Best posts made by Samar Mohamed

Education is the most essential component needed in order to be successful. Having previous knowledge helps people manage even day to day activities and situations.

Although not everyone experiences life in the same way, each and every one of us has some basic previous knowledge that serves as a “survival kit”. This “survival kit” possesses some ideas that will help someone manage a situation for the first time. These ideas may have been acquired from previous life experiences, storylines in movies and other people’s anecdotes. Education serves as the source of many more ideas that can help complete that “survival kit”. In order to become a true scientist, our “survival kit” full of previous knowledge should incorporate skills and techniques that will allow us to be successful scientists in the near future.

During my post graduate studies students had to attend different seminars. These seminars were given by different researchers. They offered a variety of topic, from neuroscience, enzymology, biotechnology to drug delivery. Each student needs to attend at least four seminars, in order to increase their knowledge as a scientist.

During the seminars each speaker would give their experience as a researcher. Their experience made me identify with them and wanted to pursue even more a research carrier. It made me realize that they were in the same position that we are right now and that they took chances in order to accomplish their dreams. They told us to take chances and give our best because that what gonna paid off later on. It made us believe that our dreams as a scientist can come true if you work hard.

These seminars make us grow as scientist and increase our knowledge in different areas. They showed us different techniques used by them, and that will be used by us in the near future. This way we can pass on our knowledge to future generations and just as the speakers were, be a role model to them. As professionals they guided us, telling us what would be better for us and how much effort it requires.
These seminars also gave us the opportunity to be interviewed by the universities. Each university gave opportunity to students to be interview in order to recruit for a summer research internship. During these interviews we could practice what we learn in class about how to perform an interview. The advice gave by our teachers help me to be chosen by the city of scientific research and applied biotechnology. These seminars made all of us grown as a scientist in so many ways. We acquire a ton of knowledge that would be helpful in our future. The speakers taught me that it not gonna be essay but if work hard it will be possible.
This experience made me value all the opportunities that life offered us.

In the 21st century, the role of a teacher has evolved to focus on facilitation, coaching, and mentoring. Teachers are no longer just conveyors of information, but rather guides who help students develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Here are some key characteristics of a 21st-century teacher:

1. Facilitator: Teachers act as facilitators, creating an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
2. Coach: Teachers provide individualized coaching and mentoring to students, helping them develop their skills and abilities.
3. Mentor: Teachers serve as role models, demonstrating a growth mindset, adaptability, and a willingness to learn alongside students.
4. Curator: Teachers curate learning experiences, selecting resources and activities that cater to diverse learning styles and needs.
5. Designer: Teachers design learning environments that are engaging, interactive, and personalized.
6. Collaborator: Teachers work with colleagues, parents, and the community to create a supportive learning ecosystem.
7. Reflective practitioner: Teachers reflect on their own practice, continuously improving their teaching methods and pedagogy.
8. Technology-savvy: Teachers are proficient in using technology to enhance teaching and learning.
9. Flexible: Teachers adapt to changing circumstances, pivoting when necessary to ensure student success.
10. Empathetic: Teachers demonstrate empathy and understanding towards students' diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Some key skills that 21st-century teachers should possess include:

1. Critical thinking
2. Communication
3. Creativity
4. Problem-solving
5. Collaboration
6. Adaptability
7. Emotional intelligence
8. Digital literacy
9. Flexibility
10. Open-mindedness

To cultivate these skills in your students, you can:

1. Encourage creativity through projects and activities that promote self-expression
2. Foster critical thinking through open-ended questions and discussions
3. Emphasize collaboration through group work and peer-to-peer feedback
4. Provide opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning
5. Encourage digital literacy through hands-on experiences with technology
6. Develop problem-solving skills through real-world scenarios and challenges
7. Model empathy and emotional intelligence through authentic relationships with students
8. Provide feedback that is specific, timely, and actionable

By adopting these characteristics and skills, you'll become a 21st-century teacher who is well-equipped to support students' growth and development in this rapidly changing world!

If you're looking for the best science curriculum and educational experience in Egypt, then consider a STEM school. This type of school is designed to provide students with specialized STEM education which will prepare them for the rest of their lives.

