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عَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى رَضِيَّ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ ، قَالَ: كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: إِذَا بَعَثَ أَحَدًا مِنْ أَصْحَابِهِ فِي بَعْضِ أَمْرِهِ قَالَ: «بَشِّرُوا وَلَا تُنَفِّرُوا، وَيَسِّرُوا وَلَا تُعَسِّرُوا» (رَوَاهُ مُسْلِمٌ)

From Abu Musa RA said, "When Rasûlullâh ﷺ sent one of his companions to carry out some of his orders, he always said, "Tell good news, and don't be secluded, make easy, and don't make things difficult." (HR. Muslim)

Quality and validity of Hadith 

The hadith above was narrated by Imam Muslim in his Sahih, Chapter في الأمر بالتيسير، وترك التنفير hadith number 1732. The position of hadith is authentic, thus the validity is true and can be used as a proof (basis/argument).

Hadith Explanation 

Currently, being a teacher in digital era is unlike in the past time. Previously, teachers were the only source of learning, information and knowledge for students. The learning approach commonly used was Teacher Center method (the teacher was the central figure in the learning process).

Nowadays, the technological advancement has shifted learning approach from teacher to student center. They are required to play an active role in learning process by obtaining learning material  from any sources and enrich their literacy from various data such as textbooks, electronic books, the internet, and blogs/digital portals. The teachers are no longer the only source of learning, in fact they function as a facilitator and inspirator in the learning activities.

Must-Have Competencies for Teachers in the Digital Era

Rasûlullâh ﷺ advised in the hadith above, an educator has to be a motivator, role model, and facilitator in the learning process. To encourage students in understanding the concept, teachers need to be competent and skilled in teaching the millennial generation, including: 

Firstly; Ability to teach and manage classes. Secondly; Becoming a role model in good ,¢character and use of digital media. Teachers are able to transfer technological knowledge and model the use of digital tools to encourage student creativity. Thirdly; Establishing good communication with students, fellow teachers, leaders and parents. Fourthly; Ability to master knowledge optimally. (HR. Muslim, no. 1478). Fifthly; The ability to innovate in learning, so that students do not get bored easily during the learning process. (HR. Al-Bukhari, no. 68)

Teaching Methods for the Millennial Generation

Teachers have to adapt to current developments and technology, not be out of date (old school), and to update and upgrade. Furthermore, they are required to consider psychological and social styles of contemporary children, thus they are able to "involve" and be accepted in their world. Christy Price, EdD, a researcher from Dalton State College, has tried to map learning methods suitable for  millennial generation, including:

Research–Based Methods: As a multimedia generation, they prefer to be offered with multimedia, collaboration opportunities, and the chance to search for and summarize information themselves. The teacher becomes a facilitator to  clarify  and 'straighten out' if students misunderstand something to prevent misunderstanding or logical errors.

Relevance: Millennials appreciate information because it is 'relevant' to their lives. The teacher's role is to 'sort' the material in the book, which ones are relevant and will be widely used in students' lives, and which ones are not.

Rationale: Unlike previous generations who were educated with authoritarian patterns, the millennials were raised with democratic patterns by their parents or environment. They will tend to respect if the tasks or policies implemented are rational.

Relaxed: The millennial generation prefers to interact in less formal or more relaxed learning atmosphere, to make them relax and open up. However, teachers still have to apply certain boundaries, especially in Islamic and Eastern ethics. If they have crossed the line, the student will receive a firm warning.

Rapport: They are relational. Maybe they are not the type who have many close friends, but once they are close, they can be immensely loyal. Teachers can start remembering names, asking how things are going, or listening to students vent. It will build emotional closeness with them.

Hopefully, we will be able to solve the challenges of the times, becoming modern teachers and role models for our students to achieve the expected learning outcomes, and build a generation of millennial Muslims, Khairun An-Naas Anfa'uhum Li An-Naas, who are qualified and capable to deal with the demanding era. Amen Ya Mujiibas Saailiin.

By: Nunun Zainun, Lc., M.Ag., Ph.D