Sumaya Saqr | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

Published on 23/05/202523/05/2025 by TOT Awards

Dr. Sumaya Saqr | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Emirates College for Advanced Education, United Arab Emirates

Sumaya Saqr is a seasoned educator and researcher based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. With over three decades of experience in English language education, pedagogy, and teacher training, she currently serves as a Lecturer in the Language, Cognition, and Growth Division at Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE). Her academic path spans Australia and the UAE, culminating in a Ph.D. in Education from Curtin University. Throughout her career, Sumaya has demonstrated a strong commitment to nurturing student-teacher collaboration, curriculum innovation, and inclusive learning practices. She is known for her leadership in educational supervision, academic support, and curriculum development. As a co-investigator on numerous internal research projects, she continues to champion quality teaching and deep learning strategies in alignment with national educational goals. Her work seamlessly blends practical classroom experience with academic rigor, making her a pivotal figure in teacher education and research in the region.

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Education

Sumaya Saqr holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D., Curtin University, 2025), a Master of Science in Science Education (M.Sc., Curtin University of Technology, 2010), and a Graduate Certificate in Education (Deakin University, 2009). She earned her foundational degree—a B.Ed./B.A. in English Language and Teaching Methods—from the United Arab Emirates University in 1991. Her academic progression reflects a deepening specialization in curriculum, pedagogy, and language education. Additionally, she is certified in vocational qualifications including the NCFE Level 4 Certificate in Internal Quality Assurance (2018), CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (2016), and ADVETI’s Level 5 Composite Award in Assessing Learners (2016). Her multidisciplinary and international educational background supports a broad understanding of teaching and learning, with practical applications in both K-12 and higher education sectors. These credentials not only demonstrate her qualifications but also her commitment to lifelong learning and quality assurance in education.

work Experience

Sumaya has been a Lecturer at ECAE since July 2010, following her role as a Teaching Associate at the same institution (2007–2010). Previously, she served as an Educational Supervisor at the Ministry of Education and Youth from 2002 to 2007, after beginning her career as an English Teacher (1992–2002). She also held an internal leadership role as Acting Head of the Academic Support Department at ECAE (2019–2022), where she oversaw the registration office, student services, and learning support. Her broad teaching experience spans undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including B.Ed., PGDE, and M.Ed. courses. She has consistently demonstrated excellence in bridging theory with classroom application, mentoring pre-service and in-service teachers during practical placements. Her longevity and growth across multiple roles in education showcase her dedication to improving teaching quality, student engagement, and educational leadership in the UAE.

Research Focus

Sumaya Saqr’s research focuses on enhancing educational practices through collaborative action research, curriculum development, and student-teacher partnerships. She is particularly interested in English language education, questioning strategies, and inclusive pedagogy. A notable project she co-investigated—“Fostering Deep Learning and Engagement Through Questioning”—uses Lesson Study methodology to improve classroom dialogue and stimulate higher-order thinking. Her contributions often involve multi-lingual data support, ethical approvals, and dissemination of findings, showcasing her well-rounded research capabilities. Sumaya’s work aligns with national education priorities, particularly the UAE’s vision for inclusive and high-quality education. She frequently collaborates with international and local researchers, ensuring her work remains globally informed and locally relevant. Through her academic and practical engagements, Sumaya actively contributes to the global discourse on effective teaching practices, equity in education, and evidence-based pedagogical strategies.

🏅 Awards and Honors

While specific awards and recognitions are not explicitly listed, Sumaya’s professional milestones signify a highly respected career in academia and educational development. Her appointments to internal leadership roles—such as Acting Head of ECAE’s Academic Support Department—reflect institutional trust in her organizational and academic abilities. She has been repeatedly chosen to collaborate on high-impact research funded by ECAE, including the “Fostering Deep Learning and Engagement Through Questioning” project (AED 13,000 funding), highlighting her role in shaping pedagogical innovation. Her selection to lead practice-based teaching placements and curriculum design modules across PGDE and M.Ed. programs further illustrates her recognition as an expert in her field. Her progression from school teaching to educational supervision and into higher education reveals a career marked by continuous excellence and recognition from both governmental and academic institutions.

🛠️ Skills

Sumaya Saqr brings a diverse and rich skill set to the field of education. Her core competencies include curriculum design, English language pedagogy, lesson planning, academic supervision, and program accreditation. She is proficient in developing and delivering teacher education programs for both pre-service and in-service contexts. Her leadership and organizational skills are evident in her role managing academic support services at ECAE. Sumaya is also skilled in collaborative action research, especially using methodologies like Lesson Study. She is experienced in quality assurance, student assessment, and multilingual documentation. With NCFE and ADVETI certifications, she’s adept at vocational assessment and educational quality assurance. Additionally, her cross-cultural communication skills and bilingual fluency (English/Arabic) support her role in diverse academic settings. Her integrated expertise ensures she not only teaches but also shapes the teaching practices of future educators across the UAE and beyond.

