Recently the UAE government launched the UAE Centennial 2071, a program to invest in future generations by preparing them with the skills and knowledge needed to face rapid global changes. This program, which covers the next five decades, is based on four pillars: education, economy, government development, and community cohesion.
Regarding education, UAE Centennial 2071 highlights the importance of excellent quality of education, focusing on advanced science, technology, and engineering. Other educational measures include teaching students mechanisms for discovering their individual talents and interests early, nurturing ethics and values, and producing graduates who are open-minded and benefit from world experiences. On the institutional level, educational institutions are encouraged to be incubators of entrepreneurship and innovators and to be international research centers.
The IEA IRC 2021 in Dubai provided the opportunity to meet colleagues and friends, engage in interesting and fruitful discussions on topics relevant for the global ILSA community, and advance explorations and understanding of educational attainment in its context, the roles and needs of education stakeholders, and options for improved education globally.
The conference included time for discussion and informal interactions between researchers from all over the world to ensure a lively exchange of ideas. Each day of the three-day conference featured a keynote lecture, parallel sessions, and symposia giving participants access to various topics in educational research and assessment.
Each session included several presentations organized around themes related to one or more of the IEA studies (such as ICCS, ICILS, PIRLS, and/or TIMSS), methodology and analysis in large-scale assessment, learning and teaching practice in international education, using IEA data for evaluation or development at national and regional levels, and the policy implications of research.
The social program offered by our host, the Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates, included a welcome reception, a social dinner, and a visit to Expo 2020, providing an opportunity for attendees to make and renew acquaintances in a relaxed setting.
Dr Mohammed Al Mualla, Undersecretary for Higher Education Academic Affairs, will talk about “Global Trends in Education - Opportunities and Challenges.”
Dr Geoff Masters, CEO of the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) will talk about, "Assessing Deep Learning".
Prof. Dr. Matthias von Davier, Monan Professor in Education, Lynch School of Education, Boston College, and Executive Director, TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center, Boston College, will talk about, "Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Educational Testing and International Assessment".