Centre for Teaching Thinking
Welcome to the Centre for Teaching Thinking (CTT)
The Centre for Teaching Thinking (CTT) at the Kulliyyah of Education, IIUM, has a rich history, evolving from the Centre for Philosophical Inquiry in Education (CPIE) established in January 2006. Recognizing the need to adapt to the Malaysian context, the Centre was renamed to better reflect its broader focus on cultivating critical, creative, and philosophical thinking skills.
Building upon the foundation of Islamic philosophy education, the CTT has conducted extensive research and developed innovative pedagogical approaches, particularly the Hikmah pedagogy. These approaches have proven to be highly effective in stimulating meaningful learning experiences for students at all levels – primary, secondary, and tertiary.
Vision
To revive the Islamic spirit of philosophical inquiry and intellectual tradition.
Mission
To become an excellent Centre for the development and practice of Islamic philosophy education.
Objectives:
- To foster an understanding and appreciation of Islamic thought, the Holy Quran, the Sunnah, and the Universe.
- To cultivate an understanding and appreciation of philosophy and its applications.
- To develop critical, creative, and ethical thinking skills, enabling individuals to make wise judgments.
- To provide opportunities for “doing” philosophy within a community of inquiry, fostering the growth of shura (consultation) and democratic processes.
- To nurture ethical understanding, encourage deliberation on moral issues, and help individuals find meaning in their experiences.
The CTT plays a vital role in equipping students with the essential thinking skills necessary for success in their academic pursuits, future careers, and personal lives. By engaging with the CTT’s programs and resources, students can enhance their learning, develop real-world applicable skills, and embark on a journey of personal and intellectual growth.
This introduction provides a comprehensive overview of the CTT, its historical context, and its key objectives. You can further enhance it by adding specific examples of CTT programs, testimonials from students or faculty, and links to relevant resources.
The Hikmah Pedagogy: Cultivating Critical, Creative, and Caring Thinkers
In the 21st century, cultivating critical, creative, and caring thinking skills is paramount for individuals to thrive. These skills, alongside collaboration and communication, are essential for navigating a complex and interconnected world. The importance of deep thinking and contemplation is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, evident in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Recognizing this, the Malaysian education system strives to produce students who possess these vital “soft skills.” The learning process itself is as crucial as the outcomes.
The Centre for Teaching Thinking (CTT) at IIUM promotes these essential skills through its innovative Hikmah (Wisdom) Pedagogy. Drawing inspiration from Lipman’s Philosophy for Children Programme and the Socratic method, Hikmah Pedagogy employs a community of inquiry-based approach. This framework centers on exploring common, central, and contestable concepts and ethical values relevant to any society.
The primary objective of Hikmah Pedagogy is to empower students to:
- Develop inquisitive minds: Cultivate curiosity about themselves, the world around them, and foster a love of learning through thoughtful questioning.
- Enhance critical, creative, and ethical thinking: Develop the ability to analyze information critically, think creatively to solve problems, and make ethical judgments.
- Improve communication and confidence: Clearly articulate their views, support them with sound arguments, and develop self-confidence in expressing their ideas.
- Foster open-mindedness: Embrace diverse perspectives, cultures, and religions, demonstrating respect and understanding.
- Develop interpersonal skills: Engage in meaningful dialogue and deliberation within a community of inquiry, fostering personal and interpersonal growth.
- Cultivate creativity and innovation: Unleash their imaginative, creative, intuitive, and innovative potential.
- Find meaning and purpose: Apply their learning to real-life situations and find meaning in their experiences.
By implementing the Hikmah Pedagogy, the CTT aims to nurture well-rounded individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also critical thinkers, effective communicators, and ethical citizens prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.
- Teachers of Tampin District held at Sekolah Kebangsaan Tampin April 2005
- ADNI Islamic School: 12th – 13th April 2008; 2013; 2014.
- Sekolah Rendah Islam (Seri) ABIM Sungai Ramal, Kajang: 13th – 17th October 2008
- SERI ABIM Alor Setar: 2009
- Postgraduate Students of Kulliyyah of Education IIUM
- Centre for Fundamental Sciences IIUM Science teachers : 19th – 20th March 2009
- PPD Gombak (English teachers) : 7th & 28th March 2009
- Setiabudi Primary and Secondary Schools Gombak : 23th – 26th November 2009; 2013; 26-28 March 2014
- International Islamic School Malaysia Primary and Secondary, Kuala Lumpur: 4-6th January 2010; : 28th August 2012; August 27-28, 2014
- CELPAD, IIUM. “Developing Islamic Materials” Workshop,: 27th July 2011
- SK Saujana Utama, Sungai Buloh . “Pedagogy on English Language Teaching” (introducing the use of philosophical inquiry in classroom) : 7th July 2012
- Sek Keb Kg. Berangan, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan. Innovation in Teaching Mathematics & English: 18th – 20th October 2012
- Teaching Methodology for Professionals, Philosophical Inquiry for Critical and Creative Students, International Islamic School, 28th January 2014
- A session on Hikmah Pedagogy for Higher Order Thinking and Meaning. Kulliyah of Education Staff Development Programme, 19th August 2014.
- Maahad Tahfiz Sains Fatimah Az-Zahrah, Gombak : 7-9 January 2015.