Thirteen UAE national students from Zayed University, College of Education, visited Dubai American Academy to gain insights on the best teaching practices that empower them to be qualified teachers and contribute to the society.

The two-day visit to Dubai American Academy, a unit of Gems network of schools, comes as part of the partnership agreement between the two, which commenced last year, to hold a series of training programmes, aimed at developing the talent of the students who are training to be teachers.

As part of the programme, the young female students attended several classes and interacted with teachers, counselors, and students from the elementary school.

“Teacher talent is the single most important element of excellent schools, and it is very important to nurture this talent through ongoing training. This has resulted in unprecedented levels of student achievement, and has made Gems schools a quality leader in education in the UAE,” said Robin Appleby, principal of Dubai American Academy.

“We are delighted to host and train students from Zayed University for the second consecutive year, and thus contribute to creating a strong workforce of UAE national teachers.”

Dr Linda Colburn, assistant professor at the College of Education, Zayed University, said the teaching tools adopted at Dubai American Academy represent a great model for our young students. Dubai American Academy staff was very welcoming and co-operative.

"The visit gave our student teachers the opportunity to develop their knowledge on the best teaching practices adopted worldwide. We look forward to arranging similar visits in the future," he added.

Another visit by Zayed University is scheduled for the end of the academic year in June, 2010.-TradeArabia News Service