Multiple Multilingual: United Arab Emirates Jorge H. Wafaa E. Emily F. Cherese W.

Geographic Location The International Concept for Education (ICE) School is located in Dubai. The city has a population of 2.26 million.

Demographics 18% are UAE nationals 65% South Asians 4% Europeans/others 13% Arab Expatriates The official language is Arabic but English is used as the second language.

Mission Statement of ICE “The mission of our school is to educate citizens of the world, students who will be both open-minded, creative and respectful of others. Our aim is to educate citizens who will make a positive contribution to the multicultural world of tomorrow.”

Language and Literacy Goals Three major languages of communication are taught to all students: French, English and Arabic. Each student will follow approximately 60% of teaching in the dominant language, 25% in the second language, and 15% in Arabic. Acquisition of literacy in Arabic is challenging because of the diglossic features of Arabic, as well as the linguistic distance between Arabic and English.

Cultural Goals ICE is enriched by students from a variety of cultures and religions. It’s goal is to develop mutual understanding and respect. The objective is to promote and contribute to international understanding by means of a multilingual and multicultural education.

Instructional Practices Students can choose between two separate language streams, French or English, in which instruction will occur most of the time French Stream Pre-K KG 1 KG 2 G1 French 20h English 5h Arabic 1h Religion/Ethics 2h

Instructional Practices Arabic is also incorporated into the curriculum -Muslim students are taught Islamic values Content in Quranic Arabic and instruction in regional Arabic dialect of instructor -Non-Muslim students are taught secular principles -All students are taught Arabic Content in Modern Standard Arabic and instruction in regional Arabic dialect of instructor

Instructional Practices ICE promotes an active way of learning. -constructivist, child-centered approach -interdisciplinary teaching and learning Interactive classroom environment Expose students to multiple perspectives and cultures in order to ensure that the students benefit fully from the rich diversity the school offers Didactic teaching of basic skills of reading, math, writing, and culture

Instructional Practices Constructivism People construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiencing things and later reflecting on those experiences Teachers encourage students to question ,explore, and assess what they know through active teaching techniques (experiments, real world problem solving) Students reflect and talk about what they are doing and how their understanding is changing Teachers make sure students are understanding the material by developing and guiding activities to address them and build on them

Language Policy Three levels of educational control: 1.) Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) -entrepreneurial aspect of education -works with Ministry of Education 2.) UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) -monitors school activities in primary, middle, and secondary schools 3.) Dubai Education Council (DEC) -ensures that educational criteria is being met on a global scale.

Language Policy (cont’d.) The language policy in the UAE in terms of instruction states: “All students will be instructed in both Arabic and English.”

Language Policy (cont’d.) The language policy in the UAE is based on the following goals: -education reform -preservation of local traditions and principles -preservation of cultural identity -prepare students to compete in the global economy -prepare students to be outstanding citizens

Advantages and Disadvantages Rich diversity Incorporating languages in extracurricular activities Disadvantages Not enough emphasis on Arabic Emphasis on dominant language results in loss of “mother tongue”

Interesting Aspect Special Talents Enhancement Periods (STEPS) The STEPS system removes each child from the class at certain periods and places him/her in small groups with a specialized teacher, thus contributing to an individualized education. They aim to enhance the child’s skills and/or manage challenges. Talents are also enhanced during extra-curricular activities like sports, arts, astronomy, music, and dance.

Sources “Constructivism as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning.” Concept to Classroom. Educational Broadcasting Corporation, 2004. Web. 05 July 2014. ICE School Dubai. ICE Dubai, 2014, Web. 05 July 2014. http://dsc.gov.ae/en/pages/populationclock.aspx http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/2923/1/2923_753.pdf?UkUDh:CyT http://www.adec.ac.ae/ar/Pages/default.aspx https://www.moe.gov.ae/Arabic/Pages/UAE/UaeEdu.aspx http://www.uaecd.org/k-12-education