Contemporary Curriculum Design for Higher Education: An Islamic Appraisal

Education is a key to developing positivity in human beings. It helps to become a good citizen. In Islam, education has a central role that every Muslim must seek. Islamic education is centered on the teaching of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The Quran is revealed in Arabic, therefore sources of the teachings of Islam are in Arabic. It is the religious duty of the Muslim Ummah to learn Arabic and have command in it. The Quran is the only Book that provides complete guidance to humanity, whether the matters related to social life, economic matters, political issues, or religious life. Keeping this in view, the curriculum should also be prepared in the light of the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Focusing on the contemporary curriculum design for Islamic studies for higher education, this paper describes the missing material in the existing curriculum and suggests that the use of modern resources, arranging conferences, and an expansive transformative framework for Islamic studies are the key tools for its implementation. It stresses the curricular designers to approach the existing curriculum more comprehensively which covers Islamic Law, comparative studies, contemporary trends in world traditions, peace dialogue, and practical involvement of students too. This goal can be gained through amendments or revising the existing curriculum. The outcome of it will results in students' critical thinking, positivity, comprehensive knowledge, language proficiency, and character building.

Influence of Professional Development Programmes on Teachers’ Beliefs and Classroom Practices: A Case of Two English Language Teachers from Gilgit-Baltistan

An increased emphasis is placed on the role of the teachers to cope with the rapid changing world. On the one hand, high importance is given to the professional development (PD) of teachers and on the other hand, a critical need exists to examine the influence of those professional development courses on teachers’ belief and classroom practices. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ongoing professional development on ELTs’ beliefs and practices in two private schools in Gilgit Baltistan, that undergone reforms through funded project. The study attempted to determine the influence of the programme on two English language teachers teaching beliefs and classroom practices. Both of the teachers had participated in different professional development courses and trainings. For this purpose, case study method was employed and the data were collected via semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, formal discussions, informal conversations and field notes. The data analysis revealed that both the teachers who had participated in the professional development programmes, demonstrated conceptual change about teaching and learning English, they displayed positive attitudes towards teaching and learning English and they have improved their teaching skills and classroom practices. The study found a complex and dynamic relationship between beliefs and practices. The teaching context and background were found as key factors that have greater influence on shaping beliefs and guiding teachers’ practices. Lastly, it was discovered that teachers’ personal capabilities and motivation play key roles in their development as a teacher. Finally, this study recommends that English Language teaching can be improved and made effective through providing professional development opportunities for the teachers.