Culture in Language Learning: Insights with Ustaaza Ibtissam

Incorporating art, music, and calligraphy into Arabic classrooms enhances students’ linguistic and cultural knowledge—and makes space for fun and creativity. 

Ustaaza Ibtissam, a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience teaching French and Arabic to both native and non-native speakers, shares how she connects classrooms in North America with refugees and teachers in Lebanon, promoting cultural learning and fostering strong relationships between Arabic teachers and the community. 

References: 

• Craft and Talk: An educational enterprise that delivers quality artistic lessons in the language classroom by talented and native educators, mainly refugees and displaced, from all over the world: https://craftntalk.com  
• QFI's Arabic Teacher Excellence Award: This annual award recognizes Arabic language educators at state-funded, primary and secondary schools for their dedication, commitment, and effort to provide quality Arabic language education to their students in innovative ways:  https://www.qfi.org/news/qfi-arabic-teaching-excellence-awards-launch/

Glossary: 

• ISD: Independent school district 

Contact information

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QFI is an organization committed to advancing the value of teaching and learning Arabic as a global language. Visit our website to learn more, qfi.org.

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