I am Nurul Syahida Binti Sulaiman. I am from Malaysia. I graduated from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) with a double degree in Law in 2013. I practiced law for three years before shifting to the education field. I have been working for 2 years as a Curriculum & Assessment Officer in Pendidikan IKRAM Musleh Berhad (IKRAM Musleh), an agency for education. We have 49 primary and secondary schools as well as 25 kindergartens all over Malaysia. Most schools are private ones and registered under the government-private sector.
My story is from Seri Kembangan city in Malaysia. I tried to apply almost all FIRST Frameworkdomains and principles I have learned through my *FIRSTedu journey in my teaching of Islamic Religion (Akhlak, Ibadah, Al-Quran, Hadith, Sirah) for 11 adult learners aged 22 – 33 years old.
FIRST Framework domains and principles affected my experience from the very beginning, in designing the lesson plan and putting learning outcomes for my lessons. Individualization was always in my mind, I made a special channel to every learner and I treated them as individuals. I trusted my learners more. I was no longer the only one speaking during the session as my learners got to share their opinions too. As a result, I was able to assess their level of understanding and to probe further about their needs. These were my practices inspired by the first domain of FIRST Framework Focusing on Learners Behaviours (F).
I also concentrated on Interacting Within Positive Group Dynamics (I) domain. I created a safe and positive environment so that the learners felt free to share their thoughts. I was frequently motivating my learners. I used the RAR model (R) in facilitating activities as well.
In addition, I was conscious of the importance of Sequencing and Structuring to keep my learners on the right track during the session and it was easier for them to recall and remember what they have learned. In the next times, I will put more emphasis on repetition without boredom, I will let learners repeat the keywords using rhyme. This was Sequencing activities within session flow (S) domain effect. Finally, before the session ended, the mission always came beforehand.
I want to say that there are a lot of differences between FIRSTedu and any other practice. FIRSTedu is a learner-centered approach, it pays more attention to their growth and needs. FIRSTedu is easier to understand and practice. Students applied what they learned in real applications.
Here are some of my students’ feedback on the session :
Student A: “This is the first time ever, I got the chance to speak during the session.
Student B: “This is the only session that I do not feel sleepy at all.
Student C: “I don’t want to miss your session.
Student D: “I can’t wait for our next session.
Student E: “I love the bonding we have among us and of course with you Sister Nurul.
FIRSTedu *FIRST Framework version for teaching in schools.