Zainab Basyouni: The Real Impact on Students Goes Beyond Information to Presence and Inclusion

Doctor Zainab Ali Basyouni, Deputy Dean of the Islamic University of Minnesota, stated that the real impact on students is not limited to information alone but also requires presence and inclusion. She explained that meeting with students, even if brief-lasting no more than an hour-can plant an idea or guide a path, and may be the beginning of building a generation that uplifts a nation.

Dr. Zainab added that students seek more than knowledge; they look for role models and teachers who recognize their potential and nurture it. She emphasized that a conscious teacher is one who knows how to use their tools effectively and understands when to plant, when to water, and when to be patient for the harvest.

She also stressed the importance of academic and professional responsibility, urging caution regarding the content shared in classrooms and educational platforms. This is crucial to maintain the university's reputation and institutional standing and to avoid any legal issues or inquiries that may arise from such violations, including the potential closure of official educational channels.

Moreover, Dr. Zainab pointed out that distance education is no longer a marginal option but has become a global trend adopted by major universities. She regarded this method as a genuine opportunity for capable academics to showcase their skills in explanation, motivation, interaction, and constructive evaluation. She emphasized that excellence in this mode of education requires the use of diverse teaching strategies to transform lectures from mere lecturing into an active and effective learning environment.

It is noteworthy that the Deputy Dean's statements were part of regular guiding publications for faculty members, aimed at achieving the university's goal of maximizing the potential of Arab academics enrolled at the university, in light of the requirements of distance higher education.