The University of Helsinki Centre for Continuing Education HY+ was selected from amongst 35 esteemed universities in the world to collaborate in the development of a new Postgraduate Diploma Programme for teachers in the Emirate of Sharjah. HY+ will develop the new programme with the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), and the Sharjah Education Academy (SEA).
The Postgraduate Diploma Programme is a ground-breaking project in teacher training. The aim is to enhance the education system at large, both regionally and internationally. The role of HY+ is to create both online and face-to-face content for the programme and to train the faculty of SEA to deliver the programme.
“This project is an outcome of a long process of exchanging ideas and sharing values during the past two years. The programme truly represents our joint vision of the future of teacher training”, says Project Director Minna Saadé from HY+.
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah witnessed the signing of the cooperation agreement in Sharjah on December 15th.
The programme emphasizes merging theory with practice by promoting research activities and including elements of teaching practice. Professor Kirsti Lonka from the University of Helsinki is the Academic Director of the project, and she and her team will design the programme in collaboration with SEA.
The programme accepted the first group of participants this January. The group consists of new university graduates with a bachelor’s degree from different subjects, and the aim is to develop their pedagogical skills and prepare them to pass their teacher license exams with the highest marks.
The second group of participants will consist of teachers, who will complete the programme as a part-time in-service training to enhance their teaching practices. The programme also includes elements that help the participants to advance the culture in their own schools.
About HY+
HY+ is a fully-owned company of the internationally esteemed University of Helsinki, the oldest (est. 1640), largest, and highest-ranked higher education institution in Finland. The University of Helsinki Centre for Continuing Education HY+ provides continuing education and development services both in Finland and abroad.
Article Submitted by:
Saara Kankainen
University of Helsinki HY+
Finland
