Event: July 8, 2025
Partner: Ibn Tofail University’s Higher School of Education and Training – the Laboratory of Innovation and Research for the Advancement of Education Professions
The Changing Role of Educators: Teaching Practice and the Challenge of Skill Cultivation
Education today is no longer about what we know, it’s about how we think, adapt, and build together. Skills are the new foundation, and classrooms must become the workshops of the future.
In an age of accelerating change, education is increasingly challenged to do more than transmit knowledge. It must equip learners with the skills to think critically, adapt swiftly, and build collaboratively. Within this context, a timely and reflective scientific seminar was held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, under the theme: “Teaching Practice and the Challenges of Building and Developing Skills.” Organized by the Laboratory of Innovation and Research for the Advancement of Education Professions, in partnership with the Master’s Program in Pedagogical Innovation and the Teaching of Social and Human Sciences, the event took place at Ibn Tofail University’s Higher School of Education and Training.
The seminar brought together a vibrant mix of professors, master’s and undergraduate students, and institutional leaders who all share a deep interest in the evolution of teaching practices. It served as a platform for confronting one of the most urgent questions in higher education: how can educators foster skill development in learners, skills that are essential for navigating a complex, interconnected, and uncertain world? The event was not merely about transmitting insights, but about opening spaces for constructive dialogue, where diverse voices could critically examine current pedagogical challenges and propose actionable solutions.
Moderated by Professor Mohamed El Kerradi, the session opened with a reflective introduction that emphasized the need to move beyond conventional methods toward a more learner-centered model. Professor Aziz Lbihi, speaking on behalf of the organizing committee, reaffirmed the seminar’s mission: to stimulate critical thinking among future educators and to reinforce the university’s role as a driver of academic and professional innovation. Both remarks positioned the event as a key contribution to Ibn Tofail’s broader educational vision.
The seminar featured three distinguished speakers who approached the core theme from different but interconnected angles. Professor Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Ghadouni from Qassim University delivered a powerful keynote on “Developing Thinking Skills in Teaching,” where he emphasized the importance of nurturing cognitive flexibility, creativity, and reflective reasoning. His insights underscored that the development of thinking skills must be embedded into the DNA of modern teaching.
Following this, Professor Rabii Hamou presented on “Educational Innovation and Its Impact on Skills Development,” highlighting that innovation in education is not limited to digital tools but also includes rethinking pedagogical relationships and empowering learners to become agents of change. Professor Hassan Koun closed the panel with a compelling discussion on “Nurturing Critical Thinking: Challenges and Strategies.” He addressed the institutional and pedagogical obstacles teachers face and proposed realistic strategies for embedding critical thinking in diverse learning environments.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the seminar was the active engagement of students. Far from being passive listeners, students took part in thoughtful discussions, raised challenging questions, and shared personal observations. This level of participation signaled a growing sense of responsibility among future educators who see their role not just as implementers of curricula but as shapers of educational culture and reform. Their energy and openness enriched the overall quality of the dialogue.
Beyond its academic richness, the seminar also reflected Ibn Tofail University’s strong commitment to fostering inclusive, skill-based education. Through its innovative programs, interdisciplinary research, and collaborative academic spaces, the university continues to play a key role in transforming teacher education in Morocco. Events like this are vital to sustaining that transformation, creating meaningful learning experiences that bridge theory and practice while keeping students at the center.
In conclusion, the seminar on “Teaching Practice and the Challenges of Building Skills” was much more than an academic encounter; it was a moment of collective reflection, exchange, and shared purpose. It brought together ideas, experiences, and aspirations that will undoubtedly resonate in classrooms and institutions long after the event itself. As Morocco and the world look to reimagine education, such gatherings remind us that the path forward must be guided by innovation, inclusion, and above all, the unwavering belief in the power of education to shape futures.