Research Projects and Reports

International Technical Education

Development of Technical Secondary Education in the United Arab Emirates (2002 - 2003)

A collaborative endeavor between the University of Georgia, and the Manukua Institute of Technology from New Zealand: Major school reforms were implemented in curriculum, instruction, administration, and operations for all of the government technical schools in the UAE for the UAE Ministry of Education and Youth. A team of 21 full-time professional curriculum specialists and administrative advisors lived in-country for 12 months and visited schools on a daily schedule, updated and revised all curriculum schedules, ordered new textbooks, evaluated teachers, mentored administrators, ordered equipment, and reorganized school operations and class schedules. Reforms emphasized project-based, hands-on learning and relevant, up-to-date instructional methods and content. (Contract with the Ministry of Education and Youth, United Arab Emirates)

Reports

Harnish, D. (2002). Building a world class technical education system: UGA-MIT management plan for the UAE technical secondary schools. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Harnish, D. (2002-2003). Monthly activity reports: UGA-MIT project team activities and results. Project for improvement of UAE technical secondary schools. September-December 2002 and January - June 2003 monthly.Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Improvement of Secondary Technical Education Programs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): Transition Year Activities in the Schools, 2001-2002 (2001 - 2002)

This international project was primarily concerned with the design and implementation of improvements in the business and industrial programs at the secondary technical education school in the UAE. Project staff, including an international team of 15 program experts, spent three week in the UAE three times during the 2001-2002 academic year (October, February, May) visiting schools, gathering information from school staff and students, observing classes, reviewing curriculum materials, assisting teachers individually to implement project-based interactive learning approaches, conducting teacher in-service workshops, and assessing student learning. (Contract with the Ministry of Education and Youth, United Arab Emirates)

Reports

Harnish, D. (2002). Report of UGA technical program experts' third visit to the UAE secondary technical schools, April/May. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Harnish, D. (2002). Final report of UGA team visit to the United Arab Emirates secondary technical schools, January/February 2002: Recommendations of technical program experts, in-service teacher training, and implementation of curriculum revisions and projects. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

International Development Education Awards (IDEAS): Distance Education Model for Development of Technical education Teachers in the United Arab Emirates (2001)

This collaborative endeavor between the University of Georgia, Valdosta State University, and the Ministry of Education and Youth in the United Arab Emirates explored the development of a distance learning model for offering bachelor degree programs in technical teacher education, using GSAMS or Web-based on-line courses. (Grant from the UGA Office of International Development)

Global Partnerships for the 21st century: Distance Education Model for Development of Technical Education Teachers in the United Arab Emirates (2000 - 2001)

This collaborative endeavor between the University of Georgia, Valdosta State University, and the Ministry of Education and Youth in the United Arab Emirates sought to develop a distance learning model for offering bachelor degree programs in technical teacher education, using GSAMS or Web-based delivery methods. A project development team of faculty visited the UAE to assess the needs. Additionally, the project development team established a plan to implement distance learning in teacher education programs at University System of Georgia colleges.(Grant from the University System of Georgia Board of Regents Office of International Programs)

Evaluation of Secondary Technical Education Programs in the United Arab Emirates (2000)

This project was concerned with evaluating all of the business and industrial programs at the secondary technical education schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In 2000, 20 members of the evaluation team spent two weeks in the UAE visiting schools, gathering information from school staff and students, observing classes, and reviewing curriculum material. The results were compiled and presented with recommendations for improvement to the Ministry of Education and Youth and the Department of Technical Education in the UAE. (Contract with the Ministry of Education and Youth, United Arab Emirates)

Report

Harnish, D. (2000). Creating a workforce for tomorrow's technology: A proposed action plan for improving secondary technical education in the UAE. Occupational Research Group, UGA.