Motivating Arabic Learners: Strategies from Alumni and Educators

The third episode of Season Two of QFI’s podcast, All Things Arabic, is titled "Motivating Arabic Learners: Strategies from Alumni and Educators." Hosted by Caroline Sibley, Teaching Assistant Professor of Arabic in North Carolina, this episode features Dana Slayton, an Arabic language educator in Texas, and Najoua Ben Ramak, an English and Arabic language educator in North Carolina. Dana was a student and has now become an educator, making this episode an exciting dialogue between her and Najoua. Drawing from their experiences, the guests emphasize student motivation as one of the core pillars of the Arabic language education ecosystem, essential for engagement, achievement, and meaningful learning. Through initiatives like this podcast, QFI highlights motivation, fosters dialogue among educators, and shares knowledge across the Arabic education community. The discussion explores common challenges, including demotivation, overwhelmed beginners, and limited connection to the language. Educators can address these challenges by building community, focusing on practical, transferable skills, and integrating tools such as gamification, project-based learning, and pop culture to make learning Arabic more engaging. The conversation demonstrates how prioritizing motivation enables learners to overcome challenges and experience the joy and real-world relevance of learning Arabic—underscoring its role as a driving force in the Arabic education ecosystem. Produced by QFI to advance the value of teaching and learning Arabic as a global language.