A System dynamics model of the UAE K- 12 educational system

Abstract

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are believed to be the key educational ingredients that will ensure sustainable innovations in the future. The UAE is currently not a major contributor to science and technology development in the Middle East. In order to diversify and strengthen the rising oil-founded economy, the UAE must revamp its education systems, especially in teaching STEM related courses. In an attempt to tackle this challenging task, a System Dynamics model is developed to provide a means of examining the intricacies of STEM educational system in the region. System Dynamics is usually used for studying the behavior of complex systems over time using feedback loops and delays to overcome the limitations of past research and analysis. The study that was performed in the UAE had an objective of developing a proposal on how to motivate students in grades K-12 to pursue studies in STEM subjects in order to meet current and future requirements for an innovative economy. As a part of this research, questionnaires were developed for both private and public school students, and a separate survey was developed for STEM K-12 classroom teachers. The purpose of creating such surveys was to measure attitudes of students and teachers toward STEM and to provide insight into the factors that affect their interest in these disciplines. Such surveys were helpful to look at the main variables and necessary data needed to successfully construct the System Dynamics model. The developed model will allow us to run experiments in a safe and risk free environment, a computer, and to compress time and space so that we can see the consequences of any action on the education system over time. This includes measuring the effect of a change in any variable in the model, such as the curriculum quality and the capability of teachers, on the educational system in the future. The study is based upon the UAE public school system but it can be adapted to fit other types of schools in the region and regional countries. This System Dynamics model will provide a way for understanding how to design and implement better and more effective policies that lead to further future development of an educational system. The thesis makes recommendations on how to build upon the perceived successes and downfalls of the research's methodology and it suggests methods on how to increase successful STEM enrollment and competency.

Date of Award	2013
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Rachad Zaki (Supervisor)