Centre for Education Action Research
Welcome to AFEF’s Centre for Education Action Research (CEAR), where the pursuit of knowledge meets the commitment of transformative change. We are dedicated to advancing education, not only in the UAE but worldwide, through rigorous research, innovative methodologies, and actionable insights. Join us on a journey of exploration and impact as we strive to shape the future of learning through evidence-based practices and collaborative endeavours.
The AFEF Centre for Education Action Research (CEAR), a trailblazing centre for education research in the United Arab Emirates, is committed to creating and sustaining a platform for education action research for both AFEF schools and other schools in the UAE. Through cooperation and engagement with educational institutions, governments, and corporate entities, it aims to advance best practices in education, improving the educational experience and making a positive impact on education going forward.
Why CEAR?
It is our belief that international schools often serve as hubs for innovation by fostering diverse perspectives, encouraging cross-cultural collaboration, and implementing progressive teaching methods that promotes critical thinking and cultivates creativity. The goal of AFEF is to revolutionize education, not only in the United Arab Emirates but worldwide, by leveraging partnerships with local and global leaders in the field. Additionally, the UAE government has demonstrated a significant commitment to the education sector, investing in curriculum development and technology integration, reflecting their dedication to providing world-class education across the nation. Given these advantageous circumstances, setting up a centre to promote constructive change in the field of education seemed a sensible, albeit pioneering, next step for AFEF.
CEAR Leadership
Simon O’Connor – Centre Director
Samantha Fernandes – Educator Administrator
Engaging teachers and school leaders into education action research is a fundamental tenet of our philosophy. We believe that educators are most suited to undertake research in schools to address the current educational challenges as well as the different demands of today’s school environment. By conducting research, they can guide their own professional development while documenting successful interventions, serving as agents of change in the classroom. CEAR aims to provide increased research opportunities for teachers and school leaders that will inform their practice and thereby elevate the standards of teaching at both AFEF schools as well as other schools in the UAE and beyond.
FOR EDUCATORS
- CEAR offers a platform to pursue career goals and explore a subject of personal interest.
- It supports educators by promoting and funding research studies on issues related to education action.
- Research involvement assists educators in identifying effective strategies, refining instructional techniques, and staying updated on educational trends.
- Researchers’ work will be published in an annual inhouse publication and presented at CEAR’s annual conference.
FOR SCHOOLS
- Embracing education action research fosters a culture of reflection and continuous improvement in schools.
- Encourages teachers and administrators to regularly assess their practices and collaborate with peers on solutions
- Facilitates collective contributions to the school’s growth and adaptation to evolving educational needs.
- Enables swift responses to changing educational requirements of students.
CEAR employs a collaborative approach, engaging with educators, school leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to bridge the gap between research and application. Through partnerships and knowledge-sharing, it aims to create a global community dedicated to advancing education.
We have partnered with University of Birmingham Dubai’s Action Research Network who are conducting workshops on how to develop action research in schools. They offer a dynamic learning experience that equips individuals with valuable skills, encourages collaboration, and empowers them to conduct their research.
We have welcomed several UAE schools for the 2023–2024 academic year, who are all equally enthusiastic about education action research.
SCHOOLS
UNIVERSITIES
ORGANISATIONS
SCHOOLS
UNIVERSITIES
ORGANISATIONS
In collaboration with our academic and education partners, our research initiatives provide avenues for advancing the knowledge and understanding of education in the UAE.
6 Projects
TEACHING AND LEARNING
3 Projects
STUDENT WELLBEING
1 Project
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
1 Project
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES (MFL)
3 Projects
COACHING
1 Projects
LEADERSHIP / CPD
5 Projects
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL)
1 Project
GIFTED & TALENTED
1 Project
CAREERS/JOB PREPAREDNESS
1 Project
ISLAMIC EDUCATION
4 Projects
ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION
1 Projects
CULTURAL AWARENESS
Join us for thought-provoking conversations with fellow educators, researchers, and industry leaders who are committed to changing the educational landscape in UAE. As we delve into their expertise, uncover the nuances of their research, and gain valuable perspectives that shed light on their research topic, we hope you will be inspired to carry out your own research and collaborate with CEAR
CEAR Speaker Series E1: Emma Crosby, Deira International School
Our first-ever interview with Emma Crosby, a Year 3 teacher at Deira International School, explores the topic of Coaching in Education and her insights and experiences conducting education action research.
CEAR Speaker Series E2: Alice Bidder, Hartland International School
Alice Bidder, a Year 6 teacher at Hartland International School and a passionate reader, delves into her research on reading for pleasure and creating social reading environments to inspire students to take up reading.
CEAR Speaker Series E3: Elizabeth Wasserman, Universal American School
CEAR Speaker Series E4: Phil Anderson, University of Birmingham Dubai
CEAR Speaker Series E5: Sasha Crabb & Rob McCall, Victory Heights Primary School
Sasha Crabb, Founding Principal and Rob McCall, Assistant Headteacher, at Victory Heights Primary School are passionate about CPD as they believe it fuels teacher’s passion and has a profound impact on the children. Their action research is a collaborative effort across the school to improve and add value to their current CPD sessions, thereby ensuring transformative growth for teachers and the school.
CEAR Speaker Series E6: Roua AlHalawani, Hartland International School
An English Language Learner Teacher, Roua’s dives into her research topic of class withdrawals and their impact on Year 9 students’ English linguistic skills. She sheds light on her methodology of increasing ELL sessions, with a strong emphasis on capturing students’ voices and perspectives. Roua also explores areas for improvement, paving the way for future studies in this essential field for UAE.
Events
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Get Involved
Whether you’re an educator, researcher, or passionate about education, connect with us to explore collaboration opportunities, share ideas, or inquire about our centre.
