The British Council Egypt has announced that Maadi Narmer School in Cairo and Salah El Din International School in Alexandria have been awarded Action Research Grants for the 2024/2025 academic year. This grant recognises their commitment to enhancing educational practices through targeted research focused on professional development training within their institutions.
The Action Research Grant Programme has been running for two years now. Registration for this year’s programme began in April and continued through May 2024, with shortlisting and interviews taking place in June. The final winners were announced recently, and the research projects will span for this full academic year.
Both schools were selected for their innovative research proposals, which emphasise the importance of professional development. Maadi Narmer School’s research, led by Hala Tewfik, focuses on The Effect of Reels/TikTok on Students’ Learning, while Salah El Din International School’s project, led by Mustafa Atash, examines The Impact of Social-Emotional Learning on Academic Achievement through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). These topics showcase the schools’ forward-thinking approach to addressing contemporary challenges in education.
During the award ceremony, representatives from both schools expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity to undertake this important research. The British Council will provide each school with funding and a dedicated academic expert to guide the research process, from conducting the studies to reporting and sharing the findings. Further support will be provided to ensure the research is published and shared on both national and international platforms.
Mark Howard, Director of the British Council Egypt, expressed his pride in the achievements of the schools, stating, “We are thrilled to congratulate Maadi Narmer School and Salah El Din International School on winning the Action Research Grant. This recognition is a testament to their commitment to professional development and improving educational practices. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of their research on both teachers and students in Egypt.”
‘Educational research is essential in bridging the gap between theory and practice. One pressing challenge we face today is the influence of TikTok, with all its potential downsides. However, can this rapidly growing platform be harnessed for positive educational outcomes? This is the key question I am currently exploring. I’m thrilled to represent Maadi Narmer School as we embark on a research project titled The Effect of TikTok on the Learning Environment. This study is a collaborative effort involving our school’s stakeholders, under the supervision and mentorship of the British Council’s Action Research Grant Program. Our goal is to investigate creative and constructive solutions to the challenges TikTok may pose, while also examining its potential benefits in the educational context,’ Hala Tewfik, School Principal Maadi Narmer School Cairo.
‘I am truly excited to be participating in the British Council Research Grant Programme 2024-25 with my research topic on ‘’The Impact of Social Emotional Learning Programmes on Academic Performances’’ and represent my school and Egypt, because it offers a unique opportunity to enhance my research capabilities in a supportive environment. I am particularly focused on developing critical thinking, data analysis, and research design skills, as these are essential for conducting impactful research. Additionally, the programme will help me improve my academic writing and communication, ensuring that I can effectively share my findings with a broader audience. The collaborative nature of this programme will also allow me to network with fellow researchers, fostering valuable partnerships that can enrich my work. Ultimately, I believe this experience will not only advance my skills but also contribute to meaningful advancements in our field. Thank you to the British Council for this remarkable opportunity,’ Mustafa Atash- Salah El Din, International School Alexandria.
The British Council continues to champion educational innovation and professional development in Egypt, working closely with schools to enhance teaching quality and student learning experiences. The Action Research Grant is just one of many initiatives aimed at empowering educators and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
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