Research

Research in education is most powerful when it informs practice. Yet, for many educators, research findings can be difficult to access, interpret, or apply in meaningful ways. Within the Arabic language education community, questions remain about the most effective approaches to teaching Arabic, particularly in primary and secondary schools. While research exists, it is largely concentrated in higher education and focused on adult learners. There is a clear gap in research that addresses the needs of younger students and their teachers.

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice

QFI’s Research Department was established to address this challenge head-on. Its mission is to elevate Arabic to the same level of support and visibility as other world languages, such as Spanish and French, by building a research ecosystem that is collaborative, practical, and community-driven.

From the beginning, QFI has grounded its approach in sustained dialogue with educators, students, researchers, and policymakers. Over the last 15 years, this ongoing engagement has shaped programming and revealed the infrastructure needed to sustain Arabic language education in schools. The result is a living Research Agenda, one shaped not only by theory, but by the voices and experiences of those working directly in the field.

A Research Agenda Built by the Community

Key milestones in QFI’s research journey include:

2017 – Identified five strategic areas of inquiry based on programmatic insights

2021 – Released the first Research Call for Proposals and awarded initial grants

2022 – Drafted the first version of the Research Agenda

2023 – Partnered with Oxford University for a comprehensive scoping review

2024 – Launched the Priority Setting Partnership to define urgent research questions

2024–2025 – Hosted QFI Oxford Research Forums and finalized the Top 10 Priority Questions

September 2024 – Issued a refined Request for Research Proposals inviting collaborative projects

2025–2026 – Initiated an annual funding cycle to sustain research and its practical application

Defining the Priorities

Through collaborative partnerships and programming, QFI identified five strategic areas that now guide its research efforts. These areas reflect key aspects of the Arabic teaching and learning ecosystem:

1. Arabic as a Global Language – Supporting communicative, inclusive, and culturally relevant instruction
2. Teacher Pipeline – Strengthening pathways, training, and support for Arabic educators
3. Teaching About Arab Culture – Integrating culture meaningfully into language learning
4. Motivations to Include Arabic in School Offers – Understanding how and why schools choose Arabic—and how to sustain it
5. Students – Centering learners’ experiences, identities, and outcomes

Research That Serves Educators and Students

QFI’s Research Agenda is designed to be close to practice, not just academic. It offers:

• Tools and resources that educators can use in their classrooms
• Insights and data to help schools build and sustain Arabic programs
• Opportunities for collaboration between teachers and researchers
• Support for students to thrive as confident, curious Arabic learners

From a multi-country study of Arabic programs (SALP) to a searchable database of research spanning six decades, to annual forums that bring educators and researchers together, QFI is building the infrastructure needed to make Arabic education stronger, more connected, and more impactful.

Looking Ahead: A Global Ecosystem for Arabic Education

This is just the beginning. Through collaboration, research, and shared commitment, QFI is helping build a global ecosystem where teaching, learning, and policy come together to ensure Arabic is accessible and supported in primary and secondary schools.