The STEM curriculum includes courses that cover math, science, computer science, engineering, and technology education. The classes are hands-on and allow students to get an understanding of what STEM education is all about and it also facilitates knowledge application.

STEM schools are becoming popular all around the world because they offer an education that is more relevant to modern times than many conventional schools. It is not just about science and technology either; they also provide a holistic education that teaches students how to think creatively, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others.

STEM schools in Egypt are not only increasing in number but also quality. Students in these schools are trained to be equipped with the skills that will make them successful in the STEM world.

What is the Value of STEM schools?
STEM education emphasizes learning applied sciences, engineering, mathematics, and technology. The students learn practical skills that will be useful for them in the future. These skills are in demand in today's world. STEM provides a hands-on experience to the students which is not available at traditional schools. In this type of school, students can get a degree or diploma that will help them land a job or go to university with ease.

STEM schools in Egypt have become popular among parents and educators because it emphasizes the practical skills and knowledge needed for children’s future success in competitive global markets.

STEM schools can help children develop skills like creativity, problem-solving skills, communication, and social skills, teamwork, and leadership, which are essential for the modern workforce.

How do I Find the Right School for My Child?
Choosing the right STEM school for your child can be tough, especially with so many schools to choose from. Some questions you might have are: Which schools are the best? Which schools rank well? What are their admission requirements?

There are many ways you can do this. If you want to know about the best STEM schools in your area, you could research them online by looking at rankings and reviews. The internet has made it much easier to find the right STEM school for your child. You can use a website that specializes in finding schools by zip code, or you can search on Google for “top STEM schools in Egypt” and you will get some recommendations. Many lists tell you factors to consider when looking at schools, such as the quality of teachers, how focused the curriculum is on STEM subjects, and more.

IVY STEM international schools
Ivy STEM international schools offer students access to professional US certifications in steering areas such as software, graphic design, engineering, robotics, etc.

Ivy STEM also offers a dual high school diploma to students graduating from grade 12. Students will earn an accredited high school diploma from the Egyptian Ministry of Education, as well as an official and accredited High school diploma from the USA, with the option to complete grade 12 and graduate in either country.

IVY in partnership with US Harmony Schools offers a high-quality education with an extraordinary focus on all four of the STEM subjects; Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

Harmony Schools have developed a standards-aligned, cross-disciplinary, multi-sensory model called STEM Students On the Stage (STEM SOS) that incorporates three core subject areas: a STEM subject of choice, social studies, and English language arts, enabling the development of today's students by giving them the necessary skills to grow into the innovators of the future.

In conclusion
The world in which we live is evolving, and we must adapt. STEM schools in Egypt transform society by providing students with a new mentality and abilities that are valuable in any field. They enable young people to be adaptable, look for patterns, make connections, and assess data. STEM schools also promote social consciousness. It informs the general population about world issues. As a result, STEM possibilities help us to transition to a knowledge-based economy and improve our environmental literacy.

What is the role of assessment in education?
• Defining Assessment
• What exactly do we mean when we talk about assessment of student learning? At the course level, assessment provides important data on the breadth and depth of student learning. Assessment is more than grading. It’s about measuring the progress of student learning. Thus, assessment is defined as a
• “process of gathering data to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of student learning”
• (Harris and Hodges, 1995).
• Assessment and Learning
• Assessment plays an important role in the process of learning and motivation. The types of assessment tasks that we ask our students to do determine how students will approach the learning task and what study behaviors they will use. In the words of higher education scholar John Biggs, “What and how students learn depends to a major extent on how they think they will be assessed.” (1999, p. 141).
• Given the importance of assessment for student learning, it is important to consider how to best measure the learning that you want your students to achieve. Assessment should integrate grading, learning, and motivation for your students. Well-designed assessment methods provide valuable information about student learning. They tell us what students learned, how well they learned it, and where they struggled. Good assessments allow you to answer the question,
• What was it that my students learned in my course?
• Assessment then becomes a lens for understanding student learning, identifying invisible barriers, and helping us to improve our teaching approaches.

