My practical Teaching Theory

Every teacher has their own theory, which I think develops according to the situations and environment.

I try to encourage and develop thinking, reasoning and enthusiasm for the quest of knowledge among my students by providing them with appropriate situations and tasks which would help get their cognitive wheels turning. In my class, I divide the students in groups and assign each group to prepare a presentation on the topic to be taught in class.

After showing the presentation, the other groups ask each other questions and give at least one example from or regarding their own life, or relate to cross curricular links e.g. Allah’s Messenger said that falsehood will reduce sustenance. The students have a discussion on this, try to analyse it in depth, connect it with the social life and figure out in what ways the person’s life will be psychologically affected, and how these effects create biological problems.

Apart from this, I suggest to students to consult the library and gather information from the internet such as different quotes and teachings, some of which can be misconceptions and false traditions or true ones, which are commonly spread in our society and people have staunch believes in them. Students bring this information and share with each other during class and as their teacher, I rectify their wrong information and if I do not have knowledge of certain matter from their collection, I look it up myself also to help students attain the best and most authentic of knowledge. In this way my knowledge also increases.

I have observed that when we ask ‘why’, we compel the students’ power of thinking to increase. The word ‘how’ makes them reason and when their thoughts and perspectives are accepted open-mindedly instead of being negated abruptly, and they are encouraged to find out and scrutinise the history of their information, their zest for the quest for knowledge increases.

My point of view is that if we ask ‘why’ and ‘how’ more frequently, it will be beneficial for the students as it will be good for learning, honing out their intellect and imparting a positive zeal for knowledge in their lives.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Memorable Learning

Human beings have many memorable events in their lives. They learn from them and these kinds of experiences play a great role in the development of the personality. I want to share one of such events with you.

 I was living in Lahore (a city in Pakistan) when it happened. As a tradition of Lahori people, we celebrate a festival at the beginning of the spring season, which falls in the middle of the February, called “Basant”. People fly Kites as a mark of celebration.

When I was a child of ten years, I was much fascinated by these colorful kites and wanted to fly them because I used to see my brother, cousins, uncle and my father flying kites. One day I told my father that I wanted to learn how to fly kites. He said to me that if you really want to, you should first observe us, and that way he started to develop my observation. After many days, he gave me a kite and its thread and asked me to try it according to my observation. He helped me a bit and I tried many times, but in vain. Then he advised me to fly it according to the wind. I did as he told and my kite became stable and flew higher and higher. That moment’s happiness and joy I can never forget and I can still feel it whenever I reminisce about it.

 Suddenly I saw another kite coming towards mine. I shouted for help and my father told me how to save my kite, to attack the other kite from beneath. That had been my first experience about how someone can come out of the blue to ruin a perfect moment of happiness in life. I was extremely upset and at that moment my father gave an invaluable advice, “This is life, my dear. Always keep an eye on your surroundings but never trouble anyone. What you do not like for yourself, do not do that to others and at the time of difficulty be brave and face it bravely”.

 After this event I learnt that everything that happens in life has a lesson. All you need is an open mind and a mentor, like my father was to me, in order to learn the little yet invaluable lessons of life.

My father left no stone unturned in developing my habit of getting lessons from day to day life events. Another lesson which he taught me was to give our things to others and relish in their happiness. We would spend the whole day catching and collecting kites, and in the end he would give them away to my cousins and neighbor’s and advise us to sacrifice our things for the happiness of others.

Kite flying in Lahore

A little about myself... :)

Welcome to my Blog,

My name is AmtusSalam and I am commonly known with my nick name Annie. I am from Pakistan.
I am teaching Islamic Studies in a private school for higher secondary classes. Although I am an Islamic Studies teacher but my academic background is Masters in Arabic. I love learning and teaching. I  believe that questioning increases knowledge, so in my teaching I motivate my students to ask questions.
I like to read books and have written some Islamic ones. I am also the editor of the newsletter in my Institute.
I love thinking and relating modern science with Islam.
When free, I usually spend time with my kids and decorating my home.
Personlly I don't like watching TV. In this case some may find me boring :) but in my opinon its a waste of time.
Apart from the above, I like to visit new places.

Why am I on this course? My hopes are high regarding this program because I think it will help us to learn and apply. Modern way of teaching will be benefical for the new generation.

I am a novice when it comes to IT and I do hope one of you might help and guide me.

I hope this hard yet pleasent journey leads to success.

Best of luck to all,
Annie