American University of Sharjah (AUS) held the first of a series of workshops by its Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science for 31 high school science teachers from Sharakah schools at the AUS campus recently.

The workshop was designed to introduce high school teachers to advanced methodology in teaching biology, chemistry and environmental science. Dr. Mahmoud Anabtawi, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Oussama Elkadri, Interim Head of Department, welcomed the participating teachers and explained that the workshop would focus on bridging the gap in the curriculum between high schools and university.

During the workshop, faculty members from the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences shared the various teaching methods used in their classrooms, with a focus on the use of technology and visual aids. General discussions took place about the curriculum and teaching methodologies, as well discussions on specific issues regarding challenges students face. Discussions also consisted of brainstorming sessions that aimed to establish a list of recommendations to enable an easier transition for students. The teachers were also given a tour of the AUS biology and chemistry labs.

The participating Sharakah schools included Sharjah American School, Dubai; Sharjah American School, Sharjah; Al Shola School; Victoria International School; Rawafed Private School; and Liwa International School.

As part of the university's community engagement strategic initiative, AUS introduced the Sharakah program to partner with select schools in the UAE to create a platform for cooperation between the university and the partner schools in various academic and non-academic areas. These include the engagement of teachers and students through training sessions and workshops, as well as cultural, social and sporting activities.

At the end of the workshop, teachers from the Sharjah American School, Dubai were declared winners of a biology competition while teachers from the Sharjah American School won a chemistry competition.