CURRICULUM

CURRICULUM

Early childhood learning plays a major role in human development. This is the time when children are exploring the environment. They are open to new ideas, concepts and learning patterns. The tender age requires care, precision, and monitoring which can only be offered through a well-designed curriculum that fosters individual growth. At Tameem International, we understand that children reach kindergarten from diverse backgrounds with distinct needs. We create an environment that encourages children to learn in a playful manner.

The Kindergarten program by Tameem International focuses on the following seven areas:

• Early Literacy
• Early Numeracy
• Citizenship and Identity
• Environment and Community Awareness
• Personal and Social Responsibility
• Physical Skills and Well-being
• Creative Expression.

We focus on the early learnings in Arts, English Language, Mathematics, General Science, Social Studies, Physical education, and health and life skills. The students will also be learning information and communication technology in the instructional activities.

THE COMMON LOCAL TEACHING APPROACH: ITS LIMITATIONS AND THE NEED FOR A SKILLS-BASED APPROACH

Understanding the Local Teaching Approach

Many teachers today, especially in local education systems, follow a straightforward method of teaching:

1. Reading from the textbook – The teacher explains the content in simpler words.
2. Adding real-life examples – To make the concept relatable, teachers sometimes give examples from daily life.
3. Using visual aids – Some teachers incorporate pictures or videos from open resources.
4. Assessing through tests – Teachers prepare multiple-choice questions (MCQs) or short-answer questions to evaluate understanding.

While this method helps in delivering content, it is not enough. Teaching is not just about ensuring students understand a lesson—it is about equipping them with skills that enable lifelong learning.

Why the Local Approach Falls Short

This traditional method of teaching is content-focused, meaning the teacher’s primary concern is whether students grasp what is written in their textbooks. However, this does not guarantee that students develop essential skills such as:

1. Critical Thinking – Can the student analyze, question, and apply the knowledge in different contexts?
2. Problem-Solving – Can the student find solutions independently rather than just memorizing answers?
3. Communication Skills – Can the student express their understanding effectively?
4. Creativity & Innovation – Can the student think beyond what is given in the book?
5. Collaboration – Can the student work well with others in discussions or group tasks?

Since the local approach lacks engagement and interactive learning, students often rely on memorization rather than true understanding. When faced with a new or slightly different problem, they struggle to apply what they have learned.

The Need for a Skills-Based Approach in Teaching

To truly prepare students for the future, teaching should focus on how to learn, not just what to learn. A skills-based approach ensures that students:

• Become independent learners
• Develop reasoning and analytical abilities
• Improve communication and teamwork skills
• Gain confidence in problem-solving

How to Shift from Content-Based to Skills-Based Teaching?

Instead of just explaining lessons, teachers can:

1. Encourage Inquiry-Based Learning – Let students ask questions and find answers through research.
2. Use Project-Based Learning – Assign small hands-on projects where students apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
3. Promote Discussion & Debate – Instead of just explaining, let students analyze and discuss concepts.
4. Include More Hands-On Activities – Science experiments, role-playing, and case studies help students understand lessons experientially rather than theoretically.
5. Assess Beyond Tests – Use presentations, portfolios, creative assignments, and peer evaluations instead of just MCQs and short answers.

Supporting Research on Skills-Based Learning

Several studies highlight the benefits of a skills-based learning approach over traditional content-focused methods:

1. The Impact of Inquiry-Based Learning

A study titled “The Role of Inquiry-Based Learning in Developing Critical Thinking Skills” found that students who engaged in inquiry-based activities:

• Developed higher-order thinking skills
• Improved their problem-solving abilities
• Retained information longer compared to those taught through direct instruction

2. The Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning

Research titled “Project-Based Learning and Its Impact on Student Engagement” concluded that:

• Students involved in real-world projects were more engaged in learning
• Their creativity and collaboration skills improved significantly
• They performed better in complex problem-solving tasks

3. Active Learning vs. Passive Learning

A Harvard study “Active Learning Increases Student Performance in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics” found that students in active learning environments:

• Scored higher on tests
• Had better conceptual understanding
• Showed greater interest and participation in lessons

Conclusion: Teaching Beyond the Textbook

Teaching is not just about delivering content but about ensuring students develop essential learning skills. While the local teaching approach helps in basic understanding, it does not prepare students for real-world problem-solving and independent thinking.

By shifting towards inquiry-based, project-based, and active learning methods, teachers can transform their classrooms into spaces where students not only learn but also develop the skills they need for lifelong success.