DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Dr. Amal Alrayes
Director, Unit of Teaching Excellence and Leadership
“Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I learn.”
This timeless quote from Benjamin Franklin perfectly captures the essence of true learning. It highlights the profound realization that the deepest learning occurs when individuals are actively engaged. At the University of Bahrain (UOB), we’ve always believed in the power of this message. We’re not just here to educate but to inspire, to ignite curiosity, and to foster a deep-rooted passion for knowledge.
Education constantly evolves, especially in today’s fast-paced world. For educators, who shape future minds, staying updated isn’t just beneficial—it’s vital. At UOB, we prioritize continuous professional development (CPD) for our staff. CPD goes beyond just new knowledge; it ensures our educators remain adaptable and leading in their fields. This emphasis not only advances them professionally but also enhances the overall educational quality for their students.
At the core of our commitment to CPD is the Unit for Teaching Excellence and Leadership (UTEL), founded in 2016. UTEL’s goals align seamlessly with UOB’s vision, highlighting the need for continuous and inclusive CPD. Its influence extends past our campus to educators at local, national, and global levels. UTEL acts as a driving force for educational advancement, transcending location and culture. It champions evidence-backed teaching methods, encourages knowledge exchange, and cultivates leadership in educators from all walks of life.
This commitment to CPD has garnered UTEL international recognition. Notably, three of its English-mediated CPD programmes — the Postgraduate Certificate of Academic Practice (PCAP) , the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) , and the New to Teaching in Bahrain (NTB) — have been accredited by the prestigious UK Advance HE (previously known as the UK Higher Education Academy). These programmes have paved the way for educators in the region to access high-quality training.
The UTEL aims to be a guiding light in the region. We want to create a culture where quality and leadership in education are at the forefront. We continually aim to be better and more inclusive, offering tools and support for educators both near and far.
Join the UTEL on this journey. Let’s aim high, keep learning, and pave the way for a brighter educational future for everyone.
ABOUT THE UNIT
The Unit for Teaching Excellence and Leadership at the University of Bahrain (UoB) is focused on the development of teaching and leadership skills of academic faculty at the UoB and the Higher Education (HE) sector, both in Bahrain and the region.
Vision:
To become a leading unit for research informed excellence in teaching and leadership in the HE sector, both in Bahrain and the region.
Mission:
To develop the teaching and leadership skills for all faculty members involved in the teaching process at the UoB, local and regional universities to keep up with the evolving requirements in the HE sector. To assist academics to continuously develop their teaching skills and to integrate pedagogic – research in their teaching practice.
Objectives:
- Increase awareness of the importance of teaching skills in HE and the necessity for training programs for academics in the sector.
- Foster a culture that recognizes the need for continuous professional development in teaching and learning.
- Support academics adopt a teaching philosophy that shifts the focus from teaching to learning.
- Support academics develop the required teaching skills in the sector.
- Encourage evaluation of the effectiveness of teaching through reflective practice.
- Encourage research informed improvement in teaching practice.
- Support both new and experienced academic staff attain better understanding of their teaching role in HE.
- Create a benchmark for academic staff to measure their current teaching practice and development against by aligning the faculty development routes to the UK Professional Standards Framework.
- Establish a system to reward academic staff for successful teaching practice
- Establish the UoB as a hub for teaching excellence and research in teaching and learning in higher education in the region.
OUR WORK
The UTEL engages in the following activities:
- Offering faculty development programs that are accredited by Advance Higher Education (AHE) in the UK and that lead to professional recognition of participants.
- Supporting faculty develop their teaching practice by conducting training programs, workshops, lectures and specialized scientific seminars, conferences and short courses.
- Providing support for colleges and departments specific to their requirements.
- Encouraging research in teaching and learning in HE.
- Collaborating with local, regional and international institutions to develop HE teaching practice in Bahrain and the region.
- Publishing newsletters and brochures about the training workshops and accredited programs offered by the unit.
CONTACT US
Director’s office
Dr. Amal Alrayes E-mail: aalrayes@uob.edu.bh Utel@uob.edu.bh
