بسم الله. ربي زدني علما. امين

بسم الله. ربي زدني علما. امين
May Allah the Almighty grant us more beneficial knowledge, accept our good deeds, forgive our mistakes, protect us from fitna, and join us with the righteous believers in Jannatul Ferdaus. Ameen.

Friday, January 3, 2025

Note: Some Lessons Learned From Dedicated Teachers

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 



❓ Question: I, as a student attending some online classes in Arabic language, have a teacher for Qur'an subject who conducts Qur'an subject class once at Markaz Ibn Al-Qayyim https://markzibnqayyim.com/. She's residing in Saudi Arabia or United Arab Emirates if I'm not mistaken. She conducts her class there from around 7:30 pm while it is 12:30 am here in the Philippines until about 10 pm there while it is about 3 am here in the Philippines. She listens to each female student recite a whole Surah from the first Ayah verse to the last Ayah attentively and corrects them whenever a student mispronounces a word or makes an error. Thoroughly explain what possibly inspires her to have the patience to listen to more than 20 or so students reciting long Surahs/Suwar for several hours. What are 13 reasons which make some teachers very dedicated in contrast to those who find teaching somewhat tiring?
💠 Gemini AI: It's admirable that your teacher dedicates such time and effort to her students, despite the time difference. Here are some possible inspirations for her dedication:

* **Passion for Qur'an and Teaching:** A deep love for the Qur'an and a genuine desire to share its beauty and knowledge with others likely fuels her commitment. 
* **Sense of Duty and Responsibility:** She may feel a strong sense of responsibility to guide her students in Qur'anic recitation and ensure they learn with proper pronunciation and understanding.
* **Reward in the Hereafter:** Islamic teachings emphasize the reward for spreading knowledge, particularly religious knowledge. This belief may motivate her to strive for excellence in her teaching.
* **Seeing Student Progress:** Witnessing the progress of her students, hearing their improvement in recitation, and seeing their growing understanding of the Qur'an can be immensely rewarding.
* **Building Strong Student-Teacher Relationships:** The personal connection she develops with her students through these dedicated sessions creates a meaningful and rewarding teaching experience.
* **Contributing to the Ummah:** By teaching the Qur'an, she contributes to the preservation and dissemination of Islamic knowledge within the Muslim community.
* **Personal Growth:** The process of teaching itself can be a continuous learning experience for the teacher as they delve deeper into the Qur'an and refine their own understanding and teaching methods.

**13 Reasons for Teacher Dedication:**

1. **Passion for the Subject Matter:** A deep love for the subject they teach fuels their enthusiasm and dedication.
2. **Strong Belief in the Value of Education:** A firm conviction that education is crucial for personal and societal growth motivates them to strive for excellence.
3. **Student-Centered Approach:** Focusing on student needs, understanding their learning styles, and creating a supportive learning environment fosters a sense of purpose.
4. **Desire to Make a Difference:** A genuine desire to positively impact students' lives, help them reach their potential, and guide them towards success.
5. **Sense of Responsibility:** A strong sense of duty and responsibility towards their students and the educational community.
6. **Continuous Learning:** A commitment to professional development, staying updated on the latest teaching methods and educational research. 
7. **Positive School Environment:** A supportive and collaborative school environment where teachers feel valued, respected, and appreciated.
8. **Strong Relationships with Students:** Building positive and meaningful relationships with students creates a rewarding and fulfilling teaching experience.
9. **Finding Joy in Teaching:** Experiencing the joy of teaching, witnessing student growth, and celebrating their successes.
10. **Making a Contribution to Society:** Recognizing the vital role education plays in shaping society and contributing to its progress.
11. **Personal Growth and Self-Fulfillment:** Teaching provides opportunities for personal and professional growth, expanding knowledge and skills.
12. **Feeling Valued and Appreciated:** Receiving recognition and appreciation from students, parents, and the school community boosts morale and motivation.
13. **A Sense of Purpose and Meaning:** Finding a sense of purpose and meaning in their work, knowing that they are making a valuable contribution to the world.

It's important to remember that these are just a few of the many reasons that can drive teacher dedication. Every teacher has their own unique motivations and experiences that shape their commitment to their profession.

💻 ChatGPT: The teacher you described demonstrates immense dedication, patience, and commitment. Many factors likely motivate her to invest such effort into listening to each student attentively. Here's an exploration of the possible reasons for her dedication and some factors that differentiate highly committed teachers from others who may find teaching tiring:

### 13 Possible Reasons for Her Dedication

1. **Passion for the Subject**  
   A deep love for the Qur'an can be a powerful motivator. Teachers who have a strong emotional connection to the subject they teach often go above and beyond in ensuring that students grasp the material. For someone teaching Qur'an, the significance and sacredness of the text make teaching it a deeply fulfilling experience.

2. **Sense of Purpose and Responsibility**  
   Many Qur'an teachers view their role as not just a job but a responsibility. Teaching the Qur'an is seen as a noble task, as they believe they are contributing to the spiritual development of their students, which is often perceived as a rewarding purpose.

3. **Desire to Preserve and Transmit Knowledge**  
   The teacher may be driven by a desire to preserve and transmit Islamic knowledge to future generations. This can be particularly important in contexts where the Qur'an is central to personal and communal identity, and she may feel honored to be part of this process.

