School management methods and high fees charged by private schools were among the concerns held by pupils and their parents, a survey shows.
The survey by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) claims there is scope for improvement when it comes to schooling in the capital.
Adec’s research office polled 18,774 public school children in Grades 5, 6 and 7, and 52,534 parents and guardians from across 445 private and public schools in Abu Dhabi.
UAE nationals made up about 40 per cent of the respondents.
Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, director general of Adec, said the results revealed problem areas in the education system and that staff were “looking into providing instant solutions to some of the issues mentioned”, Adec said.
“Dr Al Khaili instructed that schools handle issues, complaints and obstacles in a respectable and understanding manner, keeping in mind the interest of students,” the report said.
Other issues include the treatment of parents of students with special needs, and the need to integrate these students into a healthy educational environment.
There was also concerns about a shortage of extracurricular activities in some schools and the need to make schools “enriching and entertaining, full of knowledge”.
“Students and guardians should not be bombarded with too much homework after school hours. Students must enjoy studying rather than be forced to do it,” the report said.
“Dr Al Khaili instructed that physical and verbal or mental abuse be monitored. Factors such as risks facing students, protecting students from risks and dangers, providing social and mental security for students must be highlighted.”
Parents and teachers should also team up in support of the students’ educational growth.
“This will help students overcome certain behavioural and educational obstacles they may face while unleashing hidden talents a child may possess,” the report said.
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