Authentic Learning and Assessment in Lebanon and UAE Private Schools: Implementation, Impacts, and Challenges

Authors

  • Nadim Taha Modern University for Business and Science, Beirut, Lebanon
  • Samar Thebian Modern University for Business and Science, Beirut, Lebanon

Abstract

In today's world, it is vital to establish an educational system that equips students with critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, rather than encouraging them to be passive learners. To achieve this aim, authentic learning and assessment are crucial. This research seeks to explore the implementation of authentic learning and assessment, their impact, and the challenges faced by teachers in private schools in Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study employs a mixed-methods approach to gather data from a survey that includes closed and open-ended questions for 91 teachers in ten private schools (50 teachers from Lebanon, five private schools from Mount Lebanon, and 41 from the UAE). The findings demonstrate that authentic learning and assessment are effective in developing teaching strategies and improving learning outcomes in both countries, despite the challenges that teachers face. The research also reveals a significant positive impact on student performance in Lebanon. As a result, the study provides valuable insights into future interventions to promote education in both the Arab and global contexts.

Keywords: authentic, assessment, impacts, challenges, Lebanon, UAE

Author Biographies

Nadim Taha, Modern University for Business and Science, Beirut, Lebanon

I currently work as the group B subjects coordinator and business teacher at Ali Bin Abi Taleb School, a public school in the United Arab Emirates under the management of Emirates Schools Establishment. I earned a Bachelor's degree in business management from the Lebanese International University and an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration with a specialization in accounting from Algonquin College. I am also in the process of completing my teaching diploma from the Modern University of Business and Science.

My initial professional research was on "Authentic Learning and Assessment in Lebanon and UAE Private Schools: Implementation, Impacts, and Challenges". I am particularly interested in further research in the field of authentic learning and its application. I have also worked on a curriculum design that was presented to AL Qassimi Foundation of Ras Al Khaimah and I am currently working towards implementing this curriculum.

As an educator, I am deeply passionate about engaging in educational research and staying updated with the latest methods and practices, as it helps me understand their efficiency and effectiveness.

Samar Thebian, Modern University for Business and Science, Beirut, Lebanon

I am currently a physics and biology teacher at Al Najah School, a private institution in the United Arab Emirates. With eight years of experience in teaching math and science across various levels and curricula in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, I am dedicated to fostering student success. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Notre Dame University in Lebanon and a teaching diploma from the Modern University of Business and Science. I am committed to staying current with educational trends and actively seek professional development opportunities through workshops and webinars. My participation in research on authentic learning and assessment has significantly enhanced my understanding of effective teaching strategies, ultimately improving my students' learning outcomes.

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Published

2025-01-30

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2025): Proceedings from the 8th Global Issues Conference

Section

Global Issues Conference Proceedings

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