Engage Every Student. Empower Student Voice. Strengthen Learning.

Professional Development Workshop at IISO, Tokyo

The International Islamia School Otsuka (IISO) hosted a full‑day Japan Professional Development Workshop on Saturday, June 13, 2026, bringing together teachers from across all grade levels for a focused training on student engagement, student voice, and meaningful learning design. The workshop forms part of IISO’s ongoing commitment to instructional excellence under IISO Vision 2030.

Facilitated by Farea Khan, Vice President of CISNA and an experienced educator in curriculum and instructional leadership, the workshop equipped teachers with practical strategies to build student‑centered classrooms that nurture agency, collaboration, and purpose‑driven learning.

Strengthening Teaching Through Student Agency

The training emphasized a shift from traditional teacher‑centered instruction toward active learning environments where students think, discuss, and take ownership of their learning. Teachers explored how structured choice, purposeful questioning, and collaborative tasks can deepen understanding and increase motivation.

A highlight of the day was the reflection shared by Minhaaj‑sensei, who noted that the workshop was “beneficial, inspiring, and full of practical strategies that can be implemented immediately.” Her feedback echoed the sentiments of many participants who appreciated the workshop’s relevance and hands‑on approach.

Key Learning Outcomes

Teachers engaged in activities and discussions focused on:

• Designing lessons that promote active student thinking

• Increasing student voice through structured dialogue

• Providing meaningful choice and ownership in learning tasks

• Shifting responsibility for learning from teacher to student

• Using questioning techniques to deepen critical thinking

• Integrating Islamic values to inspire purpose‑driven learning

These approaches are especially valuable in Japan’s diverse classrooms, where students thrive when given opportunities to express themselves and collaborate meaningfully.

A Workshop Rooted in Islamic Educational Values

Throughout the day, teachers examined how ihsaan, respect, and collaboration can shape learning environments that are academically rigorous and spiritually grounded. Real classroom scenarios allowed participants to practice facilitation techniques and reflect on how to apply them in upcoming lessons.

Advancing IISO Vision 2030

This workshop directly supports IISO’s long‑term goals of:

• Enhancing instructional quality

• Expanding student‑centered learning practices

• Strengthening teacher‑student relationships

• Building a culture of continuous professional growth

As an Islamic international school in Tokyo, IISO remains committed to preparing students academically, spiritually, and socially for a rapidly changing world.

About the Facilitator

Farea Khan brings extensive experience as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, and accreditation evaluator. Her expertise in curriculum design and teacher effectiveness made the workshop highly relevant for educators seeking to elevate their practice.

Moving Islamic Education Forward in Japan

The workshop marked another important step in IISO’s mission to cultivate confident, capable, and purpose‑driven learners. By investing in high‑quality professional development, IISO continues to strengthen its role as a leader in Islamic education in Japan.

Develop yourself. Strengthen your team. Serve your community.  Together, we continue building a brighter future for our students.