ABSTRACT

Islamic education (IE) is currently receiving increased attention and undergoing major changes at the international level. A few studies have investigated the structured professional development programmes provided to IE teachers. However, the area of autonomous IE teacher professional learning continues to be under-researched. Based on Al-Zarnuji's framework of lifelong learning, the authors interviewed IE teachers to investigate the practices, attitudes, and influencing factors regarding IE teacher professional learning in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study shows that IE teachers are eager to engage in teacher-driven learning experiences. The directions for the IE teachers’ intended growth are mainly influenced by contemporary advancements in the field of education. The findings of this study highlight how IE teachers’ professional learning capitalises on the Islamic concept of lifelong learning and thereby opens a promising route for their effective growth to meet the high demand for skilled IE teachers in the UAE.

摘要

伊斯兰教育（IE）目前受到越来越多的关注，并在国际层面发生了重大变化。一些研究调查了提供给 IE 教师的结构化专业发展计划。然而，自主 IE 教师专业学习领域的研究仍然不足。基于 Al-Zarnuji 的终身学习框架，作者采访了 IE 教师，以调查阿拉伯联合酋长国 (UAE) IE 教师专业学习的实践、态度和影响因素。这项研究表明，IE 教师渴望参与教师驱动的学习体验。IE教师的预期成长方向主要受教育领域当代进步的影响。