From Inclusion to AI, UAE teachers revolutionise with Action Research

A growing teacher-led movement is changing UAE classrooms from the inside out.

A group of teachers seated in an auditorium listening to a presenter

A quiet revolution is transforming UAE classrooms, and it's not coming from education ministries or technology companies; teachers themselves are leading it. Since 2022, over 300 teachers from 75 schools have been conducting their own research to tackle real classroom challenges, from meeting the needs of neurodiverse students, to using AI chatbots with Year 3 students.

The results are reshaping how students learn across the Emirates. Teachers are discovering what improves student wellbeing, finding new ways to support English language learners, and developing evidence-based approaches to meet the needs of gifted students, all through hands-on research in their own classrooms.

"Action research isn't just an academic exercise, it's the heartbeat of reflective practice," said Fauziah Farouk, inclusion teacher at Jumeirah College. "The Action Research Network reminds us that education is about building a profession that is thoughtful, evidence-informed, and deeply human." This teacher-led movement, supported by the University of Birmingham Dubai's Action Research Network (ARN), puts educators at the centre of educational change. Unlike traditional professional development, teachers spend a year designing small-scale interventions, measuring their impact, and sharing what works with colleagues across the region.

"Teachers in the Action Research Network are committed educators who have brought their passion and pursuit of lifelong learning to real problems in their practice," said Phil Anderson, Assistant Professor and ARN coordinator. "At the University of Birmingham Dubai, we see teachers as knowledge creators, and this grassroots model puts the power for change in their hands."

The impact extends beyond individual classrooms. "This wasn't just about showcasing research, it was about empowering educators as researchers, leaders, and change-makers," said Kieran Burrell, Associate Assistant Head Teacher and EdTech Strategist at Deira International School.

"It was an incredibly insightful and inspiring experience to be surrounded by such passionate educators and forward-thinking professionals," added Alsha Sheikh, a biology teacher at Victory Heights School. "I'm grateful to be part of such a dynamic community of educators pushing boundaries and sharing purposeful practice."

Teachers in the Action Research Network are committed educators who have brought their passion and pursuit of lifelong learning to real problems in their practice.

Philip Anderson, Programme Director for MA Education programmes and ARN Coordinator

The movement reached a milestone this year when more than 250 educators gathered at the University’s campus in Dubai International Academic City on 24 May to share their classroom research findings. The conference reflected a growing appetite across the UAE for teacher-led innovation, with educators showcasing practical, research-informed strategies that are directly shaping the future of learning in the region.

Insights and key themes from this year's Action Research Network are captured in a forthcoming policy paper to be published in the Gulf Education and Social Policy Review, co-authored by Phil Anderson and Dr Dawn England from the University of Birmingham Dubai. The paper will offer policymakers and school leaders a deeper understanding of the priorities and perspectives driving meaningful change in UAE classrooms.

Hosted annually by the University of Birmingham Dubai’s School of Education—ranked 70th globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025—the conference supports both the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) (PGCEi) and the KHDA’s E33 strategy. As the first global top 100 and UK Russell Group university to establish a campus in Dubai, the University continues to lead in empowering educators through rigorous academic programmes and impactful, practice-led research. Learn more about our Inclusion and Special Educational Needs programmes.

Group photo of teachers gathered for the Action Research Network Conference