Learning science based on Tauhidic paradigm

Abstract

Discourses on science and religion, in particular Islam had been going on for the last three decades. Knowledge and understanding about tauhidic science has reached the level that has created a rising interest among Muslim educators who would like to know (i) the relationship between science and religion and (ii) how such relationship can be incorporated into the science curriculum. This workshop aims to introduce the conceptual framework of tauhidic science and the presuppositions regarding the material world derived primarily from the Quran. Then using al-Fatihah the first Chapter of the quran, the general teaching learning structure of Islamic science is presented. The quran terms various physical phenomena as "ayats" that contain Signs. Often enough these signs are taken to be evidence of the existence and the presence of Allah's the Creator's attributes. However it is proposed that phrases containing the term 'signs' have divine messages for man who have certain cognitive characteristics like those who belief, know, understand, think, having a mind, etc. These messages present in physical phenomena appear to correspond with what can be called the scientific content. These messages help man understand how the physical-material-social world work and that they can have an intellectual, spiritual and psycho-emotional impact on man. The content of tauhidic science curriculum will not only include the usual facts and technical information on nature but also topics regarding ethical behavior as human action and interaction with the material-human world can either bring benefits or calamaties to society and the environment. The quran provides methodological guide in the search for knowledge i.e the use of the senses and cognition to acquire knowledge and attainment of certainties through observation, knowledge and experience, and enhancement of spiritual state. The latter is absent in science that is not based on tauhidic paradigm. The oral presentation ends with a discussion of issues and problems in the teaching and learning of tauhidic science as raised by some teachers with religious background but interested in science and vice versa. Issues and problems include curriculum content, conceptual understanding, timing, teaching learning methodology and approaches, and teaching learning materials. The workshop plans to distribute examples of Quranic texts that contains the terms "ayat" and "signs' from which participants can interpret and determine the implications these have on science education.