KUWAIT: The inaugural Gulf Forum for Educational Researchers concluded with a strong emphasis on modernizing educational systems in Gulf countries by adopting advanced teaching methods that align with the global revolution in artificial intelligence, technology and innovation culture. Dr Mohammed Al-Shuraika, Director of the Arab Center for Educational Research for the Gulf States, said in a press release on Tuesday that the forum concluded with six key recommendations aimed at strengthening the role of educational research in shaping policies and improving educational outcomes.
“The forum highlighted the need to develop institutional mechanisms within Gulf ministries of education to ensure that research findings and empirical data inform decision-making at all levels,” Al-Shuraika explained. He added that the recommendations emphasized enhancing the capabilities of educational researchers in applying scientific methodologies, collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data, and interpreting findings to guide practical solutions.
The forum also recommended supporting professional learning communities for educational researchers at both national and Gulf levels, adopting the Community of Practice (CEP) model to foster organized collaboration, share expertise and build cumulative knowledge. These communities are expected to create supportive environments that enhance research skills, improve research quality and address priority educational issues.
Al-Shuraika noted that the forum stressed the importance of research ethics and data governance, calling for clear regulatory frameworks to protect individual privacy and promote transparency and accountability in educational studies. Additionally, the recommendations urged greater emphasis on applied research addressing shared educational challenges across the Gulf and aligning research agendas with social, economic and cultural contexts to ensure practical impact.
The two-day forum, organized by the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States, was held under the patronage of Minister of Education Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabai and attended by Dr Mohammed Al-Muqbil, Director General of the Arab Bureau, undersecretaries from Gulf ministries of education, and a host of Gulf and international educational experts. The forum’s conclusions are expected to guide the integration of research-driven strategies into Gulf educational systems, enhancing the quality of education and supporting sustainable policy development across the region.- KUNA
