| Learning Community Programme for MTP Students |
|
INTRODUCTION The Muballigheen Training Programme (MTP) is a 4 year intensive academic course that offers both a structured Hawza curriculum as well as a Master of Arts (MA) in Islamic Studies accredited by a University in the West.  Brothers at IIPS ‘LEARNING COMMUNITY’ In order to equip the students with a host of skills and processes to effectively achieve this goal, The World Federation conducted a 2.5 day development programme for the 10 students. Al-Hajj Sarfraz Jeraj of Hyderi Jamaat, and Sheikh Abbas Ismail, Assistant Secretary General for Islamic Education, facilitated the course in Damascus. Sarfraz bhai is currently completing a doctorate in clinical psychology; he is involved with the Capacity Building strategy within The World Federation and is managing the Mentor Development Programme run by The World Federation and CoEJ. The overall theme of this programme was to encourage the cultivation of an effective learning community, in line with the teachings of Al–e–Muhammad (as).  Facilitators After setting the course context and expectations, participants were given the opportunity to define the characteristics of an effective learning community. Participants provided the following feedback: “I liked the respect accorded to the students.” “I enjoyed the group interaction, activity and the practical examples given when appraising people.” “There was freedom to express views and opinions by all.” The students were then offered an insight into how they, as individual learners, could contribute to that ideal. The discussions centred on emotional intelligence and the importance of understanding the self, thereby being able to better understand Allah. Participants came away with lots to ponder over: “I’m going to start to be more positive and enthusiastic.” “You must start the journey to know yourself.” “I will start to try to walk in other’s shoes longer.” “I will stop judging people without much thought or information.” “I will stop judging others by my own prejudices.”  Discussions were a key part of the learning process The participants built upon the learning of Friday and explored their own personalities and characteristics in more depth. Each participant was able to complete the MBTI questionnaire and to delve deeper into his / her preferences and how these preferences may impact upon other people in the learning community. When asked what feedback they would give to others not present in the programme, comments included: “Personality type helps identify areas of work.” “Take the MBTI.” “How important it is to be aware of the self and others.” The participants then reflected upon how the day’s activities would influence them in the future: “I will start appreciating others.” “I will start to appreciate others more.” “I will listen more – give introverts a chance to speak.” “I will stop disregarding other’s feelings.” “I will stop talking over others.” “I will continue learning and developing towards excellence.”  Sisters at IIPS The final day concentrated on the participants as learners. They became familiar with adult learning methods and learning styles. The session demonstrated that each individual learns in a different way. The day continued with a session on giving and receiving effective feedback and finished with the participants defining their visions of a learning community. “I enjoyed the discussions – finding out what others think and how we all come to the decision of having our first (student body) meeting.” “I enjoyed the role-play of case studies to demonstrate productive giving and receiving feedback.” “I will start appreciating everyone for their individuality.” “I will stop being defensive when receiving feedback.” “I will stop being too sensitive to the way people act or say something to me, giving people the benefit of the doubt instead of concluding one way or the other.”  Enjoying the feedback session "The capacity building workshop acquainted all the students through a range of group work, which helped the students feel happy to get to know each other better and understand the different understandings, complexities normally faced in a learning environment and how to deal with them if encountered in any situation.” “Though I have participated in many work-shops in the past such as the one held for us here, this one in particular was definitely eye-opening in that it allowed me to learn more about myself as well as see things from different perspectives. To some degree for me it brought to light many of the ahadeeth from our aimmah about the importance of knowing oneself and how to interact with others. It was really nice to see all of us students united and motivated to achieve one goal, and that is to develop a strong, spiritual, confident and vibrant Learning Community. I pray that Allah (swt) continues to shower us with His blessings so we may work together to serve Him.”  Participants empowered to further their visions of a learning community |
Google Translation
Sayyida Zainab as
Syria
