From October 8 to October 25, 2024, Ms Sabira Taqi, International Outreach Ambassador of QFatima London, conducted a Student-Centered Training (SCT) visit at Unity College, Lucknow. With the support of the College Management, Principal Mr Deepak Mervyn Mathews, and Headmistress Ms Kainaat Mansoor, Ms Taqi provided training to Primary teachers, focusing on age-appropriate teaching strategies and engaging methods to enhance learning outcomes for younger students. Additionally, she offered individualised feedback to teachers each day after school to enhance lesson quality.
Two days of intensive training were dedicated to new teachers, introducing SCT tools such as lesson hooks, main teaching methods, assessments, and the flexibility to adapt tools according to lesson needs and student dynamics. Seasoned teachers received refresher training, including new tools like Venn diagrams for Social Science, Science, and Literature character analysis.
Ms Taqi addressed specific teacher queries about classroom management, discipline, managing students’ excitement, segmenting complex topics, and effective lesson planning. She encouraged teachers to trust their students and let them figure things out instead of spoon-feeding them information. Her engaging after-school training sessions allowed teachers to explore SCT tools in depth, with many finding the sessions so intriguing that time passed swiftly.
During her QSchool observations, she appreciated teachers’ effective use of varied SCT tools and encouraged using tools thoughtfully to support lesson objectives rather than as a mere formality. A reflective feedback session followed, where teachers used a problem-solving chart to outline SCT-related concerns, their causes, effects, and potential solutions. This process allowed teachers to voice their perspectives on SCT’s effectiveness.
Ms Taqi, a philanthropist and educationist with extensive international experience in countries like Tanzania, Oman, England, India, Syria, and Egypt, is particularly dedicated to supporting orphans and widows. Her visits since 2016 have significantly strengthened the College’s commitment to student-centered learning, leaving an inspiring impact on teaching practices.
