EFFECTIVENESS OF INNOVATIVE LEARNING METHODS TO ENHANCE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE OF STUDENTS OF ISLAMIC STUDIES IN NIGERIA

Teaching is among the most essential professions in the world. It requires numerous techniques and methods which make it different from other professions. Islamic Studies is a religious- subject that always portrays the teachings of Islam from the beginning to the end. To make the teaching and learning of the subject rich, recent, and viable, modern techniques recently discovered should be adopted during the teaching and learning of the subject to make it relevant to the needs and demands of the world. This study examined the effectiveness of innovative learning methods to enhance the academic excellence of students of Islamic studies in Nigeria. The study revealed that Didactic questioning, Concept mapping, and Fishbowl are effective innovative learning strategies that would enhance the academic excellence of students of Islamic studies in Nigeria. It was concluded in this study that the application of innovative methods (Didactic questioning, Concept mapping, and Fishbowl) in teaching and learning of Islamic Studies would accelerate students’ academic performance in the subject. It was also suggested that the government should organize seminars and conferences on how to effectively use Didactic questioning, Concept mapping, and Fishbowl learning strategies to enhance effective and efficient teaching and learning of Islamic Studies in Nigeria.