The UAE is home to over 80,000 international students. This globalisation of classrooms presents new challenges for teachers, who need to be able to cater to a range of different cultures and backgrounds. In a multicultural classroom environment, upskilling is essential to remain relevant and relatable to students. Teaching is more than just conveying information – it’s about engaging students, inspiring them and encouraging a love for learning. Here are seven key skills that all teachers need:

1. Communication

A study reveals teachers should have good communication skills, update knowledge and maintain personality to teach effectively. Another study shares having good communication skills is essential for teachers and can lead to their student's academic success. A good communicator can explain things clearly and concisely. Furthermore, a good communicator also knows when to listen - teachers must be able to understand how their students are feeling and what they still need help with.

2. Creativity

Teachers need to be able to think outside the box to keep students engaged. This could mean using creative teaching methods or using innovative ways to assess student understanding. Some techniques include brain-sketching, brainstorming or even role-playing. It is important to remember no two classes are ever the same. Things might not always go according to plan, so being able to think on your feet and change things is important.

3. Leadership

Teachers are leaders in their classrooms and should take charge when necessary - i.e. handling difficult situations, such as behavioural problems or disagreements between students. A good leader can -

* motivate and guide their students and manage a classroom smoothly

* create a positive learning environment

* encourage students to feel comfortable asking questions and participating

4. Patience

Many students learn at different speeds and have different learning styles. It’s important to be patient and cater to each individual to ensure that everyone is keeping up and understanding the material.

5. Critical Thinking Skills

The SCAMPER technique invented by Mr Alex Faickney Osborn in 1953 and further developed by Mr Bob Eberle in his book SCAMPER: Games for Imagination Development is useful for teachers to develop their critical thinking skills.Here’s how you can use it:

• Substitute: What can you substitute in your lesson plans?
• Combine: What can you combine to create something new? 
• Adapt: How can you adapt your lessons to meet the needs of your students?
• Modify: What is the best way to change your lessons to make them more interesting or effective? 
• Put To Other Uses: What other purposes can your lessons serve? 
• Eliminate: What can be removed from your lessons to make more time for other activities? 
• Rearrange: How can you rearrange your lesson plans to make them more effective? 

With the SCAMPER technique, teachers can ensure that they are providing the best learning experience for their students.

6. Multitasking

Teachers need to be able to juggle multiple tasks at once, such as preparing lessons, marking work and dealing with student queries. In addition to their classroom duties, teachers also need to be able to take on extra-curricular activities, such as leading school clubs or coaching different teams to participate in inter-school competitions.

7. Teamwork

Along with working independently, teachers must work well as part of a team. This includes collaborating with other teachers, as well as working with support staff, such as learning assistants or educational psychologists.

How Can Schools Upskill Teachers?

Enriching learning experiences can take many forms. It can be as simple as incorporating new technologies into lesson plans or using more hands-on and interactive methods in the class. It could also involve providing opportunities for teachers to attend workshops and training courses, or even study for higher qualifications. Many schools are already taking steps to ensure that their teachers have the necessary skills to meet the needs of 21st-century learners. Here are some examples of how schools can upskill their teachers:

1. Encourage Peer Learning

By encouraging teachers to work together and share best practices, schools can create a more positive and supportive learning environment.

2. Foster Upskilling Opportunities

Take advantage of training opportunities and allow teachers to attend workshops and conferences. 

3. Promote Innovation and a Culture of Excellence

Encourage teachers to be creative in their approach to teaching through using new technologies or coming up with more innovative ways of assessing student understanding. 

With the right skills, teachers can create a positive and inspiring learning environment for all students. By continuously developing their skills, teachers can ensure they are providing the best education possible for the next generation.