Zul & Shireen Learner Space

Update on recruitment:

We have shortlisted some applicants. I was informed that our priorities are for:

Maths/ Science
Humanities/ English

There are possibilities for Arabic and Arts (for applicants with secondary teaching qualifications).

Insha Allah we will contact the shortlisted applicants this coming week.

The next step would be an information session to brief applicants on life in Australia, what they need and what they can expect. Briefing on the school.

And importantly, to answer questions they may have insha Allah.

Insha Allah we are planning for the session to be held this coming week.

Zul:

I am not a fan of tests and exams.

Rather than tests, I like students to solve real world problems. They research, analyse, critique while I provide them with the necessary support.

The following is a 7 week problem based learning assessment that I gave to my Year 8 class last year. Students took the role of analysts. I gave each one of them specific instructions for them to research and analyse.

They were required to propose solutions.

Project Geography Year 8 2023 Project 1 lesson per week will be dedicated to project work. Students may work on their projects individually or in pairs. Project to be submitted by week 7. Create a project that involves: Migration Urban planning in Australia or a Local government. Examples: You are an analyst at the Depa...

𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫? 𝐒𝐨 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞!

As we gear up for another term, Zul wanted to share a Year 8 Geography unit plan that he originally developed in collaboration with his amazing colleagues from a previous school.

This plan focuses on urbanisation and migration, key concepts that help students understand how our world is changing.

Since then, he has adapted it further for our current school, making it even more engaging and relevant for our students.

📚 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒅?

• Hands-on tasks, including reflection activities and projects on migration and liveability.
• A range of differentiation strategies to cater to students’ individual needs and learning styles.
•. Problem-based learning.
•. Ongoing assessment methods that help track students’ progress throughout the term.

We will be sharing more about how we’ve integrated AI tools to improve this plan, so stay tuned!

✨ Want to see the lesson in action or need tips on implementing a similar approach in your classroom? Comment below or message us, and we’ll be happy to chat! Let’s work together to make learning more impactful for students.

Yr 8 Geography 2023 .docx Term Overview: Term 4 Overview HITS - High Impact Teaching Strategies Assessment Assessment FOR Learning Pre-assessment prior to unit commencement Assessment AS Learning Ongoing monitoring and assessment/Moderation Tasks Assessment OF Learning Post-assessment C...

Welcome to Zul & Shireen Learner Space!

We’re excited to introduce ourselves to this community of educators, parents, and lifelong learners.

𝐙𝐮𝐥 is the Domain Head of Humanities at the secondary campus of an Islamic school in Melbourne. He holds a Master of International Relations (La Trobe University) and a Master of Teaching (Federation University) degrees. Zul has taught English and Humanities for Years 7-9, Business Management, and Introduction to Legal Studies. For this coming term, his teaching will focus on 1 Year 7, 3 Year 8, and 2 Year 9 classes. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and sales, along with time as a research fellow at a university, Zul’s background fuels his passion for developing critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills in his students. He especially loves teaching through problem-based learning approaches.

𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 brings a wealth of teaching experience, having taught at two secondary schools, a college, and a language school in Malaysia. In Singapore, she served as the Head of English at a commercial school. She holds a Bachelor of Education (TESL) from the University of Malaya and a Master of Education (TESOL) from Monash University. In Australia, Shireen worked as a Prep-level monitor for over a decade before transitioning to teaching Grade 1 this year. Her diverse experience across primary, secondary and adult education makes her a versatile educator, especially when it comes to building literacy and communication skills.

Both of us love to grow as teachers and are continuously looking for ways to teach better. Through Zul & Shireen Learner Space, we aim to create a platform where we share our regular teaching experiences—what goes right, and what doesn’t, in ways that protect our students' privacy and learning. We believe in transparency and growth, and we hope to inspire others by sharing both our successes and challenges.

Insha Allah, this page will feature our reflections on teaching strategies, lesson plans, and how we approach teaching and learning in today’s classrooms. We’re excited to share our journey, insights, and resources with all of you. Let’s grow and learn together, Insha Allah!