Arabic Language Learning Model for Elderly in Ma’had Zubair

Abstract

The high interest in learning Arabic among the elderly in the city of Padang has led Islamic institutions to offer Arabic language learning opportunities for seniors, one of which is at Ma’had Zubair. Many seniors wish to learn Arabic through various programs, such as proficiency in reading religious texts, speaking, writing, and grammar.  This study aims to identify the learning models applied by teachers in teaching Arabic at Ma’had Zubair. A descriptive qualitative method was used, in which data were collected through observation, interviews, and documents. The findings of this study describe the discovery model and the CTL learning model as the most commonly applied by Arabic language teachers to older adults. Teachers implement the discovery model by preparing pictures, vocabulary, and props; the elderly students then individually identify the meanings and express them in Arabic. Meanwhile, the CTL model is applied by engaging the elderly students and providing them with more opportunities to act, try, and experience things for themselves, so that they are not merely passive listeners who simply receive the information conveyed by the teacher. It is therefore recommended that teachers develop and pay close attention to the learning process for the elderly so that it can be adapted for all age groups. Despite their advanced age, the elderly students were very enthusiastic and eager to learn Arabic at all proficiency levels.