered. 

Students are at the very heart of the process – they participate in activities that create meaning and knowledge through inquiry and collaboration. AIA took every opportunity to implement the motto - “Success by choice, not by chance.”

The pandemic pushed most major events online. This provided more access and an opportunity for remote involvement to engage with local and global events – from the Arab Cup to Doha Women’s Forum to COP 26. Teachers made sure to reap the benefits and set up an interdisciplinary school-wide week of activities for each event. 

They also created tasks for each subject that connects content and skills with real-life issues – encouraging students to explore and collaborate to identify the issue and present suggestions at a personal and local level.

During COP 26 week Sixth grade were able to use math and English to take a closer look at data and create data displays arguing for action. Grade seven were looking at systems in science using scientific knowledge, research skills, and creativity to create informational posters on how climate change affects humans from the inside out! 

Grade 10 worked on speechmaking and learning from the speeches made during COP 26, presented their persuasive speeches on pressing issues. The same approach resulted in several different activities on the Arab Cup, Doha Women’s Forum, and others. 

Students can ask better questions, address real-life issues in a balanced way, and become involved citizens. AIA plans to stick with the winning formula as this is what learning is all about.

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