Al-Muallim

Al-Muallim - The Teacher

I happened to buy this CD some time ago (which is one of the best things I might have done) entitled Al-Muallim by Sami Yusuf. Got it from Wardah Bookstore; for those in Singapore I can tell you you can see it here at this site:
Al-Muallim CD

The song may be heard here:
Load-Islam: Sami Yusuf

Mu'allim is also referred to as a Teacher, a person of great knowledge. A teacher may also be known as Mudarris, or Muaddib (Moulder); depending on what role the teacher sees himself to his students.

Hmmm... why do I want to talk about a Teacher in the first place? Well, I'm not working as a full-time, qualified Teacher, but having done some teaching, I'd say that I always took teachers for granted, without realising the impact that they have on each and every of our individual lives.

We tend to remember some teachers; because they were very good teachers or maybe because of the opposite. Either way, they taught us a lot.

So what makes a good teacher? Here's an excerpt from an email I receive recently. They are contributions from kids all around the world. The booklet may be downloaded here: UNESCO : What Makes A Good Teacher?.So here's a tribute to all teachers:

WHAT MAKES A GOOD TEACHER?
UNESCO published a book entitled What makes a Good Teacher? (1996). Over 500 children from some 50 countries aged 8-12 contributed their opinions. What follows are some of their responses


UNESCO (1996) What makes a good teacher? Paris: UNESCO

The teacher is to the students what the rain is to the field. - Zaira Alexandra Rodriguez Guijarro, 11, Mexico

A good teacher should treat all pupils like his own children. He should answer all questions, even if they are stupid. - Fatoumata, 11, Chad

To become a good teacher, you not only teach the children but you also have to learn from them. - Tasha-Leigh, 12, Jamaica

A good teacher answers the needs of the pupils and not only the needs of the chosen programme. - Omar, 12, Morocco

I like a teacher who helps me think and get answers for myself. - Bongani Sicelo, 9, Zimbabwe