The College of Education’s 9th International Conference has commenced at SQU under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Said Al-Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, at the Conference Hall.
This year, the conference is held under the theme: Psychology in Normal and Exceptional Circumstances: Contemporary and Future Perspectives. It aims to highlight the importance of presenting modern and forward-looking insights into the role of psychology in both normal and extraordinary situations.
Recent global events, including natural disasters such as earthquakes, man-made crises such as wars and internal and international conflicts, the spread of epidemics, and economic crises, have caused widespread fear among people worldwide. Numerous studies and research have examined the negative effects of such events on humanity, including increased fear, anxiety, emotional distress, symptoms of stress and post-traumatic pressures, sleep disorders, and obsessive concerns about contracting life-threatening infectious diseases. Individuals respond differently to these challenges, employing various psychological defence mechanisms to protect themselves from the negative effects and distressing situations.
The conference also aims to serve as a scientific platform for exchanging experiences, knowledge, policies, and both Arab and international practices that highlight the role and significance of psychology in human societies under normal and exceptional circumstances.
Furthermore, the vision of the conference is to explore the vital role of psychology in understanding human behaviour in different situations, while its mission focuses on shedding light on the contribution of psychology across various societal fields during both normal and extraordinary conditions. The conference includes discussions on 15 key themes.
During the opening ceremony, Prof. Said bin Sulaiman Al-Dhafri, Head of the Department of Psychology and Head of the UNESCO Chair on Educational Psychology, delivered a speech emphasising the importance of the conference and its key topics. He elaborated that the significant academic momentum surrounding the conference reflects the growing importance of research in psychology and education. We have received a large number of contributions from various countries worldwide. The scientific committee has evaluated all submissions, resulting in the acceptance of 340 academic contributions, which include in-person presentations, virtual presentations, research posters and training workshops. This makes the event one of the largest academic gatherings in the region in this field. He further added that the conference hosts three keynote speakers from different parts of the world to provide in-depth insights into the integration of Islamic psychology, psychological thought in the Arab and Islamic environment, and the role of psychological and educational research in addressing global challenges such as the shortage of teachers. Knowledge is not merely a tool for understanding the present, but also an instrument for shaping the future. Moreover, the conference is held not just to discuss challenges, but to chart new paths for research collaboration and practical applications that contribute to societal development and the enhancement of quality of life.
The conference attracts a diverse range of participants, including faculty members and researchers from national research centres. The number of participants from the Sultanate of Oman stands at 595, while 37 participants are from the GCC countries. Additionally, 68 participants are from the Arab and other countries. The conference also welcomes professionals from educational institutions, relevant ministries and Omani organisations, international organisations, professional and voluntary associations, as well as university students and parents.