BIIT-IIIT-IIUM Online Teaching Training Series on Textbook Writing Workshop Held

Bangladesh based private think tank Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought (BIIT), International Think Tank International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) South Asia and IIUM Press Malaysia jointly organized a daylong Teaching Training Series on “Textbook Writing Workshop” on Saturday, November 21, 2020.

Professor Dr. Roosfa Bin Hashim, the Director of IIUM Press, Malaysia was present as the facilitator at the workshop. Professor Dr. Omar Hasan Kasule Sr., the CEO of IIIT, USA and Harvard University visiting faculty was present on the occasion as a resource person. Prof. Dr.  AKM Quader, the Vice President of BIIT inaugurated the online workshop moderated by Dr. M. Abdul Aziz, the Executive Director of BIIT.

Dr. Roosfa Bin Hashim, taking part as the discussant on the first session entitled “Design your Text Book”, said that the textbook is a well-designed source of knowledge on any particular subject. However, in this case, it is very important for the text to be easy to understand, accurate and consistent. In the discussion, he emphasized on the four main aspects of the textbook – the main content, assessment, teaching strategies and outcomes.

Participating in the second session of the discussion titled “Writing a Textbook Chapter” Prof. Dr. Roosfa Bin Hashim said that textbook assists a teacher to apply the best pedagogy in class. Each and every textbook is designed with unique teaching techniques and emphasis on teaching outcomes. In the discussion, he has also pointed to some important aspects- knowledge, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.

Prof. Dr. Omar Hasan Kasule Sr. took part in the 3rd session of the program titled “Writing a Textbook: An Integrated Perspective”. During his discussion, he discussed in detail the source of knowledge and the current system of dual education in different countries of the Muslim world. He explicitly explains how Western-style secular education and simultaneously prevailed separate religious or moral education has created self-contradiction and ambiguity among the masses about worldview and the major doctrines of knowledge. As a solution to this, he laid special emphasis on promoting an integrated education system based on religious values.

Prof. Dr. AKM Quader, Acting President of BIIT in his inaugural address said that the lack of moral values ​​among the new generation is becoming more and more evident. Now the incorporation of values into education may pave the way of getting a values inspired generation.

In the fourth session of the daylong workshop, Prof. Dr. Roosfa Bin Hashim in his lecture titled ” Textbook Proposal for Grant/ Publication” said that it is important to highlight the intellectual potential of an author as well as the business potential of the publisher.

Taking part in the Question & Answer session, Prof. Dr. Roosfa Bin Hashim further said that books are the most effective teaching materials and techniques. In this case, while writing a book, an author must pay special attention to making it easy to read and understandable to the reader.

As moderator of the workshop, Dr. M. Abdul Aziz, the executive director of BIIT said that the journey of private think tank BIIT began with the aim of reconstruction of thought and reformation of knowledge. He focused the key tasks of BIIT; Training for building skilled manpower, formulation of integrated curriculum, formulation of value-based textbooks and development of an educational environment with providing library and other infrastructural facilities. Following the continued efforts of global Muslim leaders and the declaration of the four World Muslim Education Conferences, BIIT is working to promote value-based integrated education in Bangladesh. He has also indicated that the academic curriculum and texts are biased to western cultures and ideologies, instead of Islamic culture and values. In this situation, we need a comprehensive and coordinated effort to redesigning the curriculum with integration of values and the revival of Islamic tradition.

Around hundred participants including academics and scholars have joined the daylong workshop from many countries across the world including the US, the UK, Canada, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Maldives, Nigeria, Tanzania and Bangladesh.