Is assessment important for our lives? How?
Assessment is an integral part of any education or intervention programmed. Although it can be tempting to immediately start teaching skills, especially if you feel you know the child/young person well, it is beneficial to take the time to assess prior to intervention.
The benefits of assessment are:

1. Identification of strengths and difficulties
   Assessment will highlight an individual’s strengths, which can then be incorporated into the activities to be taught. Using an individual’s strengths can assist in making tasks more achievable and realistic, which then motivates them to persist with tasks.
   Assessment often reveals an individual’s interests. Many children and young people with autism have specialist interests which can be included in activities, therefore making the tasks more relevant and motivating.
   Assessment of course identifies areas of difficulty, which then informs goal setting and intervention planning.
2. Goal setting
   Assessment, as explained above, highlights target areas for goal setting. When setting goals, it is essential to focus on areas of need and skills requiring improvement. Goals must be realistic and achievable so professionals and parents should not target areas of greatest difficulty.
   For example, if a child or young person has significant fine motor difficulties, tying laces would be an unrealistic target. It would instead be more relevant to teach the individual how to use Velcro fastenings on shoes or to target a less complex fine motor task such as zipping a coat or pegging clothes to a line. This still allows the development of life skills but within achievable limits for the individual.
   As stated above, goals should also incorporate the individual’s existing skills and strengths as this will facilitate the accomplishment of realistic goals.
3. Teaching method
   Assessing children and young people with autism allows professionals and parents to determine their learning preference, which will then inform the teaching method used. Many individuals with autism show strengths in visual processing and this is frequently their preferred learning style. Skills will therefore be taught using visual systems, limiting the amount of instruction given.
   Others will of course have different learning preferences. Some may learn best when actively engaged with materials and therefore learn experientially.
4. Measuring progress
   Assessment carried out before and after intervention allows a clear measurement of progress. It will show any improvements in the skills taught and confirm if goals have been successfully achieved. If progress has been made, this reinforces that the teaching method is appropriate and amendments to the intervention plan are not required.
   Successes should be celebrated with the child or young person as this will foster a sense of achievement and have an impact on confidence and self-esteem. When progress can be clearly shown, the individual will be more likely to be motivated to continue with skill development and move on to new tasks, thus increasing their skill repertoire.
   Assessment results can be shared with other professionals and relevant family members, giving evidence that improvements are being made and that the child or young person is successfully acquiring new skills.
5. Identifying required amendments
   In some cases, assessment may show that the expected progress in a skill or task has not been made in the specified time frame. This does not necessarily mean that teaching that skill should be stopped; it may simply mean that amendments to the goal or to the teaching method are required. The task may need to be broken into smaller steps or the visuals used may need to be made clearer, for example adding photographs to a list of written instructions.
   Sometimes the student does not yet possess the prerequisite skills required for the activity so it may be necessary to refine these skills first and then return to teaching the task. For example, if the individual is not making progress in getting dressed independently, it may be useful to spend time on fine motor tasks to develop these skills which will then assist in tasks such as fastening b**tons and zips.
   Occasionally the individual may not be ready to learn that particular task. It can then be changed for a more achievable task.
   What is the link between critical thinking and assessment?
   Critical thinking skills have been identified as learning outcomes expected of students. Teaching towards developing thinking skills is quite recent, attempts are observed to find ways to infuse critical thinking into the tertiary curriculum. Assessment as learning promotes active thinking via self-assessment and exchange of feedback among peers.
   References:
   https://2u.pw/42MqS
   https://2u.pw/tVVW5
   https://2u.pw/yqlNS

@BRYANb8875625e5 Thank you so much for the wonderful apps.
Actually providing students with a diverse array of apps that allow them to visualize celestial phenomena, run simulations, access real-time data, and explore astronomical concepts in dynamic ways is invaluable. It helps bridge the gap between the abstract and the tangible, transforming the learning process from passive to immersive .

@Antonia yes my friend. It's not every day that someone takes the time to acknowledge and celebrate another person's achievement with such enthusiasm and warmth. Your words are a perfect blend of sincerity, gratitude, and encouragement. and I'm grateful to be part of a community that values collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

@AFSHA28f0a2936e Congratulations dear friend
Best regards

Canva is a popular graphic design platform that offers a wide range of tools and features for creating professional-looking designs, graphics, and documents. Integrating Canva into the classroom can be a great way to enhance student learning and engagement in various subjects. Here are some ways Canva can be integrated into the classroom:

