AUS showcases innovation in higher Education at Teaching and Learning Conference

More than 310 educators, scholars and academic innovators from across the UAE gathered at American University of Sharjah (AUS) on April 16, 2025, for the second day of the Third Annual Conference on Best Practices in Teaching and Learning. The three-day event—organized in collaboration with Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi and Amity University Dubai—serves as a platform for advancing teaching excellence through the exchange of innovative practices, research insights and future-focused strategies.

Held on the AUS campus, the day featured a dynamic multi-track program that emphasized the power of innovation and interdisciplinarity in creating engaging and impactful learning experiences.

Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering, and Dr. Norita Ahmad, Professor of Marketing and Information Systems and Director of the AUS Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning.

“Conferences like this are essential as we work collectively to shape the future of higher education,” said Dr. Ahmad. “They give us the space to challenge conventional practices, explore emerging possibilities and build lasting collaborations that advance student-centered innovation. At AUS, we see this as part of our ongoing commitment to elevating the learning experience and empowering educators to lead change.”

The academic program was headlined by keynote speaker Dr. Jill McSweeney from Elon University, USA, who presented "Igniting Innovative Teaching: Elon University's Blueprint for Transforming Undergraduate Education." Her talk set the tone for a day that blended visionary thinking with practical application.

Two thought-provoking panel discussions followed. The first, “Reimagining Learning: The Future of Education in a Rapidly Evolving World,” featured Dr. McSweeney, Dr. James Griffin from AUS, Dr. Preman Rajalingam from Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and moderator Ahmed Rayyan Abbassi from Paradigm Pioneers Group. The discussion explored how institutions can adapt to emerging technological and pedagogical trends while maintaining academic integrity and relevance.

The second panel, “Balancing Innovation and Integrity: The Ethical Use of Technology in Education,” was moderated by Dr. Nidhal Guessoum from AUS and featured insights from Dr. Ahmad Ghazawneh from Halmstad University in Sweden, Dr. Tenia Kyriazi from Middlesex University Dubai, and Dr. Mahinour Ezzat from Ajman University. Together, they examined the ethical responsibilities educators face in integrating digital tools and AI into the classroom.

A highlight of the afternoon was a workshop led by Dr. Amina Yonis, founder of The Page Doctor, titled “Empowering Critical Minds in an AI-Driven Classroom.” Tailored for graduate students and early-career educators, the session offered actionable strategies for fostering critical thinking and academic writing in today’s tech-enhanced educational landscape.

Over 30 parallel sessions led by AUS faculty and guest speakers showcased research and innovations in areas such as gamification, emotional intelligence, Universal Design for Learning, sustainable development, academic values, digital literacy and culturally responsive teaching practices.

Industry leaders—including Pearson Education, McGraw Hill and Jalinga—also played an active role through interactive workshops and tech demonstrations, highlighting the latest tools shaping the future of education.

The day concluded with a keynote address by Essam Al Tamimi, Founder and Chairman of Al Tamimi & Company. In his talk, “Empowering Educators: Best Practices for Enhancing Learning and Driving Business Performance,” he underlined the vital role of universities in preparing students for an AI-influenced workforce.

The event was supported by sponsors including YuJa and HSBC, whose contributions underscored the value of corporate-academic partnerships in advancing educational innovation.

Throughout the day, the Main Building Atrium hosted a poster session where faculty and graduate students presented classroom-based research and experimental teaching models, offering attendees fresh perspectives on pedagogy.

The conference continues on April 18 at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, with a special focus on STEM education.

The Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning at AUS supports the university’s vision of becoming globally recognized for outstanding and forward-thinking teaching practices, delivering lasting impact across the region and beyond. For more information, visit www.aus.edu/citl.