The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) organized a ‘Higher Education Teaching, Research, Learning and Curriculum Symposium’ on Wednesday 4^th February, 2015. It was presented by Professor Harry Hibaul from the University of British Columbia, Canada and targeted UAEU faculty members. The symposium was held in the information technology building on UAEU’s main campus.

The aim of the symposium was to help in reaching the academic standards required for institutional accreditation, and to develop faculty in terms of teaching, learning, research skills and curriculum delivery. All of this should serve to encourage a learning environment that values creativity, excellence and innovation in teaching methods and use of technology.

Professor Harry Hibaul said that, “New ways of teaching and in education generally are not only aimed at improving teaching, but at creating a community of academics who are able to transfer expertise and information through modern methodology.” He added that UAEU encourages scientific research in parallel with its aim to develop a greater capacity for scientific research and innovation. Such plans encourage academics to conduct research on education and learning and share these experiences with their peers amongst the faculty members at the university.

This symposium is part of a strategic partnership between UAEU the University of British Columbia aimed at the transfer of skills and the sharing of research.