Page 23 - Center for Faculty Development and Learning

Faculty Spotlight:

More about Dr. Ghanem Albustami

Prof. Ghanem A Bustami is a highly accomplished ac-
ademic with a PhD in Educational Psychology and
Development, an MA in Educational and Psycho-
logical Measurement, a Postgraduate Diploma
in Special Education and Rehabilitation, and a
BA in Psychology. With a distinguished ca-
reer spanning multiple universities, he has
served as a professor of Psychology, Leader-
ship, and Special Education and has been a
valued faculty member at Abu Dhabi Uni-
versity since 2005.
Prof. Al Bustami’s scholarly contributions are
extensive, including over 50 published scien-
tific papers, five books and book chapters, and
more than 100 presentations at national and in-
ternational conferences. His leadership in various ac-
ademic and applied fields is evident through his
tiondirection of numerous projects and the development of
comprehensive manuals in areas such as psychology, education, capacity building, teacher prep-
aration, special education, social development, early childhood education, curriculum develop-
ment, and professional development.
In addition to his academic achievements, Prof. Al Bustami has served as a program director and
consultant for prominent international organizations, including the World Bank and UNESCO. His
expertise has also supported government initiatives in the region, driving advancements in edu-
cation and institutional development on a global scale.
▪ I would love to hear about your teaching journey! What's your approach to teaching, and how
did you develop it?
With over 30 years of teaching experience, I have consistently embraced a student-centered
approach, prioritizing students’ needs and interests as the foundation of the learning process. For
me, teaching is about creating a supportive and interactive classroom environment that fosters
active participation and independent thinking. My role as an educator is to serve as a facilitator,
guiding students in building knowledge through hands-on activities, meaningful discussions, and
collaborative group work.
This approach has reinforced my belief that teaching is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Differ-
ent contexts and diverse student populations require a flexible and tailored blend of strategies.
Effective teaching, in my view, demands adaptability and resourcefulness to cultivate an inclusive
and dynamic learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed and
thrive.

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