Lesson Plan | Active Methodology | Arabs: Expansion of Islam

Premises: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class duration, prior student study both with the Book and the beginning of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be carried out during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a large part of the available time.

Objective

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

Setting clear objectives is essential for guiding the lesson focus and ensuring that both teachers and students are on the same page about the learning aims. When objectives are well-defined, learners can channel their attention and efforts into the upcoming practical activities, maximizing classroom time to build on the knowledge gained at home.

Objective Utama:

1. Identify and describe the main events and figures that shaped the formation of Arab peoples and the rise of Islam.

2. Evaluate the strategies and outcomes of Arab territorial conquests, particularly the invasion of the Iberian Peninsula.

Objective Tambahan:

1. Encourage students to think critically when exploring various viewpoints on Arab conquests.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

This Introduction stage is crafted to spark student interest and link the background knowledge they’ve acquired at home with practical and relatable experiences. The problem-based scenarios prompt students to think critically and utilize their understanding in a relevant and imaginative context. Contextualizing the material also underscores its significance, enhancing students' engagement and their understanding of how historical events shape our present.

Problem-Based Situation

1. Put yourself in the shoes of an early Arab individual, facing uncertainties and changes. What cultural, political, and environmental factors would shape your beliefs about Islam?

2. Consider the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, under Muslim governance. How would you, as a resident, respond to the new faith and the governance brought by the Arabs?

Contextualization

The expansion of Islam involves historical themes that continue to affect culture, politics, and religion in numerous areas today. For example, the numeral system we use today was introduced to Europe by the Arabs. Additionally, Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula for nearly 800 years has left a cultural and architectural mark still evident in cities like Córdoba and Granada.

Development

Duration: (70 - 75 minutes)

The Development phase is aimed at enabling students to apply their prior knowledge of Islam's expansion creatively and practically. Through collaborative activities, students investigate various cultural, religious, and geographical elements of Arab peoples, promoting teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking. Each activity is designed to cement understanding in unique ways, whether through visualization, writing, or performance, ensuring a deep and multifaceted grasp of the subject matter.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended that only one of the suggested activities be carried out

Activity 1 - Message in the Desert Sands

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Comprehend and visually represent aspects of Arab culture and beliefs, fostering creativity and teamwork.

- Description: Students will be grouped into teams of up to 5, each receiving a portion of 'sand' (pieces of recycled brown paper cut into small bits). They will use these pieces to illustrate and write symbols, words, and phrases that represent the daily lives and beliefs of the early Arab peoples. After creating their messages, the groups will 'bury' them in a 'sandbox' (a large box or tray filled with sand in the classroom).

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into teams of up to 5 students.

• Hand out pieces of brown paper and markers to each team.

• Instruct them to illustrate and write about their representation of early Arab culture.

• Once done, each group should 'bury' their messages in the sandbox.

• Each group will showcase their 'excavation' to the class, explaining their drawings and writings.

Activity 2 - The Conquest Map

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Visualize and geographically understand Arab expansions, reinforcing comprehension of the strategies and outcomes of these conquests.

- Description: In this task, students, still in groups, will create a large map on craft paper that outlines the routes of the Arab conquests, especially the invasion of the Iberian Peninsula. They will use different hues to represent various types of territories (conquered, allied, neutral) and add notes with vital information about each region.

- Instructions:

• Organise students into groups of no more than 5.

• Distribute crafting materials such as craft paper, coloured markers, and a ruler to each group.

• Guide students to draw the map of Arab conquests, focusing on the Iberian Peninsula.

• Each group should use distinct colours for different types of territories.

• Students must also include notes with important historical information for each area.

Activity 3 - Drama in the Arab Court

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Creatively explore historical events, fostering emotional and social understanding of the cultural and religious impacts of Islamic expansion.

- Description: Students will develop and perform short plays portraying daily life or significant events of early Arab peoples and the spread of Islam. Each group will select a specific theme, such as Muhammad's arrival in Mecca or the coexistence of diverse cultures following the Iberian Peninsula's conquest.

- Instructions:

• Form groups of up to 5 students.

• Each group picks a specific theme related to the Islamic expansion.

• Students write a brief script for a dramatic scene.

• Once prepared, each group presents their scene to the class.

• Following the presentations, engage in a discussion about the various perspectives and learnings.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The aim of this Reflection stage is to solidify learning, enabling students to articulate what they've grasped and how they applied it during the activities. The group discussion also nurtures communication and critical thinking skills while providing the teacher insight into students' understanding of the topic. This collective review is vital to confirm that the acquired knowledge is well understood and will be applicable in future contexts.

Group Discussion

After the activities wrap up, gather all students for a group discussion, where each team shares their insights and experiences. Kick off the discussion by highlighting the importance of comprehending Arab conquests and their long-lasting cultural and religious influences. Encourage students to share what surprised them or what challenges they faced, and how the activities aided in clarifying or deepening their understanding of the topic. This is a good chance to address any misunderstandings or concepts that may not have been fully grasped.

Key Questions

1. What strategies proved most effective for the Arabs during their territorial conquests?

2. How did Islam's expansion shape the culture and society of the conquered lands?

3. In what ways did practical activities deepen your understanding of Islam's expansion?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The aim of the Conclusion is to ensure that students absorb the core concepts of the lesson by intertwining practical activities with the theoretical discussions. This moment also serves to reinforce the studied topic's relevance and highlight the applicability of historical insights in today's contexts, encouraging reflection on the significance of history and culture in shaping identities and social interactions.

Summary

In this final section, the teacher should recap the key points discussed about Islam's expansion, highlighting the formation of Arab peoples, the emergence of Islam, the strategies and impacts of territorial conquests, and the Iberian Peninsula's invasion. It's important to summarise the essential information to ensure all students have a consolidated understanding of the content.

Theory Connection

Today's lesson was crafted to merge theory with practice, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge through practical exercises simulating elements of Arab culture and strategies. Activities like 'Message in the Desert Sands', 'The Conquest Map', and 'Drama in the Arab Court' were designed to reinforce students' understanding through engaging and cooperative methods.

Closing

Finally, it's crucial to underline the importance of studying Islam's expansion and the Arab peoples. This knowledge not only enhances students' historical and cultural awareness but also fosters tolerance and intercultural understanding—qualities that are essential in our increasingly globalized and diverse society.