Numbers and field studies have shown impressive quantitative and qualitative results of the project

The National Library and Archives Announce the Results of its Pilot Project “Measuring the Impact of its Educational Programs on Generations”

The National Library and Archives (NLA), in cooperation with the Emirates National Schools Group (ENS), announces the results of its pilot project titled “Measuring the Impact of its Educational Programs on Generations”. This project represents a unique system over three years and aligns with the directives of our wise leadership, emphasizing the educational process’s crucial role in enhancing the spirit of belonging, national identity, fostering Emirati culture, preserving the Arabic language, and instilling authentic societal and national values, which the NLA has emphasized as importance. The outcomes of this project have shown outstanding progress and development in both quantitative and qualitative terms, particularly in how the educational programs provided by the NLA have enhanced knowledge, skills, and behaviours. Additionally, these programs have significantly influenced the optimal methodologies of national curriculum-support initiatives.

The success of this project comes in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, in fostering efforts to keep pace with the evolution in the education field and elevating the educational process to meet the country’s ambitious plans for future generations and achieve comprehensive and sustainable development goals.

In his speech, H.E. Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, emphasized the importance of the project’s outcomes in setting guidelines for national identity programs in the country. He pointed out to the fact that this project, launched three years ago and implemented across more than 800 students in the ENS schools, aim to assess the impact of national educational programs in strengthening and promoting national identity, values, and principles.

Regarding this project, His Excellency noted: “This national project comes in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Chairman of the Education and Human Resources Council, in which he called for the promotion of national identity and cultural values in educational institutions, along with the importance of enriching students’ knowledge. This project underscores the NLA’s role in building and enriching knowledge societies as a partner in the national upbringing of generations.”

He added: “Measuring the Impact of Educational Programs on Generations project is a comprehensive study integrating the benefits of both quantitative and qualitative research using multiple tools, including impression assessments, performance indicators, and evaluations of knowledge, skills, and behaviours before and after participation. This underscores our commitment to nurturing today’s students into future leaders aligned with the visionary directives of our leadership in preparing the nation’s youth to lead the future.”

His Excellency extended his thanks to the strategic partner, represented by the ENS schools, in which have numerous distinguished projects connected with the NLA. He also expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of this project.

In his speech, Mr. Ahmed Al Bastaki, Deputy Director General of ENS schools, expressed pride in this ambitious national project implemented under the supervision of the NLA, with support from the ENS Board Members. He highlighted this as a crucial milestone towards realizing the vision of ENS schools in assessing and advancing their pioneering educational projects.

Mr. Al Bastaki added: “This project aligns with the directives of our wise leadership and is a testament to the successful cooperation between ENS schools and the NLA. This cooperation has opened unique opportunities and utilized expertise and resources to enhance and elevate the quality of education and academic performance. He also thanked the NLA and stressed the value of this partnership in this pilot project, marking a significant step forward in understanding of the effectiveness of educational programs and their positive impact on future generations.

Dr Husnia Al-Ali, NLA’s Educational Programs Consultant, presented the results of the Measuring the Impact of Educational Programs on Generations project 2021-2024. She emphasized the impact of this project in strengthening Emirati culture, promoting positive values, and preserving Arabic language, as well as its integration with curriculums, educational programs, teaching methods, activities and events.

The mechanism of this project aims to measure the impact of the NLA’s programs on students, enhancing their educational, behavioural and cognitive dimensions to qualify them as distinguished future national leaders.

Dr Al-Ali emphasized that the project highlights the educational program ability in fostering educational, behavioural and cognitive dimensions and optimizing methodologies for national curriculum support programs, as well as the responsibilities of those involved in the education sector and society, along with the use of innovative educational inputs and methods to achieve optimal performance outcomes. Additionally, efforts are made to integrate state institutions with educational sectors to strengthen Emirati identity and culture.

The NLA’s Education Consultant reviewed the study and implementation methodologies that been taken under the Kirkpatrick Model, a training evaluation tool in four levels: reaction, learning, behaviour, and results, pointing out that it has been applied on 801 students, 259 parents, and 60 teachers.

On a quantitative level, the project results confirmed significant improvements in national knowledge, an average increase of 11% in the area of state history, 13% in leadership and governmental system, 12% in government vision and millennium aspirations, 15% in ethical values, and 19% in awareness about the NLA.

Regarding educational attainment enhancement, this project showed positive growth in most school subjects including social studies, English language, mathematics, science, and Arabic language.

The educational programs were distinguished by their impact on community volunteerism, with a 48% improvement in volunteer programs and a remarkable 600% increase in reading hours. This significant rise in reading hours was also attributed to government initiatives and programs that promote reading. Additionally, 8 systematic research studies won research competitions.

In terms of stakeholder’s feedback, a survey of teachers showed a 91% improvement in 21st-century skills, while parents reported an 87% enhancement in the general behaviour. Students expressed a satisfaction rate of 94%.

Moreover, qualitative interviews with teachers, students, and parents across the ENS school branches revealed significant outcomes in fostering innovation, improving competitiveness indicators, aligning with government directives and aspirations, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening human relationships. Educational programs played a crucial role in reinforcing Emirati ethics and values, promoting sustainable self-education, volunteering, and community awareness.

Dr Husnia Al-Ali concluded the presentation by outlining future directions for the project, emphasizing its potential application in state schools and across different educational levels to instil values, enhance student research, establish student volunteering programs, and highlighted the accessibility of the NLA’s resources, services, and facilities for student benefit.

The Education Consultant noted that this study will be published as a book on the NLA in collaboration with ENS schools, serving as a reference for researchers and inspiring further studies and related res