Prof. Dr. Areen Ahmed Muhammed

A Short Bio / زانیاری کەسیی / سيرة ذاتية قصيرة :

Assistant Professor Dr Areen has PhD in Applied Linguistics and Foreign Linguistics, and his Master’s is in Applied Linguistics with TESOL. Moreover, he finished a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature. He has been working in the field of teaching since 2005, and he started his work at the university as an instructor in 2009. Since then he has taught in many public and private universities in and outside Iraq. Currently, he is an instructor at Charmo University / College of Education / English Department. He participated in many workshops, seminars, and conferences in Kurdistan, Iraq, the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, China, and others. Dr Areen Ahmed Muhammed published 4 Books, and 20 Journal Papers, and attended 17 Conferences and workshops. Currently, he is working on his 5th book, with some papers to be published in international journals. Besides his university carrier, he is a tutor of the English language and mock examiner and tutor of IELTS, TOEFL IBT, and other official exams. Moreover, he is a Public speaker and Motivational speaker also, he gave speeches to the youth in many places to raise awareness among the younger generation.

Category / پۆلێن / الفئة :

Learner Autonomy & Self-directed Learning / خۆبەڕێوەبەریی فێرخواز و فێربوونی خودئاڕاستەکراو / استقلاليَّة المتعلِّم والتَّعلُّم الذَّاتي

Seminar Title / ناونیشانی بابەت / عنوان الندوة :

Build up an Autonomous but Creative Classroom

Abstract / پوختە / الملخص :

The current and previous generations which are known as Alpha and Z deal with classes way differently from the ways we did it. Moreover, the ways they want to learn about different subjects are quite different from those methods and techniques the older generation used in their classes. To be frank, these two current generations want to have more freedom and self-dependent than we had decades ago. An autonomous but creative classroom empowers students to take ownership of their learning while fostering creativity and critical thinking skills.
A positive classroom culture is essential for Alpha and Z generation students to feel comfortable taking ownership of their learning. This can be achieved through regular classroom discussions, team-building activities, and emphasizing respect, kindness, and inclusivity. Furthermore, student-centred learning puts students in the driver’s seat of their education. Teachers can facilitate this by giving students more control over what they learn, how they learn, and how they demonstrate their knowledge.
On the other hand, creativity is essential in an autonomous classroom. Teachers should encourage students to think outside the box, take risks, and explore their interests. Assignments that allow for multiple approaches and creative solutions are great for fostering creativity. Project-based learning is an excellent way to allow students to take ownership of their learning. It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving while allowing students to work collaboratively and independently. Technology can help enhance learning by providing access to resources and tools that might otherwise be unavailable. Teachers can use technology to create interactive lessons, provide feedback, and allow students to work collaboratively online.
Students should have the autonomy to choose what they want to learn and how they want to learn it. Teachers can offer choices in assignments, topics, and learning goals to help students take ownership of their education. At last but not least, feedback is essential for students to know how they are progressing and what they need to improve. Teachers can provide feedback through regular assessments, one-on-one meetings, and peer evaluations. By following these steps, teachers can create an autonomous but creative classroom that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and student ownership of learning.

Keywords / وشە سەرەکیەکان / الكلمات المفتاحية :

Autonomous, Self-Learning, Creativity, Mentorship, Changes, Self-Directed, and Interactive Classroom