Doha: A high-profile panel discussion within the 39th International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI 2026) convened in Doha debated the subject of innovation and educational leadership.
According to Qatar News Agency, the panel focused on new opportunities for the State of Qatar's education system and included experts and academics from international educational and research institutions. Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto, Ann E. Lopez, emphasized the rapid global and demographic changes in education systems. She highlighted the need for innovative thinking in education, learning techniques, and school leadership.
Lopez suggested that the education system has moved beyond traditional innovation, encouraging the incorporation of novel tools in leadership, curricula, and teaching techniques. The focus is on transitioning from teacher-centered to student-centered education. She pointed out the challenge of implementing these ideas effectively, with a focus on supporting school leadership as a core pillar.
Lopez further clarified that effective pedagogical leadership involves enhancing positive behavior, fostering collaboration, and helping teachers contribute to the school community. Dr. Khawla Badwan, Professor of Applied Linguistics at Manchester Metropolitan University, discussed education development as a collective responsibility involving academics, policymakers, teachers, and pedagogical leaders.
Badwan suggested that participatory research effectively connects academic research with educational practices by engaging schools and local communities in knowledge production. She emphasized understanding diverse student voices to ensure educational practices that consider varied experiences and backgrounds.
A panelist specializing in comparative education highlighted the significance of comparative research in understanding educational systems and assessing challenges. The goal is not to replicate foreign practices but to understand national specificities to develop effective educational overhauls.
ICSEI 2026 deliberations are underway until Jan. 22, with over 500 participants, including experts and those interested in advancing education and optimizing school performance and the educational system.