His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, recently made a surprise visit to the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) in Jalan Dewan Majlis. During this visit, the monarch highlighted the pressing need for a revamp in the pedagogical psychology within religious schools.
One of the key points raised by His Majesty was the importance of strengthening teaching psychology among religious educators. He emphasized the urgency of this matter and expressed concerns about the current curriculum’s content. His Majesty advocated for a shift from the general subject of „Tarikh“ to „Tarikh Islam,“ making it a compulsory component of the curriculum. This change would ensure that students receive a more comprehensive understanding of Islamic history.
In addition to addressing the curriculum, His Majesty also raised concerns about the subject of „Tasawuf.“ He believed that this subject could be challenging for children aged 10 to 13 and suggested restructuring it to focus more on values that are easier for young learners to grasp. His Majesty questioned the use of the term „Tasawuf“ in primary-level books and called for alignment to make the subject more accessible to students.
Furthermore, His Majesty acknowledged complaints from parents about their children’s dissatisfaction in religious schools due to strict teaching practices. He theorized that teachers may be neglecting the psychological aspects of education, which could impact students‘ well-being. His Majesty emphasized the importance of addressing the psychological needs of students to ensure a positive learning environment.
During his visit, the monarch also toured various departments within the Ministry, including the Department of Waqf, Zakat & BaitulMal Affairs. This hands-on approach demonstrated His Majesty’s commitment to understanding the challenges and opportunities within the Ministry and working towards improvements in religious education.
Overall, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah’s visit to the Ministry of Religious Affairs shed light on the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of pedagogical psychology within religious schools. By addressing concerns about the curriculum, teaching practices, and student well-being, His Majesty is paving the way for a more effective and holistic approach to religious education in Brunei Darussalam.