LEARNING STRATEGIES FOR KITAB KUNING AT DAYAH MINI ALUE NAGA, BANDA ACEH

Abstract

The study of kitab kuning (classical Islamic texts) is one of the main characteristics of traditional Islamic education in Aceh. Kitab kuning serves not only as a source of Islamic knowledge but also as a medium for developing the ability to read Arabic texts, understand Islamic law, and build the character and scholarly tradition of the santri (students). This study aims to analyze the learning strategies for kitab kuning at Dayah Mini Alue Naga, Banda Aceh, covering the forms of strategies applied, how learning is carried out, and the supporting and inhibiting factors. The study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive design. Data were obtained through observation of the learning process, interviews with the dayah leader and teachers, and documentation related to kitab kuning learning activities. Data were analyzed through the stages of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings show that kitab kuning learning at Dayah Mini Alue Naga employs several complementary strategies, chiefly the bandongan and sorogan methods, lectures, question and answer, and Arabic text reading practice. These strategies are applied gradually in accordance with the santri's abilities. Teachers do not merely translate the content of the texts; they also explain Arabic language structure, textual meaning, legal content, and its relevance to everyday life. Successful learning is supported by teacher competence, the dayah environment, santri discipline, and the use of texts suited to the students' level of ability. The obstacles found include differences in santri's basic Arabic proficiency, limited learning time, and a lack of supporting learning resources. Therefore, more varied learning strategies need to be developed so that kitab kuning learning remains relevant to the characteristics of santri and to developments in contemporary Islamic education.