This workshop addresses the most pressing modern challenges faced by Islamic Education teachers and presents practical, research informed solutions that improve student engagement, understanding, and identity development. As classrooms become more diverse and students navigate rapid technological and social change, Islamic Education must evolve to remain meaningful, rigorous, and relevant.
The workshop will guide participants through strategies that move beyond memorisation and teacher centred instruction toward inquiry, reflection, and active learning. Educators will explore effective models such as the Big Question approach, visible thinking routines, purposeful differentiation, character education inspired by prophetic pedagogy, and balanced use of digital tools and AI to enhance learning. Real classroom examples and interactive activities will allow attendees to apply each strategy in practical and achievable ways.
Objectives
– Identify the key modern challenges facing Islamic Education in UAE schools
– Explore instructional approaches that promote higher order thinking and deeper understanding
– Learn differentiation strategies tailored to Islamic A and Islamic B contexts
– Understand how to integrate character and values education authentically
– Discover balanced ways to use technology and AI without compromising Islamic identity
– Leave with actionable strategies that can be implemented immediately in the classroom
Key Topics
– Modern barriers to engagement in Islamic Education
– Inquiry based learning and the Big Question model
– Visible thinking routines for Islamic concepts
– Differentiation and scaffolding methods for mixed ability groups
– Prophetic pedagogy and character education
– Ethical and purposeful integration of technology and AI
– Practical assessment approaches that measure understanding rather than memorisation
Workshop Leader
Youssef Mahmoud Ahmed Mohammed Darwish
I am an Islamic Studies Teacher, Moral Social and Cultural Lead, and PLC Lead at Jumeira Baccalaureate School in Dubai. In my current role, I lead whole school initiatives focused on developing Higher Order Thinking and differentiation across MYP and DP, working closely with colleagues to improve the quality of teaching and learning in MOE subjects. Before joining JBS, I served as Head of Islamic at Next Generation School and also worked as Head of English Department, which strengthened my experience in curriculum leadership, assessment, and staff development.
I hold a Masters in Educational Leadership and have completed the NPQSL, both of which have shaped my strategic approach to school improvement and my commitment to evidence based practice. Over recent years, I have had the opportunity to present at several major conferences and professional development events across the UAE, including the Dubai Teaching Conference, BSME Conference, TeacherCon DXB, Brighton College Al Ain, and various internal PD days. My work focuses on practical innovations that make questioning, inquiry, differentiation, and character education more effective and meaningful in Arabic and Islamic Studies classrooms.
I am passionate about supporting teachers, enhancing student engagement, and finding balanced ways to connect traditional values with modern pedagogical practices.