The evaluation of implementing al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan course for non-Muslim students at University of Muhammadiyah Kupang, Indonesia

Abstract

Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan is a compulsory course at University of Muhammadiyah Kupang, which has a majority of non-Muslim students. Unfortunately, the implementation of the course at University of Muhammadiyah Kupang has not met the ideal standard in terms of design, content, and learning strategies. This study aims to explore the implementation of Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan course for non-Muslim students at University of Muhammadiyah Kupang. The objectives of this study are to investigate the relevance of Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan course to non-Muslim students, examine the problems faced by the lecturers and non-Muslim students in teaching and learning activities, and explore the solutions to the problems faced in implementing Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan course for the non-Muslim students. The study used a qualitative research method with a case study approach and interpretivism as the research paradigm. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 informants consisting of 2 curriculum designers, 4 lecturers, and 8 non-Muslim students. The data gathered from the three different groups of informants were triangulated with one another and then corroborated with the documents to provide answers to the research questions. The results of this study revealed that Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan course was relevant to non-Muslim students. However, the problems faced by the lecturers and non-Muslim students in teaching and learning activities were related to content issues, unconducive classroom, and lecturer role. Based on the perspectives of curriculum designers, lecturers, and non-Muslim students, the findings of this study suggested solutions to the problems encountered in implementing Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan course for non-Muslim students, such as by providing effective course design, Islamic value content, supportive learning environment, and integrated teaching strategies. This study has significant implications due to the proposed model, which in practice would help the curriculum designers, University of Muhammadiyah Kupang, and the lecturers enhance their efforts in teaching non-Muslim students Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan course.