How does OWIS ensure that students develop a deep understanding of Islamic culture and values in a global context?

OWIS integrates Islamic Studies within the International Baccalaureate curriculum in a meaningful way, connecting lessons to students’ real-life experiences to help them develop a deep understanding of Islam and its significance in their lives. It demonstrates how Islamic principles can be applied in their interactions, decision-making, and ethical behavior as part of the global community. Additionally, it enhances students’ understanding of cultural diversity, tolerance, and the concept of global solidarity among individuals, groups, and nations through participation, empathy, and respect for diversity while showing respect for others’ freedom, following the teachings of the prophets, peace be upon them.

What methods do you use to make learning engaging for students?

I use a variety of teaching methods, including activity-based learning, inquiry-based learning, storytelling, collaborative learning, interactive learning, role-playing, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. I also demonstrate enthusiasm, as the teacher serves as a role model for students. The focus is on encouraging students to be inquisitive in order to understand faith on a deeper level rather than merely memorizing facts. Additionally, I incorporate self-assessment, peer assessment, role-playing, connecting knowledge to real-life experiences, reflection, and extracurricular activities while considering students’ individual differences.

Can you explain the key areas of focus in Islamic studies at each grade level at OWIS?

At OWIS, Islamic Studies in the primary stage focus on several key areas:

Tawheed

Understanding the six pillars of faith (belief in Allah, angels, books, prophets, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree).
Strengthening the concept of Tawheed and its categories (Tawheed of Worship, Lordship, and Names & Attributes).
Instilling the correct Islamic creed and fostering love for Allah and His Messenger.

Fiqh and Behavior

Teaching the five pillars of Islam (Shahada, prayer, zakat, fasting, and Hajj).
Explaining the rulings of acts of worship, such as purification, ablution, prayer, and their etiquettes.
Emphasizing moral values and Islamic behavior in daily life.

Hadith and Seerah

Memorizing and understanding short prophetic hadiths related to ethics and worship.
Studying the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his early years, prophethood, migration, and noble character.
Learning about the companions and the Prophet’s family and their inspiring stories.

Quran and Tafsir

Reciting and memorizing selected Surahs according to age levels.
Understanding Quranic vocabulary and simplified interpretations of selected verses.
Cultivating love for the Quran and applying its teachings in daily life.

Islamic Values and Ethics

Promoting values such as tolerance, honesty, integrity, cooperation, and respect for parents.
Encouraging good character in interactions with friends and the community.
Motivating students to perform good deeds and uphold ethical behavior.

These areas are integrated with the IB framework.

How do you encourage students to connect Islamic teachings to their daily lives and personal growth?

I encourage my students to connect Islamic teachings to their daily lives and personal growth through a variety of educational methods and practical applications that make Islamic values and principles part of their everyday behavior. These methods include:

Practical Application in Daily Life:

Behavioral Models: Presenting stories from the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ and the companions, and linking them to real-life situations that students face.
Daily Challenges: For example, the “Kind Word Challenge,” where students are asked to say a kind word to someone different each day, or the “Honoring Parents Challenge,” where they offer daily help to their parents.
Role-Playing: Acting out life situations such as honesty in dealings, trustworthiness in safeguarding belongings, and cooperation with classmates.

Linking Islamic Teachings to Daily Situations at School and Home:

At School: Focusing on human and Islamic values such as honesty, integrity, cooperation, kindness, responsibility, and respecting different viewpoints.
At Home: Encouraging students to implement the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ in their daily lives, such as saying “Bismillah” before eating, “Alhamdulillah” after eating, and sleeping on the right side.

Using Technology and Interactive Learning:

Electronic Applications: Using apps like “Kahoot” and “Padlet” to assess students’ understanding of Islamic teachings.
Movies and Cartoons: Showing stories about Islamic ethics in an engaging way suitable for their age group.

Instilling Love for Worship and Islamic Values through Motivation and Encouragement:

Symbolic Rewards: Providing certificates of appreciation for students who adhere to Islamic values.

The Role of the Teacher as a Model and Role Model:

Demonstrating Islamic Values Practically: Being a role model in honesty, cooperation, and tolerance when dealing with students.
Using Dialogue and Discussion: Discussing everyday situations and guiding students on how to act in accordance with Islamic values.

How do you use technology to enhance the learning experience for students?

I enhance the students’ learning experience by utilizing educational apps, online resources, and videos, and I use technology to engage students as a remedy against discouragement and poor performance, as it can be adapted to meet their needs. Our school has provided all the resources that contribute to this, including an internet network, tablets for students, a partnership with Apple, interactive smart boards, and various educational applications such as Kahoot, Quizzes, Keynote, Freeform, Pages, Notes, different research platforms, Quran apps, and many other apps that make the learning journey rich in excitement, enthusiasm, engagement, simulation, and personal interaction.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching Islamic studies at OWIS, and how has the experience shaped your teaching approach?

What made me feel most comfortable in teaching Islamic Studies is OWIS’s commitment to providing all available resources to enhance the level of education, along with offering moral and material support by providing a collaborative and respectful work environment. They also prioritize professional development and training, while appreciating and valuing the efforts I put in.

Naturally, this has influenced my teaching style, leading to the acquisition of diverse skills and experiences that contributed to the development and improvement of my teaching approach. I have shifted away from the traditional role of the teacher as a mere transmitter of information to becoming a facilitator in the classroom, where the student is at the center of the teaching-learning process. Additionally, this has increased my use of technology in education and the connection of learning outcomes to real-life situations.