Introducing Post-Round Debrief Sessions With Mentors

Overview

In structured learning and performance contexts such as Quran memorisation competitions, post-performance feedback plays a crucial role in student development. Traditionally, feedback in these competitions has been delivered informally or post-event, often missing the opportunity to engage students directly while the experience is fresh in their minds. As a response to this, the practice of structured post-round debrief sessions with qualified mentors offers a more educational and supportive model. This model not only helps participants understand their performance but also fosters continuous improvement, resilience, and motivation.

What Are Post-Round Debrief Sessions?

Post-round debrief sessions are structured meetings that take place immediately or shortly after a competition round. The primary aim is to provide competitors—typically students or reciters—with direct, constructive feedback from mentors who are knowledgeable in Quranic sciences, Tajweed (rules of Quranic recitation), and competition norms. These sessions can take place one-on-one or in small groups and may be facilitated in person or online.

The core elements of a debrief session generally include:

• A brief review of the competitor’s performance
• Clarification of marking criteria used in the round
• Highlighting specific strengths and areas for improvement
• Actionable advice and resources for progress
• Time for the participant to ask questions or reflect on their experience

Such sessions aim to create a more reflective and learner-centred environment, bridging the gap between assessment and instruction.

Rationale for Implementing Debrief Sessions

There are several educational and developmental benefits to integrating debrief sessions into Quran competitions. These include enhancing the educational value of competitions, supporting long-term memorisation strategies, and encouraging a growth mindset among participants.

1. Reinforcing Learning through Timely Feedback

Studies in educational psychology emphasise the value of feedback that is specific, timely, and focused on objectives. In Quran competitions, most participants invest considerable time in preparation. Immediate post-performance debriefs enable mentors to point out specific examples and give targeted suggestions, maximising recall and promoting retention.

For instance, if a participant made repeated minor Tajweed errors, a mentor can not only explain where the mistakes occurred but provide tailored advice, such as reviewing specific articulation points or mus-haf notation techniques, to correct them effectively.

2. Enhancing Performance with Clarity on Scoring

Clear understanding of judging criteria is fundamental for fair and informed competition. Many participants, especially those in lower age categories or early competition experience, may be unsure about what each mark deduction signifies. Post-round sessions demystify these aspects as mentors can walk through the scoring sheet and explain the reasoning behind deductions objectively.

This transparency serves a dual purpose: setting realistic expectations and guiding focused improvement strategies.

3. Developing Emotional Resilience and Constructive Reflection

Participation in competitive environments can be emotionally charged, especially for younger students or first-time competitors. Without adequate follow-up, underperformance or perceived failure can lead to discouragement. Mentors play a crucial role in framing the competition experience positively, helping students process their performance constructively and encouraging persistence.

During debriefs, mentors may use reflection prompts, such as:

• “Which section did you feel most confident with?”
• “Did anything unexpected happen while reciting?”
• “What would you like to work on before the next round?”

These reflective questions not only restore confidence but introduce metacognitive strategies that benefit learning beyond the competition setting.

Designing Effective Debrief Sessions

To ensure that post-round debriefs are valuable and consistently delivered, organisers and mentors should consider several practical aspects of implementation.

1. Aligning with Judging Frameworks

Debrief sessions are most effective when aligned closely with the marking schemes used in the round. Mentors should be familiar with the judging criteria and trained to interpret score sheets accurately.

For example, many Quran competitions include sub-categories such as:

• Tajweed accuracy
• Letter pronunciation and articulation (Makharij)
• Fluency and rhythm
• Memory recall of assigned portions

Mentors can use judging rubrics to discuss each category, clarifying strong areas and highlighting improvement points with relevant examples and corrective strategies.

2. Creating a Supportive Environment

Feedback is most effective when delivered in a respectful and encouraging tone. Debrief sessions should emphasise growth and learning rather than fault finding. Especially in community-led or youth competitions, care must be taken to ensure sessions do not feel punitive or overwhelming.

Mentors should strike a balance between constructive criticism and encouragement by:

• Beginning with positive feedback and acknowledgement of effort
• Focusing on behaviour and skills, rather than personal attributes
• Using clear, accessible language suitable for the age group
• Encouraging participant input and questions

3. Scheduling and Logistics

Competitions often operate within tight schedules. It is important that debrief sessions, while valuable, do not disrupt the overall flow of the event. Short (5–10 minute) debriefs can be integrated immediately after a competitor steps down, or grouped at the end of rounds depending on time constraints.

Alternatively, digital platforms such as recorded video feedback, live chat-based sessions, or scheduled post-event Zoom calls may be used to deliver personalised comments in formats that suit participants’ availability.

Examples and Use Cases

Several Quran competitions at local and international levels are beginning to experiment with post-round feedback mechanisms. Case studies from smaller competitions have shown that incorporating debrief sessions has led to noticeable improvements in both participant satisfaction and recitation outcomes in subsequent rounds.

One local initiative introduced mentor-led debriefs exclusively for junior participants (aged 7–11). The sessions were short but focused, and included simple diagrams to explain articulation points. Over the course of the competition, organisers reported a decrease in repeated Tajweed errors and greater confidence among participants.

In another example, an online Quran memorisation challenge provided individualised written feedback to each participant within 48 hours of completion. Though not immediate, participants found the specificity helpful for revising weaker areas and welcomed the personal attention to detail the feedback provided.

Challenges and Considerations

While the educational value of debrief sessions is considerable, several challenges must be addressed for effective implementation.

• Mentor Availability: Competitions require access to experienced mentors who are also excellent communicators. Finding individuals who can provide both technical feedback and emotional encouragement may require training and careful selection.
• Time Management: Even brief debrief sessions add to overall event duration. Organisers must plan event schedules carefully and consider participant volume, especially in large-scale competitions.
• Consistency of Feedback: To ensure fairness, feedback provided by different mentors should be standardised as much as possible. Shared rubrics and briefing sessions before the event can help align mentor approaches.
• Participant Diversity: Competitors vary in age, proficiency, and linguistic background. Mentors must tailor sessions to be age-appropriate and culturally sensitive, particularly when correcting errors or making suggestions.

Best Practices for Implementation

To integrate post-round debrief sessions effectively, organisers may consider the following strategies:

• Assign qualified and trained mentors experienced in both Quran recitation and youth mentorship
• Develop easy-to-read scorecards that mentors can use during debriefs
• Use checklists or scripts to ensure coverage of key feedback points within limited time
• Offer online support resources, such as audio examples or PDFs, based on common errors identified
• Involve parents or teachers (when appropriate) to extend feedback into long-term practice routines

Conclusion

Post-round debrief sessions with mentors introduce a learner-focused dimension to Quran competitions, transforming them from isolated assessments into holistic learning experiences. When carefully implemented, these sessions support religious literacy, boost confidence, and empower students to engage with the Quran more deeply and accurately. As Quran competitions continue to expand in scope and participation, embedding structured and reflective feedback practices may become an essential part of their pedagogical value.

If you need help with your Quran competition platform or marking tools, email info@qurancompetitions.tech.