Meet the UAE's best university professor

A female Emirati professor at the UAE University in Al Ain has been named the best university professor in the country. She has been recognised for her dedication in teaching students and research work on current societal issues.

Dr Badreya Al Jenaibi from the Department of Media and Creative Industries won this year’s Emirates Award organised by the Ministry of Education. Overall, she has bagged more than 28 awards in teaching and community service.

“I feel honoured for my work. This award means a real and objective evaluation from the government," she told Khaleej Times on Monday.

Al Jenaibi has been teaching university students for the last 12 years. She has taught and graded her students even as she availed of maternity and sick leaves.

“I’m keen on using good methodology and unique course preparation style to achieve the best outcomes. I use technology in the classroom, including social media, blackboard, iPad, Powerpoint, etc," she said.

The mother of five has created multiple new educational courses at her university.

She said she participated in the national awards because she wanted to know her strengths and weaknesses.

Award evaluation

In her award category, the judges evaluated the nominees in three areas: Teaching, scholarship and community service. She received 'excellent' in all categories.

The Emirati professor has volunteered for several causes, and opened multiple sections for special needs students.

She has encouraged her students to participate in on-campus activities and workshops. She organised the 'First Media Exhibition' that encouraged student work through certificates and awards. She also included students as research assistants in her 'Women’s Issues and Needs' research grant.

In all, Al Jenaibi has published 58 papers and presented 33 conference papers.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com

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