Name: Tasnim Musa Al-Naimi
Graduation Term: Class of 2019
Major: PhD in Translation Studies
I am a PhD fellow in Translation Studies at 鶹Ƶ (KSU). Over the past five years, I have been teaching translation-and-Arab culture-related courses at the Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies (MCLS). My teaching philosophy is inspired by Paulo Freire’s vision of anti-oppressive education that is fundamentally “an act of love” and bell hooks’ concept of education as “the practice of freedom.” I view education as a liberating, human endeavor where learning extends beyond content delivery and knowledge acquisition to a deeply personal journey of intellectual, emotional, and social growth. I, therefore, strive to maintain a compassionate, positive, and supportive environment for my students.
My research interests lie at the intersection of trauma theory, trauma-informed approaches (TIA), and translation, with a specific focus on training and its practical application in these areas.
Fun Facts:
On a personal note, I have a great love for Arabic literature and documentaries, particularly those produced by Arab women. My passion for mental health and human well-being is immense. I am constantly seeking to understand the complexities of trauma and emotions, often immersing myself in podcasts, books, and research on these topics. To me, I believe that we are wired to connect, so I am always drawn to people's stories. I believe each of us carries a unique personal history, and I find deep meaning in human narratives and in learning from others' opinions and experiences.
Graduate Student Teaching Award
On behalf of the Graduate College and the Center for Teaching & Learning, we are extremely proud of the dedication you have shown towards your teaching. The review committee was impressed by your application, and I am sharing their anonymous comments below. Each of them reported that they would love to take your class. Thank you for all that you do to create positive educational experiences for the students at 鶹Ƶ!
- Tasnim has a beautiful, inclusive, and evidence-based teaching philosophy. Of all the candidates' submissions, hers was the most thoughtful, the most authentic, and the most clearly implemented in her teaching video. She is deserving of the MAGS recognition.
- I was quite impressed with her application. Her commitment to trauma informed instruction was evident in every component of her portfolio—from her teaching statement and written responses to her interactions with students and the task she designed for them. The nature and creativity of the work displayed by her students reflect the culture she has cultivated in her classroom—"a safe, compassionate space where students feel supported to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially.” It was an absolute joy to watch her in action.
- Congrats! Without a doubt, we are super fortunate at 鶹Ƶ to have you working with our students! In you, we have an empathic educator who can facilitate concept learning and overall student growth simultaneously. This is not easy to do. I was genuinely impressed with all components of your application. Keep up the good work!