ABSTRACT
To make the educational process an effective activity, it is important to understand that teachers are key figures who can provide proper direction and guidance to secure the future of their students. In Islamic education, the teacher/instructor is the person who bears all the responsibilities to promote the comprehensive development of the students, being a role model for them, influencing the holistic development of their learners. Therefore, it is very important to provide continuous professional training to Islamic teachers, enabling them for contemporary instructional practices and to secure our children’s future. The main purpose of this chapter is to discuss contemporary instructional strategies for Islamic teachers which could enable them to meet the challenges of the 21st century and help their learners to cope with this demanding world. This discussion is based on an extensive literature review from various sources and databases to provide an in-depth and broader perspective on current practices and approaches related to Islamic teacher training and their professional development. Through literature, it was perceived that Islamic education emphasises one of the key aspects in teachers’ professional development—that is, the orientation of their pedagogic strategies with one of the most important features ‘touch of affection’ towards their students, which has disappeared in the modern concept of teacher training programmes. It is also revealed that Islamic teachers need to be provided with extensive training and practice in new teaching methods and the latest instructional strategies, which will also contribute to their professional development. Some of these strategies are student-centred, constructivist and global approaches.
