Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) continues to develop the professional capacity of its Science teachers through “Creating a Learner-Centered Science Classroom through Inquiry-Based Learning,” held at Sorbonne, Male Campus, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
The programme featured Mr Domingo Alberto Jr., PhD, Head of the Science Department at Mentari Group and an experienced educator who has taught at several international schools, including a school in North Carolina, United States.
The programme focused on supporting teachers’ professional development through a learning approach that places students at the centre of the educational process. Teachers were introduced to strategies for creating classrooms that encourage curiosity, active participation, and the development of scientific thinking.
The Chief of Education at Thursina IIBS, Ustaz Muhammad Rajab, M.Pd.I., explained that developing teachers’ competencies is an important part of maintaining and continuously improving the quality of education. According to him, teachers need opportunities to reflect on their teaching practices while exploring new approaches that can be applied effectively in the classroom.
“Science learning should not stop at students’ ability to understand theories. We want our teachers to create learning experiences that encourage students to ask questions, investigate, test ideas, and then draw conclusions based on the process they have experienced,” said Ustaz Rajab.
During the session, teachers explored the concept of a learner-centred Science classroom and the stages of Inquiry-Based Learning. The discussion also covered questioning strategies, the design of practical investigations, inquiry-based activities, and approaches to assessment and feedback.
Cambridge Science teaching practices were also explored during the programme. Teachers learned how investigative activities can be designed to ensure that students do not simply arrive at answers, but also understand the scientific processes and reasoning behind their findings.
This approach supports Thursina IIBS’s commitment, as an International Islamic Boarding School, to continuously developing World Class Teachers. Teacher professionalism is an important foundation for providing students with learning experiences that meet international educational standards while remaining aligned with Islamic educational values.
“Continuous professional development must become part of our culture. Teachers need to keep learning, discussing, trying new approaches, and evaluating their impact on students’ learning,” added Ustaz Rajab.
The development of Science teachers’ competencies is also closely connected to the Cambridge International Curriculum implemented at Thursina. Together with the strengthening of Al-Azhar Accreditation, these frameworks form part of the school’s efforts to provide a balanced academic experience that combines international standards with a strong Islamic foundation.
The impact of teacher development also extends beyond the classroom. Strong academic pathways and continuous student guidance contribute to Thursina’s Overseas University Enrollment Pathway, which provides opportunities for Senior High School graduates to pursue further education at universities around the world, including those ranked among the global Top 100.
The programme also reflects Thursina’s RECODING Value of Open-Minded. Teachers are encouraged to remain open to new approaches, evaluate their teaching practices, and identify areas where their methods can be further improved.
Through continuous professional development, Thursina IIBS regards teacher quality as a long-term investment in educational excellence. As teachers continue to grow professionally, classrooms are better positioned to develop students who think critically, engage actively in their learning, and approach the world with broader perspectives. (izz)
