Education and Islam

Fred Mednick
Teachers Without Borders

Mon., Sep. 11, 2006

Fred Mednick

Although coverage of atrocities committed by �radical Islamists� dominates the front pages of our newspapers, very few people know about Islam�s core values and beliefs. Some accuse Islam of being an obstacle to development. Others have hijacked Islam by distorting the religion�s holy book, the Qu�ran, to justify hatred and war. Neither view reflects Islam�s true essence.

The core values of Islam are consistent with the values that many hold dear: the dignity of human beings, social welfare, and education. Islam�s emphasis on education is particularly inspiring. The foundation of both the structural and curricular approaches we take for granted in academia is due, in large part, to Islamic institutions, which fostered curiosity and scientific inquiry; open and voluntary learning circles; the use of community resources in learning; peer review; problem solving approaches; story telling as illustration; and subsidies for those who were unable to attend school.

Teachers Without Borders (TWB) discovered such a wealth of material in

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Islamic sacred texts that outline �best practices� in teaching. With the support of the government of Pakistan, TWB has produced an online book: Modern Teaching AS Islamic Tradition, which integrates such concepts�in practical terms�into a professional development program for teachers. The online version is also used as source material for local workshops. The program provides incentives for teachers and community leaders to embrace education and social development while allowing them to remain true to their faith.

In Pakistan, where only about 3 percent of 18- to 24-year olds have access to higher education, online learning is important to ensure broader access to education. Hence, Modern Teaching AS Islamic Tradition will be disseminated online through Teachers Without Borders� new e-learning platform, which has been designed around the need for culturally sensitive, easily accessible, locally adaptable content. As a result, such a sensitive initiative can allow for creative uses of the material, such as radio programs, village puppet shows, and street theatre.

Children at a school in Chakwal Village outside of Rawalpindi, Pakistan where TWB workshops have been conducted. © Teachers Without Borders

While developing this program, Teachers Without Borders has faced challenging questions: How can information and communications technology avoid a one-size-fits-all approach? How can Modern Teaching AS Islamic Tradition reflect the diversity of Islam without treating it in a superficial or overly generalized way? Ultimately, communities of professionals will need to interact with the content itself�adding to it, amending it, and localizing it to meet current needs.

Teachers Without Borders welcomes partners throughout the world who would be willing to critique the manual, to develop the curriculum, and to conduct customized teacher training programs. In addition, we are offering an online platform to selected non-profits who can help develop similar programs in other parts of the world.

Fred Mednick
Founder and President

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