1. Visual aids for presentations: Students can use Canva to create engaging presentations, infographics, and posters to present their projects or assignments. This helps to make their presentations more visually appealing and interactive.
2. Graphic design projects: Assign students to create graphic design projects, such as logo design, brochure design, or social media graphics, using Canva's drag-and-drop interface.
3. Multimedia presentations: Students can use Canva to create multimedia presentations that combine text, images, videos, and audio files to tell a story or convey information.
4. Infographics: Canva's infographic templates and tools make it easy for students to create visually appealing infographics to illustrate complex information or data.
5. Digital storytelling: Students can use Canva to create interactive digital stories, such as interactive timelines, virtual field trips, or digital sc**pbooks.
6. Collaborative projects: Canva's collaboration features allow students to work together on projects in real-time, promoting teamwork and communication.
7. Assessment and feedback: Teachers can use Canva to create interactive quizzes, surveys, and assessments that provide instant feedback to students.
8. Lesson plans and resources: Teachers can use Canva to create engaging lesson plans, handouts, and resources for students, making it easier to communicate complex information.
9. Student portfolios: Students can use Canva to create digital portfolios showcasing their work and progress over time.
10. Citizenship and digital literacy: Canva can help students develop essential digital literacy skills, such as graphic design principles, typography, and visual communication.

To integrate Canva into the classroom:

1. Sign up for a free teacher account on Canva.com
2. Create a class account or individual accounts for students
3. Explore the various templates and features offered by Canva
4. Assign projects or activities that align with your curriculum goals
5. Provide tutorials or workshops on how to use Canva effectively
6. Encourage students to share their creations with the class or online platforms

Some popular educational templates on Canva include:

• Graphic organizer templates
• Infographic templates
• Presentation templates
• Brochure templates
• Social media graphics templates

By integrating Canva into your classroom, you can:

• Enhance student engagement and motivation
• Improve visual communication and collaboration
• Develop essential digital literacy skills
• Provide opportunities for creative expression and self-directed learning
• Make lesson planning and delivery more efficient

@Ani-Bareghamyan Actually dear friend. By incorporating these ICT-based approaches into the curriculum, educators can empower students to become critical consumers, responsible creators, and effective communicators in the digital age. The key is to provide a balanced and intentional integration of technology that aligns with the learning objectives and the development of well-rounded, future-ready individuals.

@Raj-Kumar
Dear friend,
Actually cross-cutting during emergency is very important topic.How can we leverage cross-cutting themes to develop more holistic pandemic preparedness strategies?

Best regards,
Samar Mohamed

@MehranKhan Great dear friend, I am on the same wavelength with you. Also I'm a huge proponent of using visual study techniques like mind maps! I find them to be incredibly effective for organizing information, identifying connections, and boosting recall.

The process of creating a mind map really helps cement the material in my brain. As I arrange the key concepts, sub-topics, and supporting details in a visual layout, I'm actively engaging with the information in a meaningful way. It's much more than just passively reading or highlighting notes.

The visual nature of mind maps also makes complex topics feel more digestible and coherent. Seeing the big picture and the relationships between different ideas is so much easier when you have it all laid out in a diagram or concept map.

And the great thing is, there are so many different ways to approach mind mapping. You can use color-coding, icons, images, and personal shorthand to make the maps truly customized to your learning style. Some people even find it helpful to animate or digitize their mind maps for added interactivity.

Personally, I find that mind maps complement the Cornell note-taking method really well. I'll start by taking traditional linear notes, and then translate those into a visual map to solidify my understanding.

Do you have experience with mind mapping or other visual study techniques? I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the pros and cons, and any tips you've picked up along the way!

@FarhanMehboob said in What's Your Best Study Hack? Let's Share and Learn!:

Fourteen years ago, when I started my duties as a Primary School Teacher, the first day was a bit challenging. I wondered how I could begin working smoothly and confidently in the classroom. With all the little eyes watching me, I decided to start with reading books, giving dictations, and ensuring that students made fair copies.

I can certainly understand the apprehension and uncertainty you must have felt on your first day as a primary school teacher 14 years ago. Starting a new role, especially one with so much responsibility for young students, can be quite daunting. However, it sounds like you had a solid plan to help ease into your duties and establish a productive classroom environment.

