At least three out of five parents in Dubai have been working actively during their children's education process, according to a latest report of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

On Wednesday, the KHDA issued the findings of its recent survey, confirming that 61 percent of parents in Dubai are highly involved in their pupil’s school classes, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the learning process to online education. The Authority underlined that distance learning has brought a significant number of parents closer to their children’s education than ever before.

"Many parents were able to observe their kids’ lessons first-hand, giving them a deeper appreciation for teachers and their work during the pandemic,” the KHDA said.

At least 90 percent of the parents in Dubai who participated in the survey said they were "satisfied" with the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by schools, KHDA, and relevant government entities.

Fatma Belrehif, CEO of Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau at the KHDA, underlined that the education community has learnt exponentially in its response to the challenges presented by the pandemic, especially with regards to the wellbeing of student and teaching staff; providing distance and blended learning; and enhancing the role of educators working from home and school.

In its report, the authority explained the successful efforts taken by teachers, parents and students during the transition to distance learning as well as relevant improvements and recommendations for further innovations. Some of the initiatives that worked well for the education community include two-way communication between parents and teachers; implementation of different modes of learning; and introduction of digital platforms and advanced tools.

Well-being projects including strategies to support staff members and assisting students of determination helped them in coping with the pandemic situation.

Leading projects that helped the education community:

The report highlighted key initiatives implemented by the relevant authorities to support parents, teachers and students during the process. Some of them include

· InThisTogetherDubai: This initiative consisted of a virtual goodie bag packed with resources to improve teaching and learning. The authorities launched a website featuring apps, websites, services and other resources provided by various organisations in the UAE and across the world.

· WhatWorksX: Online sessions were started by the authorities to allow teachers and principals share what was working at their schools during the distance learning period.

· Free workshops: Timely workshops were organised to allow parents to learn positive parenting practices from experts.