Yogyakarta, October 28 – November 1,
2025 – The Faculty of Tarbiyah and Education (FITK), UIN Sunan Kalijaga
Yogyakarta, successfully hosted an international Visiting Lecturer Program
featuring Dr. Claire Alkouatly, Assistant Professor at Prince Sultan University
and affiliated scholar at the University of British Columbia. The program aimed
to strengthen global academic collaboration, integrate Islamic perspectives
into human development studies, and enhance research capacity through
cross-institutional engagement. It served as a platform to bridge local and
global educational discourses, positioning FITK as a center for intercultural
dialogue and innovation in Islamic education
The Faculty
of Tarbiyah and Teacher Education, UIN Sunan Kalijaga, proudly welcomed Dr.
Claire AlKouatli, Assistant Professor at Prince Sultan University and Research
Fellow at the University of British Columbia, as part of the Visiting Lecturer
Program held from 28 October to 1 November 2025. Throughout her visit, Dr.
AlKouatli actively engaged in academic discussions with lecturers and
researchers, exploring opportunities for collaborative research and joint
publication. Her presence aimed to strengthen international partnerships and
enhance cross-cultural perspectives in the study of human development and
education.
In addition
to research meetings, Dr.AlKouatli delivered a public lecture titled “Imaginative
Play in Childhood: A Leading Activity for Holistic Development,”
highlighting the crucial role of creativity and play in fostering children’s
cognitive, emotional, and spiritual growth. During her stay, she also visited
RA DWP UIN Sunan Kalijaga and conducted interactive teaching sessions with
students from the Islamic Education (PAI), Islamic Educational Management
(MPI), Early Childhood Islamic Education (PIAUD), and Islamic Primary Education
(PGMI) study programs. Her sessions inspired both students and lecturers to
adopt innovative, holistic, and culturally grounded approaches to education.
Bridging Faith, Culture, and
Educational Innovation
Dr. Alkouatly, a distinguished scholar
in the field of human development, delivered a series of lectures exploring how
faith, culture, and imagination influence learning processes. Her research
emphasizes the holistic nature of education; Human development, encompassing
cognitive, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual growth.
Throughout her sessions, she encouraged
participants to view Islamic education not merely as a religious discipline but
as a dynamic framework for nurturing human potential in all dimensions of life.
“Education should cultivate the whole
person — mind, heart, and spirit — and it must honor the cultural and ethical
roots of each learner,” Dr. Alkouatly explained.
Her lectures provided both theoretical
perspectives and practical insights on how educators can design culturally
responsive and value-based learning environments in Muslim educational
settings.
Academic Exchange and Collaborative
Research Planning
The Visiting Lecturer Program also
featured a series of academic meetings designed to strengthen research
cooperation and scholarly networking.
Dr. Alkouatly engaged in discussions
with FITK lecturers on research development, collaborative writing, and
strategies to enhance journal article quality for international publication.
In addition, focused discussions were
held to explore potential collaborative research and joint publications between
UIN Sunan Kalijaga and Dr. Alkouatly’s affiliated institutions. Topics included
human development in Islamic contexts, creativity in learning, and the
integration of faith and education in global discourse.
These sessions were attended by faculty
members and postgraduate students who actively exchanged ideas and identified
areas of mutual research interest. The outcomes of these discussions are
expected to lay the groundwork for future joint publications and
cross-institutional research projects.
Support and Vision from the Faculty
Leadership
In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Dr.
Sigit Purnama, M.Pd., Dean of FITK UIN Sunan Kalijaga, expressed appreciation
for Dr. Alkouatly’s visit and highlighted its strategic importance for the
faculty’s internationalization efforts.
“This collaboration aligns with FITK’s
vision to become a globally engaged academic community that bridges Islamic and
international educational perspectives,” he said.
Prof. Sigit emphasized that such
programs encourage interdisciplinary innovation and enhance the global
visibility of FITK’s research contributions.
Towards Sustainable International
Collaboration
Beyond lectures and discussions, Dr.
Alkouatly also collaborated with the faculty’s academic teams to draft initial
frameworks for joint research and publication. Both parties discussed future
academic cooperation, including collaborative journal writing, co-authored
research projects, and mentorship for emerging researchers within FITK.
This program marks a significant step
toward FITK’s ongoing mission to strengthen international networks and promote
intercultural dialogue in Islamic education. It underscores the faculty’s
dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and the pursuit of globally
relevant educational practices grounded in Islamic values. (Arifah)