Conclusion

Dr. Sumaya Saqr exemplifies a dedicated educator and researcher whose work not only reflects academic rigor but also demonstrates real-world applicability in improving education systems. Her consistent track record in teacher training, curriculum innovation, and student-centered pedagogy aligns perfectly with the criteria of the Best Researcher Award. With her experience, educational philosophy, and demonstrated impact, she is well-qualified and deserving of recognition through this prestigious award.

Publications to Noted

Title: Investigating the relationship between parental attitudes toward reading, early literacy activities, and reading literacy in Arabic among Emirati children

Authors: Y. Alramamneh, S. Saqr, S. Areepattamannil

Citations: 20

Year: 2023

Title: Emirati general education pre-service teachers’ preparedness for diversity in inclusive classrooms

Authors: S. Saqr, L.J. Tennant

Citations: 16

Year: 2016

Title: Perspectives of Emirati married women in higher education

Authors: S. Saqr, L. Tennant, P. Stringer

Citations: 12

Year: 2014

Title: Married Emirati students pursuing teaching careers from the perspective of their spouses

Authors: L. Tennant, S. Saqr, P. Stringer

Citations: 9

Year: 2014

Title: Challenges and support factors of married Emirati students in teacher education

Authors: P. Stringer, S. Saqr, L. Tennant

Citations: 8

Year: 2015

Title: The joy of reading – Emirati fathers’ insights into shared reading with young children in a multilingual context

Authors: A.M. Dillon, K. Gallagher, S. Saqr, C. Habak, Y. AlRamamneh

Citations: 5

Year: 2024

Title: Motivation and challenges of married Emirati students in teacher education

Authors: L. Tennant, P. Stringer, S. Saqr

Citations: 5

Year: 2013

Title: Perspectives of Emirati women in higher education

Authors: S. Sumaya, L. Tennant, P. Stringer

Citations: 3

Year: 2014

Title: Pre-service teachers’ concerns about the classroom-based internship experience

Authors: F.F. Rashad, P. Fidalgo, L. Menano, S. Saqr

Citations: 2

Year: 2016

Title: The affordances and constraints of supporting father-child shared reading in the multilingual Emirates

Authors: K. Gallagher, A.M. Dillon, C. Habak, S. Saqr, Y. AlRamamneh

Citations: Not listed

Year: 2025

Julio Cabero Almenara | Educational Technology | Best Researcher Award

Published on 21/05/202521/05/2025 by TOT Awards

Mr. Julio Cabero Almenara | Educational Technology | Best Researcher Award

Julio Cabero Almenara, University Sevill, Spain

Professor Julio Cabero Almenara is a Full Professor at the University of Seville, specializing in Didactics and School Organization. With a distinguished academic trajectory beginning in the 1980s, he currently directs both the Didactics Research Group (GID) and the Educational Technology Group at the University of Seville. His research contributions span over three decades, focusing on educational technology, digital pedagogy, and qualitative methods in education. Prof. Cabero has positively evaluated five research periods and holds the title of Honorary Researcher No. 1480 by the Ministry of Higher Education of the Dominican Republic. His passion for advancing digital learning methods has led to multiple national and international collaborations, and he has played pivotal roles in EU-funded education projects. Recognized for his innovative contributions to teacher training and audiovisual education, he continues to influence education policy and research across Spain and Latin America.

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Education

Prof. Julio Cabero Almenara obtained all his academic qualifications from the University of Seville. He earned his Licentiate in Philosophy and Letters (Education) in 1981 and followed it with an Advanced Licentiate in Philosophy and Educational Sciences (Pedagogy) in 1983, graduating with an Outstanding grade. He completed his Doctorate in Philosophy and Educational Sciences in 1988 with the distinction of Cum Laude. This solid academic foundation laid the groundwork for his career as a scholar in educational technology and didactics. Throughout his studies, he actively contributed to teaching and research initiatives, including receiving a collaboration grant and assisting with courses in psychodiagnostics and the history of philosophy. His early academic involvement reflects a consistent dedication to educational innovation and quality teaching. These formative academic experiences directly influenced his lifelong pursuit of excellence in teacher education, digital learning environments, and technological integration in classrooms.

work Experience

Prof. Cabero’s academic journey began as a Contracted Lecturer at the I.C.E. of the University of Seville in 1982. Over the years, he progressed through roles including Collaborating Lecturer, Tenured Lecturer, Associate Professor, and ultimately Full Professor in 2000. He has taught extensively in Educational Technology and Didactics, significantly shaping Spain’s teacher training systems. Beyond classroom teaching, he served as Director of Audiovisual and Educational Technology Services and Head of Training and Quality Divisions. His international contributions include guest lectures in Venezuela, Mexico, and France, often linked to audiovisual media in education. As Coordinator of the HORASOR Project and director of multiple EU-funded initiatives, he has bridged educational policy, research, and practical innovation. His work with scientific committees and collaborative programs underscores his influence in promoting educational excellence both nationally and internationally, especially in areas involving inclusive education, media literacy, and lifelong teacher development.

