Islam in education

Mr Eeqbal Hassim is currently concluding a PhD thesis on the history of Islamic elementary education theory and why it has changed very little over time.  “We have seen the advancement of Muslims in philosophy, the natural and religious sciences but in relation to elementary education things remained static,” Mr Hassim said.

Through his PhD research, Mr Hassim analysed Islamic elementary education through the lenses of social change and theories of continuity, as societies do not change unless there is a need. He realised that perhaps the theories that existed in Muslim societies did not require change and were possibly the reason Muslims flourished so well over many centuries.

Another factor to consider is that theories cannot be taken out of their social and cultural contexts. For example, you cannot expect that the Australian way of educating children will work in African schools. “The worst thing we can do is to impose our world views on a different time of human history. Therefore in my research I looked at the theories and practices within their secluded contexts,” Mr Hassim said.

Reflecting on history and analysing what worked well helps today’s societies, such as contemporary Australia, to understand how Muslim education works. As the Muslim migrant community in Australia grows, there is greater need for awareness of successful education practices and community expectations.

In many Islamic teaching systems there are greater expectations from the teacher, while in Australia the involvement of parents in educating the children is also essential. This creates a challenge that needs to be addressed in the Australian education system: differing cultural perceptions and the ways in which they can be overcome through training and professional development.

“I think the worst thing we can do is bend and shape each other… teachers have to be trained to learn how to deal with the migrant parents as currently there is hardly anything in place to create this awareness,” said Mr Hassim. On the other hand, Muslim parents and students also need to be trained to learn to deal with the challenges of the Australian education system and culture.

Upon completion of his thesis, Mr Hassim foresees his mission as directing some of these changes through targeted professional development programs for teachers, school leaders and others in the education sector.

In September this year, Mr Hassim visited Minaret College , an Islamic K-12 school in the South-Eastern suburbs of Melbourne.  He was also invited by Mr Salifu Babu, Assistant Principal (Curriculum), to be a guest teacher for the VCE Units ‘Texts and Traditions’ and ‘Religion and Society’. He addressed both Year 11 and 12 students on the challenges facing Muslims in contemporary society.

Mr Hassim also presented at the Jewish Christian Muslim Association seminar on ‘When does Criticism become Vilification?’ in October this year. The seminar was held at the Yasuko Hiraoka Myer Room, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, at the University of Melbourne.

NCEIS 2008 Conference

Melbourne, 19 - 20 November 2008: “Challenges to Social Inclusion in Australia: The Muslim Experience”

The Muslim community in Australia is growing and thus far has been able to adequately integrate into Australian society and everyday life. This integration has had its challenges, though, and that is the topic of this year’s NCEIS conference in November.

The conference features speakers from very diverse backgrounds. Topics cover Muslim inclusion and exclusion, mass media Islam, youth community engagement and identity, Muslim women and welfare.

The conference is opened by Mr Laurie Ferguson, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs in the Australian Government. On the second day the Hon Liz Beatie, Parlimentary Secretary Assisting the Premier in Multicultural Affairs will deliver a keynote address.
Other presenters include academic scholars from across Australia, NCEIS partner universities, policy-makers, religious leaders and Australian Government representatives.

The discussions will critically assess Muslim access to education and employment opportunities, factors contributing to social integration and available policies that might facilitate social cohesion and harmony in Australian society.

New Master of Islamic Studies 2009

The NCEIS at the University of Melbourne is offering a new Master of Islamic Studies (MIS) degree from 2009.
The MIS offers a multidisciplinary approach in areas such as Islamic law, theology, politics, conflict
resolution, education and global media. Students will also have access to a diverse range of elective studies, as well as a vibrant public events
program bringing together
international scholars, policy makers and community leaders.

The MIS is designed to benefit
graduates working, or aspiring to work, in fields where an
understanding of Islam and Islamic cultures offers a career advantage, including: international diplomacy and trade, media, health sciences, translation, immigration, public policy, community development and education. 

For more information on the NCEIS and further undergraduate,
postgraduate and research higher degree opportunities, please visit: www.nceis.unimelb.edu.au/mis

Contact: nceis-info@unimelb.edu.au

Grants

Myer Foundation Project: Education on Islam

Chief investigator: A/Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh

Education on Islam is a three-year initiative undertaken by the NCEIS to deliver a series of two day seminars for teachers in Victoria and New South Wales to create more awareness about engagement with Muslim students and their parents.

The program is designed in conjunction with the Australian Curriculum Studies Association and is aimed at enhancing the knowledge and pedagogical skills of teachers on Islam and education.

This initiative will address misperceptions about Islam and the role of Muslims as active citizens in Australia. The program is expected to run on a national level after the initial three years.

ARC Discovery Project: Citizenship and belonging among Muslims in Australia and the United Kingdom

Chief investigators: A/Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh & Professor Abdullah Saeed

This project will explore how Muslims in Australia and the United Kingdom understand their relationship to the state. Utilizing publications and interviews with Muslim intellectuals active in the public domain this project will illuminate how modern Muslims respond to the issues of citizenship, identity and national belonging.

These issues are of vital importance in a multicultural state. By exploring the spectrum of Muslim opinion, this project will foster a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities generated by Muslim settlement in the West.