Exploring Arabic Calligraphy with Project-Based Learning; From Workshop to Classroom.
by Sarab Al Ani
created on Jun 19, 2025 modified on Jun 19, 2025 09:55
As a university Arabic instructor, I'm consistently exploring effective methods to engage my elementary heritage language learners especially that the Heritage track is relatively new to our language program. In Summer of 2025 I participated in a five-day Project-Based Language Learning (PBLL) workshop, and I've developed a plan for Fall 2025 that incorporates a project-based approach. I'm outlining our upcoming project, "The Beauty of the Pen: An Exploration of Arabic Calligraphy," which aims to provide a meaningful experience for my students.
The central question we will address is: How can novice heritage learners effectively and actively engage with the artistic aspects of the Arabic language at their proficiency level in an effective way that showcases the beauty of their heritage? This project seeks to foster a deeper connection to the Arabic language by intertwining language acquisition with the visual art of calligraphy, allowing students to express their artistic talents. Our objective is to introduce students to the rich history and diverse styles of Arabic calligraphy, encouraging an appreciation for its aesthetic qualities and enabling them to practice basic calligraphy techniques.
This project holds particular relevance for heritage learners as it offers a distinct opportunity for them to apply their artistic talents and skills within the context of their language and cultural background. It seeks to connect language acquisition with the visual art of Arabic, fostering a deeper cultural understanding.
Here’s an overview of the project structure:
The Journey:
The project incorporates a semester-long "Calligraphy Club" which will be open to all university students, not just those enrolled in my class. This club will serve as a continuous opportunity for practice and engagement. The actual project, which culminates in the calligraphy exhibit, will be a more focused two-week endeavor, likely taking place around weeks 9 and 10 of our 12-week semester.
Language Learning and Skill Development:
This project integrates language learning, enabling students to enhance their communication skills in Arabic:
Practical skill development (creating calligraphy pieces) will be a key focus, assessed through checklists related to choice, execution, neatness, complexity among others.
Cultural and Artistic Understanding:
Beyond language, students will gain a deeper understanding of the art form itself, deepening their cultural and historical understanding.
The Public Product:
The project will culminate in a public exhibition showcasing student-created calligraphy pieces, alongside information about the different calligraphic styles and their historical significance (written in the target language; Arabic in this case). This exhibition, occurring near the end of the semester, will be open to the university community and fellow Arabic learners.
Assessment of the Final Product:
The information cards that students create accompanying their calligraphy work will be evaluated on grammar, spelling, clarity, organization, visual appeal, cultural significance, and connection to student work
The calligraphy pieces itself will be evaluated based on a technical proficiency rubric, assessing the accuracy of letter forms, consistency in size, slant, and spacing, effective composition and layout, and overall neatness.
Our community partners, including the university library, the university museum, and various local non-profit organizations and student associations, are integral to this project. The university library and museum will be valuable resources for students during the research phase to maintain sustained enquiry. Other organizations and university staff will be invited to the exhibit, and the shared identity of Arab heritage serves as a unifying element for both the students and these community partners in this endeavor.
I anticipate this PBLL framework will provide a structured and engaging learning experience, and I look forward to sharing our insights and any useful tips once the project is underway.
