As part of the Hands Up project, the English Department at the Islamic University of Gaza took part in an international conference entitled: Creativity and the Coursebook. The conference was hosted in Tayba Hall and aimed to explore modern strategies for teaching the English language around the world.
The conference agenda included discussions of new methods of teaching English and enhancing critical thinking. The light was also shed on using storytelling and theater in teaching English as a second language. In addition to facilitating effective communication, the event organizers discussed the skills of creative teachers. The attendees included professors from IUG, British and Palestinian teachers of English, and members of the Hands UP project. Dr. Hammad, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, stated that this scientific conference encourages employing creative teaching strategies and shows that they are essential for a successful educational process. He added that using diverse teaching methods breaks the frozen atmosphere of classrooms and makes learning faster and more enjoyable.
The Hands Up Project Manager, Nick Bilbro, highlighted that the project aims to align teaching methods and coursebooks for young English learners. He acknowledged the efforts of the creative English teachers who contributed to the success of the project in Palestine as well as all over the world. He also expressed appreciation to the host university staff, commending their efforts in building knowledgeable and experienced teachers who are capable of growing cultural bridges between Palestinian students and their peers in other countries.
