Exploring the use of the iktisyaf method in teaching kitab kuning (arabic classical textbook) : a case study of Puncak Darussalam pesantren, East Java Indonesia

Abstract

The pesantren, or also known as Islamic boarding school, is one of the traditional religious institutions in Indonesia. The teaching of the kitab kuning (Arabic classical textbook) is an integral component of pesantren education. To help students learn this book, several instructional methods are used by pesantren teachers, one of which is the iktisyaf method. This method is known to help students to learn, understand and read the kitab kuning faster. The main purpose of this study was to examine the techniques used by the teachers in implementing the iktisyaf method to teach the kitab kuning. The study also aimed to explore the obstacles faced by the teachers and students, as well as the solutions employed by the teachers to overcome the obstacles. The study adopted qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. The participants were five teachers teaching at the pesantren. The data were collected via individual interviews and classroom observations. The findings revealed that questioning, tutorial or lecture, direct instruction, repetition, and memorization were the techniques most frequently employed by the pesantren teachers in implementing the iktisyaf method. Among the obstacles encountered by the teachers were lack of skills in teaching via the iktisyaf method, and lack of proficiency and qualification, while the obstacles experienced by students were lack of proficiency in recognizing Arabic characters and poor learning motivation. The study makes some fruitful recommendations to improve the teaching and learning of the kitab kuning at Indonesian pesantrens, which include providing teacher training and mandating the use of ICT and other modern technologies in classroom instruction. Future researchers are urged to look at gender differences in teachers` use of the iktisyaf method and other methods such as the ‘amthilati' method and sorogan (individual presentation) method prevalent in different institutions. The use of quantitative research methods in exploring these pertinent issues will greatly benefit pesantren education in Indonesia and other Muslim countries.