@Iqra-khan said in Professional Development Training:

To much extent do you think professional development is important for teachers? Share some of the way for teachers to upgrade their teaching skills?

Professional development for teachers is absolutely crucial in ensuring they can effectively educate and support their students. There are numerous ways teachers can upgrade their teaching skills and stay up-to-date with best practices. Here are some key points on the importance of professional development for teachers:

Staying Current with Curriculum and Pedagogy:
Education is a rapidly evolving field, with new teaching methodologies, technologies, and curriculum standards being introduced regularly.
Professional development helps teachers stay informed about these changes and equips them with the knowledge and skills to implement them effectively in their classrooms.
Enhancing Instructional Strategies:
Professional development workshops and training sessions provide teachers with opportunities to learn and practice diverse instructional strategies, such as project-based learning, differentiated instruction, or inquiry-based learning.
This exposure to a wider repertoire of teaching techniques allows teachers to cater to the diverse learning needs and styles of their students.
Integrating Technology:
In the digital age, the integration of technology in the classroom is becoming increasingly important.
Professional development programs can help teachers learn how to effectively utilize educational technology, digital tools, and online resources to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Fostering Collaboration and Networking:
Professional development often involves collaborative learning, where teachers can share best practices, discuss challenges, and learn from each other.
This collaborative environment encourages the exchange of ideas, problem-solving, and the development of professional networks that can support teachers' ongoing growth and development.
Promoting Reflective Practice:
High-quality professional development programs incorporate opportunities for teachers to engage in reflective practices, such as analyzing their own teaching methods, seeking feedback, and identifying areas for improvement.
This reflective process helps teachers continuously enhance their teaching skills and better understand the needs of their students.
Supporting Emotional and Mental Well-being:
Professional development can also address the emotional and mental well-being of teachers, providing strategies for stress management, work-life balance, and self-care.
This supports teachers' overall health and resilience, enabling them to better support their students' social-emotional needs.

@Bousl2336873cb4 You're absolutely right that there is always something that can be improved when it comes to sustainability. Whether it's reducing waste, increasing renewable energy use, improving efficiency, or changing behaviors - there are always opportunities to make positive changes.
Taking "one small step" and making incremental improvements is often the best approach. Sustainability is a journey, not a destination, so celebrating the small wins along the way is important.
Those small steps can indeed add up to "one big step" for sustainability overall. Collective action through many individuals and organizations making gradual improvements can drive substantial progress.
The mindset of always looking for ways to enhance sustainability, no matter how modest, is commendable. Maintaining that spirit of continuous improvement is really valuable.

@Ana_moderator Thank tit is a great system

@Samreen-Tahir You're absolutely right my friend. Computational thinking is a valuable problem-solving approach that can be applied across many disciplines.
Cultivating computational thinking skills is crucial in today's rapidly evolving world, as it equips individuals with the necessary tools to tackle complex problems, adapt to changing circumstances, and develop innovative solutions. Integrating computational thinking across various educational and professional domains can significantly enhance problem-solving capabilities and foster critical thinking and creativity.

@Ana_moderator It is an important topic because situations make bullied students unable to follow or to pay proper attention to their study. Such students may also miss opportunities to participate with their colleagues or even enjoy school activities. Bullied students ussually lose concentration when they are attending their classes. education. topic,

@ANIBAe11978a5ad That's a wonderful initiative by your students to save and recycle paper! By doing so, they are contributing to the conservation of forests and helping reduce the demand for wood pulp used in paper production. Recycling paper also helps save energy and water, as it requires less resources to produce recycled paper compared to making paper from raw materials.

Encouraging students to reuse paper for their project work not only promotes environmental sustainability but also instills a sense of responsibility towards conserving natural resources. It's a great way to teach them about the importance of recycling and the positive impact their actions can have on the environment. Keep up the fantastic work in educating and inspiring the next generation to be environmentally conscious!

@Antonia Planetariums are domed theaters that project images of the starry sky and countless spectacular objects we find in our universe, creating educational experiences that teach astronomy and related sciences.

@Shakhnoza I hope you are well dear friend. Go digital. Electronic documents have two huge advantages: ease of retrieval and access. Unlike paper files that must be searched manually and often by memory, electronic files can be retrieved using keywords included in either the file name or the content, no matter where the document is located.