CAPA Hosts Inaugural K-12 and Beyond Conference to Elevate Education in Kurdistan
On October 26, 2024, the Center for Academic and Professional Advancement (CAPA) at the American University of Kurdistan held its inaugural K-12 and Beyond: Achieving Educational Excellence Conference on the AUK campus, aimed at empowering local educators with the latest advancements in teaching methods, technology, and classroom strategies. The event drew over 500 applications, with more than 200 attendees selected, reflecting high regional demand for professional development. Participants came from diverse educational institutions across Kurdistan, including Zakho University, Duhok University, and the University of Kurdistan-Hewler (UKH).
Keynote speakers included Ramy Youssef, Regional Sales Manager for EASTMED at McGraw Hill, who provided his perspectives on data-driven education, and Dr. Irshat Madyarov, Associate Professor at the American University of Armenia, who introduced frameworks for educational technology and project-based learning.
The event featured workshops addressing “Leveraging Technology and AI in Teaching and Learning” and “Inclusive Teaching: Meeting Diverse Needs of Learners,” equipping participants with practical insights on AI applications, inclusive teaching practices, and skills to enhance students’ critical thinking and collaboration. The conference also included hands-on sessions focused on creativity, gamification, and AI, providing actionable strategies for educators to boost student engagement.
Testimonials from the Event
“Promoting educational excellence in Kurdistan is essential to preparing 21st-century learners,” said Dr. Randall Rhodes, President of AUK. “From early childhood through university, our mission is to enrich learning through innovative pedagogies and advanced technologies.
Dr. Irshat Madyarov shared his excitement over Kurdistan’s educational progress, stating, “Empowering teachers with impactful methods like project-based learning is transformative. This approach enriches students’ experiences, and we’re thrilled to see it shape classrooms here.”
Ramy Youssef of McGraw Hill remarked, “McGraw Hill was honored to be part of the K-12 and Beyond conference at AUK. The high level of interaction and diverse topics provided something valuable for everyone, making it a fantastic opportunity for educators to connect and grow.”
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CAPA’s Summer School Graduation 2024 Celebrates Young Learners’ Achievements