This blog post focuses on pedagogical contents of Sekolah Islam Athirah.
TEACHING METHODS
Because the curriculum is oriented towards the learning process, teachers must vary their teaching methods in order to address the multiple intelligences of students. Thus, they adapt differentiated instruction by utilizing learning materials and teaching medias that are appropriated to the needs and skills of the students. As much as possible, teachers see to it that the learners take the lead in the learning process so that the students can have better understanding and mastery of the lesson.
LEARNING MATERIALS AND INNOVATION, SOURCES OF LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY
Athirah possesses a number of impressive facilities and amenities to make student learning more meaningful and authentic. These are one of the most essential must-haves of schools, as they greatly play a role in the teaching-learning process.
Classrooms in Athirah are made sure to be the most conducive for learning. Fully air conditioned rooms make the students comfortable despite the humid climate. The white board replaces the traditional blackboard to guarantee a dustless environment that is safe and non-allergic especially to those who have asthma. Microphones are made available so that teachers can better address class discussions. LCD projectors and speakers are already installed at the ceiling, and teachers make use of it through Wi-fi connection instead of the traditional connector. The classroom can also fit 25 to 30 students with desks made out of wood and steel that is of good quality. Elementary classrooms have floors that are fully carpeted while junior high school classrooms have mats, both of which allows students to work freely on the floor if they need more space in accomplishing their task. Right outside the classroom, there are lockers for the students to store their bags, books, and other belongings so that classrooms are not congested.
Aside from the classrooms, laboratories in Athirah promises better learning experiences because of its complete equipment and realias. The science laboratories (biology, chemistry, and physics) have working tables, sets of equipment like microscopes, beam balances, tubes, etc., realias like the human body and its parts, the skeletal system, the brain, preserved species, etc. The computer laboratories are complete with desktops and Internet, while the Bahasa laboratories have sound configuration systems in individual cubicles and headsets with microphones for speech drills and practices. Their library has a collection of references and textbooks which the students and teachers can use for further research and study.
AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT
Athirah also makes use of authentic assessment by giving students some performance tasks that require creativity and critical thinking. These activities may be in the form of slogan making, oral presentations, and the like. However, the school mostly dwells on the traditional assessment method because they want make sure that the students have mastered the topics or lessons being taught to them.
OTHER
Above all these, Athirah gives much importance to Islam as students and teachers say their prayers before and in between school periods to ask for Allah's guidance and blessing as they carry on with their daily school activities. On some days (most commonly Friday), Qur'an specialists teach students and teachers alike about the holy book, how it should be recited with reverence, and how a Muslim should behave according to Islam values.
