What is your teaching style? Do you portray more dominance, cooperation, opposition, submission or an equal variety of all or some? What are the best styles? Theo Wubbels is a professor of education at Utrecht University and he has formulated a matrix that can pinpoint where a teaching style sits between dominance, opposition, submission and [...]
Whether on the floor or at tables, which seating arrangement is the most suitable for your students and your lesson? Traditional rows, U-shaped setting or cluster groups? Being conscious of the pros and cons of each and using them appropriately can be a great aid to minimising misbehaviour and boosting concentration in your class. [...]
Begin your lesson with a mind capturing task that introduces your children to the theme of your lesson without you explicitly saying what the theme is. As soon as your pupils enter your classroom doors or straight after they take their seats, dish out the ‘Starter’ task. Do this even before you run through the [...]
Whether you are teaching Tajweed, Arabic or Fiqh, knowing how the memory works is crucial for your children’s successful learning. The article below explains briefly the function of a ‘working memory’ and strategies for transforming knowledge in a child to long-term memory, that is the knowledge that the child will carry for many years in [...]
A little controversial and off-mainstream in relation to awarding prizes and certificates publicly to pupils that exhibit good behaviour. Yet, to say the least, it is important to know and understand the shortcomings of giving awards and the possibility of it leading to counterproductive outcomes. Ultimately, the most effective strategy for positively influencing behaviour is [...]
Does your Madrassah have a plan for dealing with lessons that require covering? Have you got a teacher absence policy and a list of DBS checked teachers who could cover a lesson? In addition, there are things that teachers taking time out should prepare in advance for their cover teacher, to ensure the smooth running [...]
Instructions can be used for setting activities, classroom management and setting rules. Make sure instructions are short, simple and clear. It may help students if you give examples. Ask a student to repeat the instruction back to the class and ask another to demonstrate following your instructions. Instructions should answer: What are we doing? Reading, [...]
Madrassah teachers would probably agree that children whose parents are involved and up to date with their child’s progress are more likely to advance in their learning. Some parents are more involved than others and some would like to be more involved than they are but unfortunately have time constraints. The idea in this article [...]
Never let limitations of define your success. With strong will, direction, constructive actions and above all, Tawakul you and your Madrassah can achieve great success and meet all your goals. This lesson is witnessed through the recognition of this wonderful teacher, who was raised in a refugee camp and taught in a region threatened by [...]
How does an emotion look like? And how does it affect your child, positively or negatively? Is your child aware of their emotions and how to use them intelligently? Islam has taught us generously how to perceive emotions such as love, hate, fear, trust, happiness, sadness, anger, hurt, compassion and anticipation and how to channel [...]
