Pearson Middle East has recently concluded a series of educational workshops in Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah, focusing on innovative ways to inspire a love of the Arabic language in the classroom. With more than 150 educators who were part of the events including school owners, principals and heads of the department, the focus was on adopting “bilArabi,” the recently launched student-centered Arabic language program, in both international and private schools across the Kingdom.
“bilArabi” is the first inquiry-based program developed for both native and non-native speakers to address the current gap for rigorous, modern and forward-thinking Arabic courses in schools. Developed for students aged 5-14 (Level 1-9), it helps them learn and reconnect with the Arabic language in a fun and engaging way, through relatable stories, contexts and characters.
Dr. Hanada Taha-Thomure, lead author of “bilArabi,” said: “The rigor of the program is matched by its progressively cutting-edge approach to learning Arabic, through standards, literature and inquiry-based learning. Fun characters and engaging stories that students can relate to are the main focus of the program. The ‘bilArabi’ program fosters a sense of cultural identity and knowledge of Arabic history by the use of past and current case studies and literature in the course content.”
Emma Whale at Pearson Middle East said: “The Kingdom is witnessing significant transformations in its academic sector, as it presses ahead to realize the Vision 2030 aim of creating a knowledge society and economy. At the core of this process is establishing high-performing education systems, including a consistent approach to learning the Arabic language, which draws on international best practices and close collaboration.”
Following on from the successful pilot phase, “bilArabi” is now available for levels 1-3 in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Higher levels will be available from September in the Kingdom, the UAE and Kuwait.
Dhahran Ahliyyah School in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Provice said: “’bilArabi’ is wonderful and useful.”