Research Focus

Prof. Cabero’s research primarily focuses on Educational Technology, Didactics, and School Organization, with a specific emphasis on audiovisual media, ICT integration, and qualitative research methodologies. As director of the GID (Technological and Qualitative Analysis) research group and the Educational Technology Group, his work explores how digital tools reshape teaching and learning. He investigates the didactic uses of video, the evaluation of educational media, and technological strategies for inclusive education. His projects often analyze the impact of ICT in school settings and teacher training. His involvement in EU-funded projects, especially those related to supporting hearing-impaired students (e.g., HORASOR), emphasizes accessibility and innovation. He also explores emerging fields such as digital competencies in educators, learning object repositories, and hybrid education models. His research continues to influence national education strategies, curriculum design, and the integration of multimedia resources into pedagogical frameworks.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Professor Cabero has been recognized both nationally and internationally for his contributions to educational research and innovation. He has received five positive evaluations from the Spanish National Commission for Research Activity (1989–1994 and 1995–2000 among them). Notably, he is an Honorary Researcher (No. 1480) of the National Career of Researchers in Science, Technology, and Innovation, awarded by the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Higher Education. He was invited by Mexico’s National Technological Education System under the Ibero-American Scientific Cooperation Subprogram, reflecting his regional influence. His leadership of EU-funded projects such as HORASOR highlights his recognized capacity in project coordination. Prof. Cabero has been frequently invited to international symposia and university collaborations, reflecting his status as a thought leader in audiovisual and digital education. His long-standing role in the Audiovisual Resources and New Technologies Office further underlines his commitment to the development of innovative learning environments.

🛠️ Skills

Prof. Cabero possesses a wide range of academic and technological skills that support his leadership in the educational sciences. He is highly skilled in educational research methodologies, including both quantitative and qualitative analysis, with a focus on technological integration. His pedagogical expertise includes curriculum design, teacher training, and instructional media development. Technologically, he is proficient in audiovisual systems, multimedia production, and the design and evaluation of digital learning environments. As a project leader and director of multiple university divisions, he demonstrates strong skills in academic management, project coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He has successfully led EU and Ibero-American cooperation projects, showcasing skills in international education policy and cross-cultural training. Furthermore, his teaching excellence is grounded in his ability to integrate interactive and media-based methodologies in higher education. His continued contributions to scientific committees and symposiums reflect his proficiency in scholarly communication and academic leadership.

Conclusion

Professor Julio Cabero Almenara is an exemplary scholar whose sustained contributions to educational technology, didactics, and teacher training have significantly influenced the Spanish and broader Ibero-American education systems. His long-term academic service, international outreach, and leadership in integrating technology in education make him highly deserving of the Research for Best Researcher Award.

Publications to Noted

Title: Impacto de las nuevas tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en las organizaciones educativas
👤 Author(s): JC Almenara
🔢 Citations: 1225
📅 Year: 1998

Title: La aplicación del juicio de experto como técnica de evaluación de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación (TIC)
👤 Author(s): JC Almenara, MCL Cejudo
🔢 Citations: 1052
📅 Year: 2013

Title: Las necesidades de las TIC en el ámbito educativo: oportunidades, riesgos y necesidades
👤 Author(s): JC Almenara
🔢 Citations: 725
📅 Year: 2007

Title: La utilización del juicio de experto para la evaluación de TIC: el coeficiente de competencia experta
👤 Author(s): JC Almenara, JMB Osuna
🔢 Citations: 598
📅 Year: 2013

Title: Reflexiones educativas sobre las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC)
👤 Author(s): JC Almenara
🔢 Citations: 594
📅 Year: 2015

Title: Marco Europeo de Competencia Digital Docente «DigCompEdu». Traducción y adaptación del cuestionario «DigCompEdu Check-In»
👤 Author(s): J Cabero-Almenara, A Palacios-Rodríguez
🔢 Citations: 528
📅 Year: 2020

Title: Comunidades virtuales para el aprendizaje. Su utilización en la enseñanza
👤 Author(s): JC Almenara
🔢 Citations: 524
📅 Year: 2006

Title: Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC): escenarios formativos y teorías del aprendizaje
👤 Author(s): J Cabero Almenara, MC Llorente Cejudo
🔢 Citations: 511
📅 Year: 2015

Title: Las TIC y la formación inicial de los docentes. Modelos y competencias digitales
👤 Author(s): JC Almenara, AM Gimeno
🔢 Citations: 497
📅 Year: 2019

Title: Empleo del método Delphi y su empleo en la investigación en comunicación y educación
👤 Author(s): JC Almenara, AI Moro
🔢 Citations: 487
📅 Year: 2014

Sumaya Saqr | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sumaya Saqr | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

professional profile

Education

work Experience

Research Focus

🏅 Awards and Honors

🛠️ Skills

Conclusion

Publications to Noted

Julio Cabero Almenara | Educational Technology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Julio Cabero Almenara | Educational Technology | Best Researcher Award

professional profile

Education

work Experience

Research Focus

🏅 Awards and Honors

🛠️ Skills

Conclusion

Publications to Noted

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