Zayed University unveils tool for Arabic language difficulties

ABU DHABI / WAM

The Zai Centre at Zayed University has announced the launch of a new diagnostic tool called “Screening Arabic Reading Difficulties” (Sard) to identify reading difficulties in young children. Sard utilises innovative technology to identify learning gaps and potential developmental disorders in children from grade 1 to grade 6.
The tool is cloud-based and produces easily digestible analytical reports and charts to present a student’s performance data on reading skills assessments, enabling teachers to tailor their approach to teach individual students.
The drive to reinvigorate and introduce standardisation for the teaching of the Arabic language is a core objective for the Zai Centre, which is led by Dr Hanada Taha Thomure.
The Zai Centre is launching an initial pilot scheme in Lebanon before launching a wider pilot across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with the hope of rolling out the programme to all schools that wish to utilise the tool.
Zai Centre seeks to identify best practices while enabling teachers to inspire their students with a passion for the Arabic language. The Centre’s mission is to develop education tools for Arabic teaching and to inspire research through innovative solutions based on knowledgeable research.
The launch of this tool is directly aligned with Zayed University’s new strategic approach, which focuses on the delivery of academic research with practical applications in line with national and international priorities.
Dr Hanada emphasised the importance of preserving the culture of the UAE and how resources like Sard can contribute to this effort. She said, “Zai is not only about teaching the Arabic language, but also about celebrating the rich culture and history of the Arab world. As a country that highly values its cultural heritage, the UAE understands the importance of promoting and preserving the Arabic language and its diverse traditions. We hope that the development of innovative resources, such as Sard, will revitalise Arabic teaching.”
The Zai Centre has created a website, www.arabisard.com, for schools to register their interest in Sard and access further information on the tool.