We have to study the effectiveness of the Prophet’s methods of teaching which he initiated roughly 1400 years ago and find out how far they are relevant to-day. The basic skills such as “Reading”, “Writing” and “Speaking” have become the basic necessity for any human being in this modern world. Teachers all over the world have contributed to the development of these skills.
From the Prophet’s period his teaching legacy has become part of any literacy programme in the Muslim world and even beyond. Under “Reading” programme, emphasize was given to the reading of the Qur’an. Beside Arab Muslims the converts too learned Arabic in order to read the Qur’an, and, as Islam spread, Arabic became the medium of communication in many parts of the Islamic world. Scholars, non-Arabs and non-Muslims wrote in Arabic and introduced into the language of their adoption many words from their own native tongue. (Walker, 2002, p.259) It can be seen all over the Muslim world that a small school called “Maktab” is attached to every mosque through which the art of reading Qur’an in Arabic is being taught to children and the tradition is kept alive to-day.
In the higher level the recitation of the Qur’an is being taught in Arabic colleges in which a student is trained to recite Qur’an in seven different ways. In the field of “Writing” the art of Calligraphy initiated by the Prophet which began with the art of writing the verses of the Qur’an beautifully well, developed into a full fledged art and design work not only in the Arabic language writing but in other languages too.
Among the basic skills the art of memorization had a tremendous effect in the world of Islam. Memorising the whole Qur’an has become the most sought after vocation among the faithful. Hence one can find a number of Islamic institutions established exclusively for this purpose and providing free board and lodge to the students. This process initiated by the Prophet has made it possible to keep the Qur’an intact and unadulterated. Memorization is also a part of the modern educational system wherein the students are tested with questions like “Quote from memory”. The memorization of the multiplication tables by the elementary school pupils has become an added advantage to them in mathematical calculations.
Some methods of the Prophet consist of elements of the “Scientific Method’ as it is in practice all over the world. Practical demonstration by the teacher and correction of students under the direct supervision of the teacher resembles the “Guru-Sishya apprentice mode”. Explanation of any idea by diagrams is an accepted norm in the academic world for easy understanding of any subject.
Many of the methods of the Prophet with psychological approach are a part of modern day teaching practice. Selecting a suitable time for learning is an important factor in the teaching learning process which is being followed normally in all the educational institutions while framing a time table. Teachers are instructed to motivate students to facilitate learning not only in slow learners but also in gifted children. Conferring special doctorates by the Universities for worthy academicians and special titles to the citizens by any government for their worthy contribution to the nation is a method adopted by the Prophet more than 1400 years ago. In fact the convocation ceremony and the conferment of degrees and diplomas were the outcome of the traditions of the Islamic system of education (Chaudhri, 1999, p.1) Appreciating students for their work, celebrating small success, accommodating individual differences and method of expiation which are parts of modern educational terminology were parts of Prophet’s educational regimen too.
The Method of Pledge which was Prophet’s exclusive method to make his followers adhere to the basic tenets of Islam is in practice in many universities in the west in which the student gives an oath that he would abide by the rules and regulations of the institution or like a medical professional takes the convocation oath (Hippocratic oath) that he would abide by the ethics of the profession. His methods of correcting people’s mistakes aimed at reforming them rather than punishing them. Similar objective prevails in most modern institutions for juvenile delinquents for reforming them.
The Prophet’s methods of mass communication in an era of very poor communication facilities are noteworthy and many of them are relevant to-day. The Method of Feasting in Fellowship is being followed if not in the field of formal education but in seminars, workshops and in business meetings. His Methods of institutionalizing education resemble that of “Gurukul” system of ancient India and the modern residential school system. The Prophet’s order and insistence that all his followers spread the knowledge received from him to others by word of mouth was really unique but in the present context technology has taken that role. It was really a daring move of the Prophet to initiate steps to educate women and even slave girls in a caste-ridden society. But the pity is such a status to women and slaves has been denied in many countries until recently.
The simple techniques such as “repetition”, “questioning and dialogue”, making use of “parables, similes and metaphors” used by the Prophet are still in use to-day in instruction.
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