The Efficacy of The Evolving International Partnership Education Model (EIPEM) In UAE Educational Institutions: A Mixed Method Case Study Research

Abstract

This study examines the efficacy of the evolving international partnership education model (EIPEM) in United Arab Emirates (UAE) educational institutions. A mixed research design approach was adopted to answer the four research questions. Eight teachers and twelve students were selected from four educational institutes in the UAE to participate in surveys/interviews. The survey data was collected using Google Forms while virtual interviews using Zoom were conducted with a small number of the sampled teachers and students. Qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic data analysis approach. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied to analyze responses to survey/interview questions, which required participants to rate their agreement to various statements. Quantitative analysis findings show that more than 75% of teachers acknowledge that EIPEM has created sufficient educational support infrastructure, enhanced collaborative learning, and promoted conducive learning in UAE educational institutes. Based on the thematic analysis, most teachers and students acknowledge that educational institutes using EIPEM possess better learning facilities/resources. Findings also show that EIPEM has improved collaborative learning because of students’ desire to interact with others while teachers claim that the model has significantly reduced the teaching workload. In conclusion, EIPEM has the potential to improve the quality of education in the UAE.