"We have five centers and eight departments to prepare highly competent teachers."
"Education is a science encompassing all aspects of life, not limited to classrooms or schools."

"The Internet and mobile applications are highly critical and require family and societal awareness to utilize their benefits and avoid their drawbacks."

Interview by: Dr. Al-Zahraa Rashad

Cairo University gathers many specialties in the fields of social and human sciences alongside applied sciences. To highlight these fields and raise awareness of the academic programs offered by each faculty or scientific institute, and recognizing the importance of educational sciences as foundational to shaping human character, we conducted an interview with Dr. Iman Hreidy, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies for Education, to learn about the nature of study at the faculty, its departments, history, and establishment.

To begin, could you introduce yourself and your academic journey?

I am Iman Hreidy, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies for Education at Cairo University and a professor of curricula and teaching methods. Before assuming my current position, I served as the Vice Dean for Community Service for two terms.

What are the main academic programs and departments at the Faculty of Graduate Studies for Education?

Our faculty has eight departments:

Higher and Continuing Education
Kindergarten Education
Teaching Methods
Educational Technology
Educational Psychology
Special Education
Educational Foundations
Comparative and International Education
What is the academic focus of each department?

The faculty is dedicated solely to graduate studies. Students join us after completing their undergraduate studies to become specialized teachers—for example, an Arabic or English language teacher or a physics teacher. Our students are highly motivated to study and learn.

Each department complements the others. For instance, the Department of Curricula and Teaching Methods focuses on designing curricula, teaching strategies, assessment tools, and classroom interaction—not just designing syllabi, as some might think. This specialization supports the Department of Educational Psychology, which addresses the mental health of students, teachers, and parents, ensuring a cohesive educational ecosystem.

Other departments, like Educational Technology, focus on integrating technology into education, including mobile applications and how they can enhance learning. The Special Education Department is vital for training teachers to support children with special needs, such as intellectual, auditory, or visual challenges.

What about new programs introduced at the faculty?

We’ve launched several new programs, including:

Diploma in Educational Leadership
Diploma in Positive Education
Diploma in Preparing Gifted Teachers
Diploma in Family Counseling
Family Counseling, for instance, highlights the intersection of education with all aspects of life. Education is not confined to schools but is embedded in all institutions and areas of life.

When was the Faculty of Graduate Studies for Education established?

The term "Faculty of Graduate Studies for Education" is relatively new and has existed only since 2014-2015. Before that, it was known as the Institute of Educational Research and Studies, established in 1981 as the Arabic counterpart of the Institute of Education in London.

What was the purpose of establishing this educational institution?

The primary goal was to produce research that addresses educational challenges in Egyptian schools. Initially, the institute had four departments, which later expanded to eight, creating a significant impact across the Arab world.

What specialized centers are affiliated with the faculty, and what are their objectives?

The faculty has five specialized centers, including:

Arabic Language Development Center: Focused on teaching classical Arabic and providing linguistic review for research.
Psychological Assessment Center: Studies student tendencies, orientations, and issues.
Psychological Counseling Center: Offers awareness programs and counseling sessions.
Educational Services Center
Professional Development Center (TOT): Provides training programs, including digital transformation and scientific writing courses.
 

What is the 2.0 system?

It refers to new curricula introduced from the first to fourth grades. A committee was formed by the Ministry of Education to help teachers deliver these curricula effectively.

What about the scientific journals published by the faculty?

We publish a peer-reviewed journal, Educational Sciences Journal, which received a 7/7 ranking from the Supreme Council of Universities. Over the last three years, we’ve published over 490 research papers.

Your recent conference addressed "The Future of Education in the Arab World." Could you elaborate on its objectives and outcomes?

The conference brought together deans of education faculties from across the Arab world for specialized discussions. It wasn’t about presenting research but fostering dialogue with university presidents, government ministers, and experts. The recommendations were documented in four volumes, reflecting a comprehensive vision for the future of education in Egypt.

As an education expert, how do you assess Egypt’s educational challenges?

Addressing education issues in media often lacks precision. For accurate solutions, we need data—for example, analyzing school overcrowding or curricula. Education is a way of life, not confined to classrooms. Media plays a vital role in shaping awareness and behaviors, which is as impactful as the roles of schools and universities.

What are your thoughts on the "Bubble Sheet" exam format?

While this method simplifies evaluation, it’s insufficient for a comprehensive assessment of students. An optimal system should combine multiple-choice, true/false, and essay questions to capture students’ full range of skills and abilities.

How do you view the role of technical and applied schools?

Technical education is crucial for societal balance. Not everyone should aim for managerial roles; we also need skilled workers. Partnering technical schools with factories and industries can lead to significant societal progress.

Finally, what message would you like to share?

Education is the science of life, shaping complete, well-rounded individuals. I’m proud to be part of Cairo University and hope every student translates this pride into actions that honor Egypt and our esteemed institution.