UAE Educators Prioritise Inquiry-Based Learning to Drive Literacy Goals

Educators and child development specialists in the UAE are advocating for a systemic shift in how childhood curiosity is integrated into the national educational framework. The move emphasizes inquiry-based learning over traditional rote memorization, positioning the act of answering a child’s questions as a critical component of cognitive and psychological development. Policy Frameworks for Child Development The push to prioritize children’s inquiries aligns with existing legal and educational structures in the UAE. Federal Law No. 3 of 2016, commonly referred to as Wadeema’s Law, establishes a comprehensive legal framework for child rights, including the right to mental and psychological development. Educational experts argue that fostering an environment where every question is addressed is a direct application of these legal protections. Furthermore, the UAE National Literacy Strategy aims to embed reading and inquiry as a daily habit across all age groups by 2026. This strategy identifies the early years of development as the most critical window for cognitive stimulation. Data from the Ministry of Education suggests that students who are encouraged to ask questions and seek…