Omaira Alam

The George Washington University, Graduate School of Education and Human Development, Alumnus

University of Toronto, Neuroscience, Undergraduate

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Omaira Alam was the Program Director for the Islamic Teacher Education Program (ITEP), an online certificate program and a program of Razi Education and University of Toronto. She is also working actively in helping Islamic schools develop a viable whole community behaviour management model called Dignified Way. She holds undergraduate degrees in neuroscience, world history and global education from the University of Toronto's Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. She completed her masters in Special Education focusing on at-risk students with learning and emotional disabilities from the George Washington University, and has almost 20 years of experience in education in diverse settings, and at various levels. Her research and papers include topics such as discipline with dignity, urban Islamic education, special education, creativity, and homeschooling. As a regular columnist for the Arizona Muslim Voice, she also shares her musings about education on her blog, blackboardwhitechalk.wordpress.com.

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Papers by Omaira Alam

O.Alam -Encouraging the Curious: The Case for Creative Engagement in Islamic Schools

ISNA-CISNA Education Forum, 2014

The goal of education is to prepare students for the world at large. For Islamic schools, this me... more The goal of education is to prepare students for the world at large. For Islamic schools, this means meeting the challenges of the 21 st century within the framework of an Islamic worldview. This workshop will use research-based practices to help educators harness a child's natural curiosity. Emphasizing creativity allows a child to develop problem-solving, innovation, processbased thinking, decision-making, leadership and other critical skills. Through this workshop educators will be able to answer the questions: where is the place of creativity in the Islamic school classroom, and why is it necessary for us as Muslim educators to highlight this aspect in our lesson-planning and instructional methodology? Tracks:  Instructional Strategies  Differentiated Instruction  Technology in the Classroom Author/Presenter: Omaira Alam Omaira Alam currently teaches for the Islamic Teacher Education Program (islamicteachereducation.com). She holds a Masters in Transition Special Education from the George Washington University specializing in at-risk students with emotional and learning disabilities. With over 15 years of experience in teaching and training, she continues her research focusing on Islamic education, special education in Muslim schools, urban Islamic education, discipline with dignity, instructional strategies based on gender, and homeschooling. Her blog, Black Board, White Chalk (blackboardwhitechalk.wordpress.com), explores traditional and contemporary issues in education.

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Towards Authentic Behaviour Management Models for Islamic Schools : A Framework Synthesising Research

Islam and Civilisational Renewal, 2016

The purpose of learning in Islamic schools should be to facilitate transformation on the path to ... more The purpose of learning in Islamic schools should be to facilitate transformation on the path to ma'rifatu'Llah. Transformation over compliance would therefore best characterise those behaviour management models most appropriate for Islamic schools. But unfortunately, behaviour management models are often adopted in Islamic schools without considered thought or evidence from tradition or empirical research. A critical examination of current behaviour management models and their embedded practices in Islamic schools is therefore required. To what extent are common practices effective, authentic and aligned with visions of Islamic education? The purpose of this paper is to produce a framework that can inform the development of future authentic behaviour management models in Islamic schools that are conversant with Islamic principles. The framework offered is based upon a synthesis of research within the field of Islamic education.

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O. Alam Discipline with Dignity: Meeting the Needs of Students through Faith and Understanding

ISNA Education Forum, 2006

This paper is based on the premise that true discipline (i.e., guiding student behaviour) can onl... more This paper is based on the premise that true discipline (i.e., guiding student behaviour) can only be accomplished if the basic needs of the student are met first and done so within the paradigm of dignified conduct. A comparison is drawn on the teaching methodology of the Prophet (may God bless him and grant him peace) in perfecting good character. The author of this paper argues that the Prophet's methodology was to guide the behaviour of people by meeting their needs and by maintaining their dignity as human beings. By following this needs-based approach within the paradigm of discipline with dignity, educators can bring students closer to the prophetic tradition of establishing good character.

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O. Alam - A Dignified Way of Raising the Standards of Classroom Discipline

ISNA Education Forum, 2007

This paper presents standards of true discipline (i.e. guiding student behaviour) based upon the ... more This paper presents standards of true discipline (i.e. guiding student behaviour) based upon the discipline with dignity paradigm, which emphasizes dignified conduct by the teacher. In developing these standards for classroom discipline, the author draws upon the teaching methodology of the Prophet (may God bless him and grant him peace) in perfecting good character, as well as best practices in discipline as found in western models of education. Concentrating on the aims of Islamic education, Muslim educators can authentically apply these standards within a modern context, and thus, bring students closer to the prophetic model of behaviour and conduct in the family, in the community and with God.

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O. ALAM Instructions in Special Education: Classroom Strategies for the Muslim School

ISNA-CISNA Education Forum - West Coast, 2014

This paper provides a general overview of inexpensive and accessible techniques to Muslim school ... more This paper provides a general overview of inexpensive and accessible techniques to Muslim school teachers and educators to better address the needs of all students. Although designed specifically for students with special needs, these simple methods can also be implemented for the general student population, and used to enhance the overall learning environment while maintaining the current school curriculum. Tracks:  Instructional Strategies  Differentiated Instruction Author/Presenter: Omaira Alam Omaira Alam currently teaches for the Islamic Teacher Education Program (islamicteachereducation.com). She holds a Masters in Transition Special Education from the George Washington University specializing in at-risk students with emotional and learning disabilities. With over 15 years of experience in teaching and training, she continues her research focusing on Islamic education, special education in Muslim schools, urban Islamic education, discipline with dignity, instructional strategies based on gender, and homeschooling. Her blog, Black Board, White Chalk (blackboardwhitechalk.wordpress.com), explores traditional and contemporary issues in education.

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