Education system evolving

Manama : The traditional approach to education employed in Bahrain and the Middle East is gradually being replaced by a more modern approach, an expert opined.

Creating learning environments that help students use their imagination, problem solving skills and intellect should be the priority for any system of education, said President of Applied Science University (ASU) Professor Ghassan Aouad. 

According to him, the traditional methods of teaching employs a “spoon feeding” approach which is a lot less effective than the modern practical and applied approach offered in the West. 

In an interview with DT News, he explained how the education system in Bahrain and the region is gradually changing. 

“The educational system, especially the higher educational system is maturing. In Bahrain, the efforts from the Ministry of Education, Higher Education Council and the National Authority of Qualifications and Quality Assurance for Education is making a difference. They have developed some interesting strategies for higher education and scientific research. I have confidence that higher education is going in the right direction,” he said.

“The traditional approach has been built around this spoon feeding method. This approach is followed by the East in general; but in the West, education is based around exciting case studies, problem solving etc. We are gradually adopting a similar approach here in Bahrain. We need to adopt this model by creating an exciting learning environment because students learn more through application.” 

He added that Bahrain could become a hub for higher education in the region. 

“The Kingdom of Bahrain can become a knowledge hub. We can attract more students from not only the GCC, but also other Middle Eastern countries,” he said.  

“As President of Applied Science University I strongly support the Vision 2030 of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. I believe we should all work together for the development of this beautiful country and focus on implementing the most productive ways to do so,” he added.

ASU is building its British links

The University president said that ASU has been growing its links with British varsities. He said the university will soon offer a variety of new programmes in collaboration with the British universities. 

“We are going to offer new programmes from British varsities. We are just waiting to complete some requirements, but after that we can start recruiting students for these programmes. We are excited to offer British degrees in Bahrain; this will benefit the students tremendously,” he said. “As you know going to UK to study is very expensive. What we are offering is a lot more affordable. You get exactly the same degree while the quality of education will be the same.” he added.

Doctorate honour

Prof Aouad recently received an honorary ‘Doctorate of Technology’ from the Loughborough University.

“I am grateful because it is only given to people with high achievements over a very long and sustained period of time,” he said.

He explained that his research work focused the use of technology especially virtual reality. 

“One my prominent research involved helping the design and management for construction of buildings by producing a computer simulation. It is for architectural designs and the whole life cycle of the construction process,” he said.

Prof Aouad is a veteran in the field of education who was named as “one of the top ten academic leaders shaping higher education in the Middle East” by the Middle East Economic Digest. He has been the President of the ASU since November 2014.