NYU’s Global TIES for Children and afikra are pleased to announce the launch of "Inside the Arab Classroom," a new podcast series that explores education traditions and innovations within Arabic-speaking nations. The series tells stories from inside Arab classrooms – from how Arabic literacy is taught to who decides what constitutes ‘good citizens’ – and aims to provoke curiosity among learners of all ages and in all contexts about the challenges to and opportunities for learning and thriving in Arab classrooms.
In the series’ press release, Joyce Rafla, Senior Research Scientist at NYU Global TIES for Children and co-host of the series said, “What sets ‘Inside the Arab Classroom’ apart is its unwavering authenticity. We are guided by Arab guests who intimately comprehend the intricacies of the educational landscape, ensuring that the podcast resonates as a true mirror of the educational journey in the Arab world.”
Since the series premiere on September 12th, two of the six podcast episodes have been made available for listening on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, and Youtube. The series’ first episode, “The State of The Arab Classroom with Joyce Rafla,” paints a vivid picture of historical reforms and the current state of education across Arabic-speaking countries. The second episode, “How We Teach Arabic Literacy with Dr. Hanada Taha + Dr. Reem Khamis,” delves into the pivotal role of Arabic literacy in preserving cultural heritage. This episode offers an eye-opening perspective on the importance of language in identity and education.
New episodes will be released weekly on Tuesday through the end of the six-part series.
Episode 1: The State of The Arab Classroom with Joyce Rafla
Episode 2: How We Teach Arabic Literacy with Dr. Hanada Taha + Dr. Reem Khamis
Episode 3: Ed-Tech & Arabic Literacy with Rama Kayyali
Episode 4: Citizenship Education with Dr. Muhammad Faour
Episode 5: International Development’s Role in Education with Dr. Wafa Kotob
Episode 6: Education Research In Arabic-Speaking Countries with Dr. Adnan el Amine
The series provides a platform for profound discussions but also invites listeners to immerse themselves, exchange insights, and actively contribute to enlightening educational dialogues. Dr. Carly Tubbs Dolan, Deputy Director for Primary Education and Learning in Emergencies at NYU Global TIES for Children reflected on the impact of storytelling and said, “As researchers, our day-to-day bread and butter is data. But we need to provide space to hear the stories that situate, nuance, and challenge the data. These stories must be told by the people – the teachers, the entrepreneurs, the policymakers, the researchers – who have lived them.”
Join the conversation and engage with fellow listeners using the hashtag #InsideArabClassroom and share your thoughts on the transformative power of education in the Arab world.
For press inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact Douha Boulares, Communications Manager at NYU Global TIES for Children, at db2636@nyu.edu.
