A curriculum is the foundation for effective teaching. Based on knowledge of the target group, it determines the aspect or aspects of their lives that the learning programme aims to enlighten, then sets a vision for the target group which they will become at the end of their learning programme. This vision is translated into [...]
As much as teaching strategies and tips are often emphasised, subject knowledge carries the same weight in importance, if not more. After settling into a teaching post at a Madrassah, we must continue striving to gain more knowledge in the subject and around the subject we are teaching. Good teachers realise that they are also [...]
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 [...]
