Andreas Schleicher, Director for the Directorate of Education and Skills, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), headlined the closing plenary session of the Qudwa 2017 Global Teachers’ Forum held at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi on 7 and 8 October, 2017.
His remarks inspired over 900 teachers from more than 80 countries to employ the various teaching and learning methods they learned into their classrooms.
A noted and highly-respected statistician and researcher in the field of education, Schleicher closed the forum, with a summary of key highlights of the diverse sessions.
Schleicher’s remarks included advice and words of encouragement to teachers – particularly young teachers and those working in challenging environments.
He said: “What teachers know and care about makes such a difference in a student’s development.” Emphasising the value that is added to a learning environment when teachers are dedicated, Schleicher shared with the audience his experience of working with educators to identify the impact of policy changes related to teacher pay, extended educational time, and professional development and changes in educational performance.
Andreas Schleicher is Director for Education and Skills, and Special Advisor on Education Policy to the Secretary-General at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris. Schleicher supports the Secretary-General’s strategy to produce analysis and policy advice that advances economic growth and social progress.
Throughout this closing session, Andreas Schleicher referenced several of the presenters and speakers from their respective sessions. He was particularly impressed with Julia Gillard’s commitment to reforming education in the world’s poorest countries through the Global Partnership for Education.
He also commented on Daniel Lerner’s talk that focused on investing in increasing positive emotions in the classroom.
Schleicher then praised the innovative and new-aged approach to teaching led by Ron Clark that focused on his interest in harmonious education.
Finally, he thanked the UAE leadership for its long-standing support to teachers and its priority to education, to improve standards and produce better results across the board.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Qudwa 2017 concluded today at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. Under the theme ‘Teaching for Tomorrow’, the forum convened more than 900 education professionals from 80 countries to discuss the latest global trends in empowering teachers and inspiring students.