Research and Development Unit
Our Research and Development Unit
The Research and Development Unit was established with the support of the Yad Hanadiv Foundation and in an exciting partnership with the Jusidman Science Center for Youth at Ben Gurion University, the Ofanim nonprofit organization, and the MaTeen Organization. The teams collaborate on learning, researching STEM and SEL (Social Emotional Learning) skills, and developing innovative learning models specifically designed for Arab-Bedouin society. These models highlight the unique assets and strengths that young people from all Arab-Bedouin communities bring to the table.
The Unit Goals
Developing innovative learning models adapted for the Arab-Bedouin society
Strengthening STEM and SEL skills among students and teachers
Creating a research knowledge infrastructure to improve teaching and learning
Promoting collaborations with academic institutions and educational organizations
Implementing advanced teaching methods in educational frameworks
Methods of Action
Peer learning and field trips to deepen familiarity with innovative educational models
Conducting roundtable discussions with experts to develop adapted teaching methods
Experimentation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of educational models in the field
Research and data analysis to produce insights for advanced educational implementation
The Research and Development Unit drives educational innovation while empowering the Arab-Bedouin students through the development of high-quality, culturally responsive learning infrastructure. By combining rigorous assessment with strategic planning, the unit creates tailored educational environments that foster academic excellence and long-term advancement.
Research, Development and Learning Team for STEM Education in Arab-Bedouin Society in the Negev
Research and Development Unit for STEM programs in Bedouin society to implement 21st century skills
The Research and Development Unit was established with the support of the Yad Hanadiv Foundation in November 2024. The initiative is a partnership between four organizations:
- The Tamar Center
- Jusidman Center for science-oriented youth at Ben Gurion University
- Ofanim nonprofit organization
- MaTeen Organization
The Tamar Center is the leading and coordinating organization for the initiative. Each partner organization has a dedicated development team engaged in research and development of STEM and SEL (Social Emotional Learning) skills tailored to the Arab-Bedouin society in the Negev. The shared and unique goals of the initiative are to improve the operations of the organizations and create joint projects focused on expanding knowledge, developing models, and adapting methods for implementing SEL and STEM skills in the Arab-Bedouin society.
The first year focused on learning and research about the partner organizations’ unique activities (peer learning) and establishing connections and learning with various organizations and learning institutes working in relevant content areas such as the Weizmann Institute, SELBOX of the Yad Hanadiv Foundation, and visits to unique innovative schools. The second year will focus on building and implementing pilots based on the learning from the first year, and the third year will focus on creating models, expanding activities, and disseminating the new knowledge learned and researched throughout the period.
The Tamar Center includes a learning and evaluation component that accompanies the various projects and measures their quality and effectiveness in light of the actions taken.
Why?
To reduce socio-economic gaps and pave the way for a promising future of young leadership that will lead the Arab-Bedouin society forward and optimally increase their presence in the TECH employment world through quality education tailored to the Arab-Bedouin society that promotes scientific, technological, and engineering knowledge (STEM), mental resilience, communication skills, and teamwork (SEL).
What?
Collaboration between organizations working to promote STEM skills among students in the Arab-Bedouin society.
Establishment of an R&D team including staff members from the fields of pedagogy and SEL education in the Arab-Bedouin society.
Development of tailored working principles and selected skills for students in the Arab-Bedouin society. Creation of a learning axis with shared principles and language among the partner organizations aimed at developing a common language and connection between organizations for the benefit of learners.
How?
Development of learning and assessment frameworks to promote SEL and STEM skills unique and tailored to the Arab-Bedouin society using relevant representations and language.
Development and implementation of training frameworks for educational teams in partner and additional organizations in Arab society with a shared mission,
thereby creating a collaborative learning community.
