The American University of Bahrain (AUBH), recently hosted the education forum “Community Engagement for Learning” aimed at advancing the concept of community-integrated education.
The forum underscored the critical importance of bridging academia and society to enhance student competencies and contribute to the ongoing development of Bahrain’s educational landscape.
The forum explored several key themes, beginning with a focus on the pedagogical approaches to community engagement, presented by Dr. Nina Abdul Razak, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) at AUBH. Dr. Abdul Razak emphasized the significance of integrating community activities into academic curricula, highlighting their role in fostering students’ practical competencies and enhancing their social and collaborative skills.
The second theme, emphasized on by Dr. Ema Aljanahi, Director of Allied Health Sciences at Bahrain Polytechnic, addressed the development of employability skills through community service. Dr. Aljanahi shared insights and practical experiences, demonstrating how structured community service initiatives can serve as a bridge for equipping students with the competitive skills necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic labor market.
Dr. Maryam Hashem, Assistant Professor at AUBH, presented the third theme, which examined the empowerment of learning through community engagement. Her session highlighted the critical intersection between theoretical education and real-world application, showcasing how community engagement can create meaningful connections between academic knowledge and practical impact.
The forum also featured a virtual session by Professor Mohammad Khurshid Khan, CEO of the iExcel Education Fund, who shared inspiring insights into how strategic community engagement activities can elevate the quality and relevance of higher education, while offering practical strategies for enhancing university-level education through collaborative initiatives and highlighting the key drivers and challenges in implementing such strategies.
The event concluded with an engaging panel discussion that provided attendees with the opportunity to pose questions and delve deeper into the forum’s themes, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Dr. Wafa Almansoori, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation at AUBH commented: “This forum underscores AUBH’s dedication to leveraging community engagement as a strategic approach to bridge the gap between academic education and societal needs. At AUBH, we strive to deliver an innovative educational experience that positions students as active participants in their learning journey, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to navigate real-world challenges with efficiency and impact.”
“We are committed to fostering an innovative educational environment that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration,” Dr. Almansoori stated. “By strengthening partnerships between universities and the community, we aim to prepare a generation of graduates who possess the adaptability, competence, and vision to navigate future challenges and make a meaningful impact in their fields.”