4. **Love for Helping Others Grow**  
   Some teachers derive immense satisfaction from seeing their students improve. Hearing students recite the Qur'an correctly or observing their progress over time can provide a sense of achievement and motivate a teacher to give their best.

5. **Commitment to Quality Education**  
   Teachers who are committed to providing the best quality education often feel that every student deserves individual attention. They are focused on not only delivering lessons but also ensuring that each student comprehends and masters the material.

6. **Building Meaningful Relationships with Students**  
   Teachers who take the time to listen carefully to their students often develop strong, trusting relationships. This can create a sense of mutual respect and commitment, where the teacher feels connected to the students' growth and well-being.

7. **Spiritual Fulfillment**  
   Teaching the Qur'an can be a deeply spiritual practice. Many teachers believe that through their efforts, they are not only helping their students but also benefiting spiritually by engaging with sacred knowledge. The act of guiding others in learning the Qur'an may also be a form of worship or service to God for such teachers.

8. **Personal Satisfaction from Helping Others Excel**  
   For teachers who are dedicated, seeing their students succeed or correct their mistakes is a rewarding outcome. The teacher’s personal joy comes from witnessing a student's transformation in their understanding and recitation.

9. **Confidence in the Importance of the Subject**  
   A teacher who understands the centrality of the Noble Qur'an to the life of a Muslim may feel highly motivated to teach it thoroughly. They may view their work as integral to their students' spiritual and intellectual development, encouraging a commitment to excellence.

10. **Discipline and Routine**  
   Some teachers thrive on a disciplined approach to work and enjoy structure. The consistent routine of conducting weekly classes and engaging with students in a structured way might give the teacher a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

11. **Empathy and Understanding of the Students' Struggles**  
   A teacher who has been through the same learning process may empathize with her students. Understanding the challenges of learning the Noble Qur'an and the importance of correct pronunciation might make her more patient and committed to guiding her students through their mistakes.

12. **Influence of Role Models**  
   If the teacher was inspired by her own teachers or mentors, she may seek to emulate their dedication. Strong role models can influence the teaching style of others, especially when those role models exemplified patience, wisdom, and love for the subject.

13. **The Islamic Concept of Reward**  
   Many teachers in Islamic contexts believe in the concept of reward from God (Allah the Almighty) for their sincere efforts in teaching and guiding others, especially when it comes to teaching the Noble Qur'an. The promise of spiritual reward for helping others learn the sacred text could serve as a strong motivator for her to continue teaching with such dedication.

### Differences Between Highly Dedicated Teachers and Those Who Find Teaching Tiring

1. **Intrinsic Motivation vs. External Pressure**  
   Teachers who are intrinsically motivated (e.g., passion for the subject, a sense of personal fulfillment) tend to be more dedicated than those who are motivated by external pressures (e.g., financial needs or external expectations). The former is more likely to feel energized by the work, while the latter may feel drained or fatigued.

2. **Love for Teaching vs. Routine Work**  
   Teachers who love teaching often enjoy the process of guiding students and sharing knowledge, whereas those who view it as a routine or obligatory job may not find the same joy in it and might find it tiring over time.

3. **Self-Efficacy**  
   Teachers with a strong sense of self-efficacy believe they can make a difference in their students' lives, which boosts their motivation to continue teaching. In contrast, those who doubt their impact might feel disheartened and exhausted.

4. **Satisfaction from Student Progress**  
   Dedicated teachers experience satisfaction when they see their students succeed. When progress is slow or hard to achieve, however, teachers who are less dedicated may lose motivation, whereas the committed teacher sees progress as a long-term achievement and stays motivated.

5. **Emotional Resilience**  
   Highly dedicated teachers typically possess emotional resilience, allowing them to handle challenges like student mistakes or a large number of students without feeling overwhelmed. Teachers with less resilience might find it tiring to keep up with student demands or errors.

6. **Sense of Community**  
   Teachers who value building relationships and fostering a sense of community in the classroom are often more committed. In contrast, teachers who are less focused on this aspect may find teaching draining, especially in large or impersonal settings.

7. **Patience and Tolerance**  
   Patience is essential in teaching, especially in subjects that require repetition (like reciting verses from the Noble Qur'an). Some teachers naturally have greater patience and tolerance, allowing them to devote more time to each student without feeling fatigued.

8. **Connection to the Learning Process**  
   Teachers who are invested in the learning process, not just the teaching process, will naturally remain engaged and motivated. Those who focus only on "getting through the material" may struggle to stay engaged and become tired.

9. **Positive Classroom Environment**  
   Teachers who have a positive, supportive classroom environment feel more energized and motivated to continue teaching. A hostile or disengaged environment, however, can wear down even the most dedicated teachers.

10. **Work-Life Balance**  
    Teachers who maintain a healthy work-life balance are less likely to burn out, as they are able to manage their energy levels effectively. Those who do not prioritize balance may become overwhelmed and fatigued.

In conclusion, the teacher’s motivation likely stems from a combination of her passion for the Noble Qur'an, her sense of responsibility, and the fulfillment she gains from guiding others. These are the key factors that separate dedicated teachers from those who may find teaching exhausting, as personal drive, deep empathy, and the spiritual reward of their work sustain their efforts over time.