ABOUT

Massrat Shaikh – Educational Psychologist | Career Counselor| Mindfulness Educator |Provider for Learning Solutions. 

PhD Scholar – Tata Institute Of Social Sciences.

Member of American Psychological Association.(APA)
Member of Middle East Psychological Association. (MEPA)

As an Educational Psychologist and edupreneur, my professional portfolio is characterized by extensive proficiency in the domain of learning disabilities and special education needs (SEN). My tenure at Al Ahlam Training and Higher Education Services in Oman spans over a decade, wherein I have assumed the role of a consultant to a majority of international and private educational institutions within the Omani context. My operational paradigm is a collaborative endeavor with schools, with the explicit aim of advancing the quality of provisions for vulnerable learners.

Within this framework, I provide strategic direction to the SEN departments within educational establishments, enabling them to furnish tailored support to students beset by various learning challenges. Central to my pedagogical philosophy is an unswerving dedication to the cultivation of inclusive environments for all students.

Educational Psychologist:.I am a clinician specializing in conducting diagnostic psychoeducational assessments for children and young adults. These assessments help identify learning disabilities, attention deficits, and other neurological conditions. They also evaluate social, emotional, and behavioral aspects. The key outcome of these assessments is providing comprehensive recommendations for both home and school environments. To achieve this, I utilize various psychological tools, including assessments of cognitive abilities, academic performance, and behavior. This enables me to accurately identify individuals who may benefit from specific support and intervention. 

Provider for Learning Solutions: I employ Educational Technology (EdTech) tools to instruct students facing learning challenges. Through collaborations with companies like Scientific Learning and Pearson, I’ve brought neuroscience-based learning solutions within reach for these vulnerable learners. Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) often grapple with learning gaps that can be difficult to bridge, and the time spent in remedial learning is crucial. As an educator, I focus on finding effective strategies to make a positive impact in shorter periods of time. EdTech enables me to facilitate learning progress more rapidly compared to traditional methods. Given that digital learning solutions offer multiple layers of support that can expedite learning, I’ve ensured that this service is available to SEN students, aiding them in achieving their specific learning objectives.

Career Guidance Counselor:I utilize psychometric assessments to evaluate students’ interests, abilities, and personalities, aiming to steer them towards a suitable career trajectory. My services encompass a thorough career guidance program, designed to support individuals in making well-informed decisions regarding their education and profession. Engaging in a career assessment strengthens the connection between academic pursuits and potential career avenues, thereby enhancing one’s preparation and management of their career path.

Mindfulness Educator: I conduct an eight-week mindfulness course tailored for students, educators, and parents. The efficacy of students’ learning is closely tied to their emotional well-being within the educational environment. In light of the prevalent challenges young individuals face, such as stress, trauma, and isolation, instructing mindfulness practices has emerged as a valuable resource and a crucial component of imparting social-emotional skills. This approach plays a pivotal role in nurturing the overall well-being of children, emphasizing the importance for adults in their lives to also cultivate self-regulation abilities.

Advocate for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): I work towards transforming our education system by evaluating and instructing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) for children. SEL holds the promise of reshaping our learning environment and furnishing us with the means for organized improvement. By adhering to the CASEL framework, I ensure that SEL becomes an essential element of education. This integration of SEL promotes both fairness and high standards in education, facilitated by genuine collaborations between schools, families, and communities. Recognizing the significance of SEL in our educational landscape, I acknowledge its potential to empower both young individuals and adults in building flourishing schools and fostering secure, healthy, and equitable communities.

Author: I serve as a columnist for Oman Observer Newspapers, where I consistently publish articles. Additionally, I am an author for GESS Education, and I have contributed numerous pieces to various newspapers and magazines in Oman.

Speaker: I serve as a speaker at prominent educational events, including GESS Leaders in Education, GESS Dubai & GESS Turkey Conference & Exhibition. Additionally, I have been invited as a speaker for EduTraC Oman – Higher Education, Training & Career Expo, Future Skills & HRD Summit 2021, GHEDEX – Oman’s Higher Education, Training, and Future Skills Show, and the Middle East Teaching and Learning conference.

Awards – I was named a finalist for the GESS Awards in both 2021 and 2022, specifically in the Inclusion and Wellbeing category.

Education Influencer –

In 2022, I took part as a speaker in World Empathy Week, an international online conference. I represented Oman as an education influencer among 35 educators from around the world. It was an honor to contribute to this global initiative.

Each year, my aim has been to improve and expand my knowledge through experiences. As an educator, ongoing learning is a fundamental aspect of my professional life, and I am committed to continuing this journey for as long as I hold this role. I’m eager to see what 2023 will bring and the opportunities it holds.