I am Sarah Salla from Al-Bekaa, Lebanon. I am an English teacher and the supervisor of the Special Education Department at Rawafid School. About 3 years ago, I was honored to join a training program called ROOTS (Roadmap of Outstanding Educators). During the 13 years of being an educator, this program was the EVENT that had the greatest impact on my learners, myself, and the educational center I work at. This case study shares the effect of transferring and applying FIRSTedu-ADLX in Al Aqsa International School located in Istanbul – Turkey.
In 2018, I had the opportunity to visit an International School in Turkey, Istanbul: Al Aqsa International School with my colleague Ola Al Kadri: The English Coordinator. Our mission was to train teachers based on the relationship between both mentioned schools. Ola and I worked side by side to transfer FIRSTedu-ADLX to thirty-nine participants in three days. At first, our mission was very challenging for many reasons:
- We had started transferring and applying FIRSTedu-ADLX in our school and had seen the impact of transferring over a long period of time.
- We only knew a few of our participants before transferring.
- We and SeGa Group believe that the thirty-nine participants are a huge number to facilitate for.
- We believe that three days wouldn’t be enough for this Deep J.
- We had little time to prepare and juggling many other responsibilities as we were in the middle of our school term.
Keeping aside all the challenges we were determined to working hand in hand.
As we arrived to the school “Al Aqsa International School” we were told by teachers that this was their “Term Break”, which added more responsibility on us as facilitators to make this facilitation remarkable and something they could refer to as unique and a life changer.
During the facilitation, the angry expressions started to diminish with the introduction of each new activity. They were soon replaced with deep insights and huge hope especially that we both have Islamic backgrounds and this was prominently highlighted in our design.
The group discussion revealed depth and long years of research work. Many teachers had Ph.D. degrees and a longer educational background than I hold. Many were exposed to a huge number of workshops and international training, but no one denied the added value and novelty of FIRST-ADLX Framework.
“I am proud that both facilitators come from a Muslim background, and those who have trained them and sponsored them also hold Islamic values as well.” (Referring to SeGa and Nama) “I am so proud because SeGa members are Egyptians just like me.” Said Mrs. Hiba Saber.
“Applying FIRSTedu-ADLX revealed a lot of change. The facilitation was simple yet interesting, helpful, and unique. Every time I apply or energize my students I remember the facilitators.” Said Mrs. Rehab Medhat.
“I consider your experience successful because you came to a place full of potential and years of experience, yet you were able to add a lot to each one of us.” Said Mr. Ahmed Al Rowainy
“Your mission was very complicated because you came to a place you had no prior background about and yet at the end, you were able to spread the framework successfully.” Said Mr. Ahmed El Mozaien.
Ziad Hatem an active English teacher said that he was very motivated to apply his newly acquired knowledge starting from the coming semester.
The head of the school Mr. Mohamed Attiyah encouraged all educators to apply FIRSTedu-ADLX on daily basis and announced FIRST-ADLX Framework as an element for development and assessment for this year.
All educators agreed that they all apply most principles and domains but only now their application is more structured and integrated.
As we reflected over our facilitation, some of the challenges weren’t challenges. The thirty-nine participants are applying the FIRST-ADLX Framework. We have spread FIRST-ADLX in an Islamic country that wasn’t on our agenda, and most importantly participants were able to experience the domains and principles in our facilitations.
At the end of the third day, what seemed to be the end of our three-day trip wasn’t the end. We were asked to train the other branch for one day. We couldn’t transfer in one day, but we designed an educational training according to FIRST-ADLX Framework domains and principles.
Months after transferring we received pictures and videos of frequent applications. We have received a recorded Testimonial of an English teacher which we share with you:
“ Hello, I am Maissam Sriewl an English teacher from Al Aqsa International School. I’d like to thank SeGa Group for giving us the opportunity to broaden our teaching. After joining FIRSTedu-ADLX Journey, teaching has become more fun, and preparing my lessons became more meaningful. It has had an outstanding effect on my students whom I can see have gained more interest in my lessons. Their attitude towards learning has noticeably changed. They now have desire and are curious to learn”
Applying FIRSTedu-ADLX has helped my students grow with immense confidence in themselves. They can now express themselves more freely, confidently and can challenge themselves. I highly advise teachers who seek professional development to join the FIRSTedu-ADLX Journey which follows the latest trends in the field of teaching and meets students’ mental physical and emotional needs.
Application in classrooms:
Prepared by:
Ms. Sarah Salla
English teacher , Supervisor of Special Education Department at Rawafid School & FIRST-ADLX Master Facilitator
June 18, 2021, 5:04 pm
MashaAllah Sister Sara & Ola .
May Allah reward your great efforts