Adaptive Instructional Strategies for Mixed-Age Classrooms: Teaching Arabic to Heterogeneous Young Learners in Non-Formal Malaysian Settings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69493/ajoal.v4i1.103Keywords:
Adaptive Instructional , Mixed-Age Classrooms, Non-Formal Education, Adaptive Instructional StrategiesAbstract
Teaching Arabic in non-formal international educational settings presents considerable pedagogical challenges, particularly when classrooms consist of learners with diverse age ranges, heterogeneous linguistic backgrounds, and varying levels of learning motivation. These conditions require adaptive instructional approaches that can accommodate students’ cognitive and emotional needs. Therefore, this study aims to analyze methodological barriers and formulate adaptive strategies for teaching Arabic in the International Teaching Program in Malaysia. The study focused on mixed-age classrooms comprising students aged 9–17 years with minimal Arabic language proficiency and fluctuating learning motivation. This research employed a qualitative approach using a Classroom Action Research design. Data were collected through participatory observation and analysis of the teacher’s daily reflective journals throughout the implementation of the program. The findings revealed that substantial cognitive differences among age groups and reduced physical stamina caused by the intensive daytime boarding school schedule constituted the primary instructional barriers. To address these challenges, four adaptive instructional strategies were implemented, namely psychological conditioning through educational-song based ice breaking activities, Game Based Learning supported by flaschcards, cross age peer tutoring, and instructional scaffolding through external code switching to Malay. Participatory observations and reflective journal entries indicated that these strategies transformed students’ participation from passive to active, promoted collaborative interaction between younger and older learners, fostered a more inclusive learning environment, and enhanced students’ understanding of foundational Arabic language concepts. These findings suggest that methodological flexibility, supported by adaptive and interactive instructional strategies, plays a crucial role in improving Arabic language learning in heterogeneous non-formal educational settings.
Downloads
References
Angga, Made, Puja Setyawan, Ni Nyoman, Kurnia Wati, Pendidikan Guru, Sekolah Dasar, and Dharma Acarya. “Analisis Metode Game-Based Learning Berbasis CTL Guna Meningkatkan Konsentarsi Belajar Pendidikan Pancasila Siswa Kelas II SDN Banyuajuh 4.” Journal.Musapublishing.Org 2025, no. 2 (n.d.): 217–30. https://ejournal.musa.or.id/republic/article/view/81
Angeling, Pengenalan, Tsaniya Mahadiva, Challista Najwa Ghinarahima, Chiatha Destalova Azzura, Rita Markus Idulfilastri, and Bianca Marella. “Flashcard: Pengenalan Jenis Dan Regulasi Emosi Pada Anak Usia Dini.” J-Innovative.Org 4 (n.d.): 14795–810. https://doi.org/10.31004/innovative.v4i3.12300
Bagus Sanjaya, Mario, Muhammad Fadlan Rawi Nasution, Arjuna Dwi Maulana, Jl V William Iskandar Ps, Kenangan Baru, and Kec Percut Sei Tuan. “Analisis Perkembangan Kosakata Bahasa Arab Modern: Peluang, Tantangan Dan Strategi Dalam Pembelajaran Di Era Digital.” Ejournal.Kopertais4.or.Id 4 (2024): 54–70. https://drpm.umsida.ac.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Penerima-Penelitian-dan-Abdimas-Hibah-Kemendikbud-Ristek-Tahun-2022.pdf
Education, MF Ansori - Al-Miskawaih: Journal of Science, and undefined 2022. “Kompetensi Pedagogik Guru Dalam Inovasi Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab.” Journal.Centrism.or.Id, n.d. https://doi.org/10.56436/mijose.v1i2.174
Fadila, NAHN, K Koderi, A Sodiq - … Dan Bahasa Arab, and undefined 2025. “STRATEGI PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA ARAB YANG EFEKTIF UNTUK PEMULA.” Jurnal.Politap.Ac.Id, n.d. https://doi.org/10.47435/naskhi.v7i1.3486.
Fajrin, AA, L Hajidah, A Basid - Lisanul Arab: Journal of Arabic, and undefined 2022. “Alih Kode Dan Campur Kode Dalam Proses Pembelajaran Pada Mahasiswa Pascasarjana Pendidikan Bahasa Arab UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang.” Journal.Unnes.Ac.Id, 2022. https://share.google/vjKhHRHs6DqzsGixg
Ghani, NAA, D Diana - Ibrah: Jurnal Pengabdian kepada, and undefined 2023. “Membangun Sinergi Global: Upaya IAI Almuslim Aceh Dalam Peningkatan Kualitas Pendidikan Melalui Kerja Sama Internasional.” Journal.Uinsuna.Ac.Id 2, no. 2 (2023): 3021–8632. https://doi.org/10.47766/ibrah.v2i2.1034.
Hassan, Mehmood Ul, Asma Abdul Aziz, and Muhammad Pervaiz. “Exploring Motivational Success in EFL Learning Strategies Among University Students.” Annals of Human and Social Sciences 3, no. II (2022). https://doi.org/10.35484/ahss.2022(3-ii)10.
Irfan, NAM, … M Zulkarnain - : Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Arab, and undefined 2025. “PENERAPAN METODE ICE BREAKING DALAM MENINGKATKAN PENGUASAAN MUFRODAT BAHASA ARAB PADA SISWA KELAS XB MA DARUL HIKMAH KOTA.” Ejournal.Iaimbima.Ac.Id 9, no. 2 (2025): 423–36. https://doi.org/10.36088/fondatia.v9i2.5741.
Jusman, Media Digital, Berbasis Quizizz, Peningkatan Keterlibatan, Siswa Sekolah Dasar, Windi Putri Handina, Chairan Zibar, L Parisu, and Info Artikel. “Peran Teknologi Pendidikan Dalam Meningkatkan Kualitas Pembelajaran Di Era Digital: Sebuah Studi Literatur.” Jurnal-Unsultra.Ac.Id 5, no. 1 (2025). https://jurnal.ardenjaya.com/index.php/ajup/article/view/1138/741
Joniska, Wwan Saputra, Nevy Agustina, and Zaenal Rafli. “Tren Perkembangan Pendidikan Bahasa Arab Di Era Digital: Suatu Kajian Pustaka.” Ejournal.Kopertais4.or.Id 5, no. 2 (2025): 2774–6100. https://ejournal.kopertais4.or.id/tapalkuda/index.php/LAN/article/view/7083/4129
Kaltsum, Nailah, Afifa Mawada, Nissa Zahra, Silmy Damanik, and Sakholid Nasution. “Analisis Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Kesulitan Belajar Bahasa Arab Siswa Madrasah Aliyah Amalia Medan.” Jurnal.Insanciptamedan.or.Id 4, no. 1 (n.d.): 2025. https://doi.org/10.61721/educandumedia.v4i1.484
KELAS, NAIW Wijayati - PENELITIAN TINDAKAN, and undefined 2022. “Model Kemmis & McTaggart.” Researchgate.Net, n.d. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374848835_Siklus_Kemmis_dan_McTaggart_Contoh_dan_Pembahasan
Khasanah, Nida Ul, Ganjar Yusup Sofian, Agung Heru Setiadi, Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, and Khoirotul Imro’ah Qohar. “Learning Motivation among Students Participating in a Private Arabic Language Program at Al-Fatih Private Tutoring Institution.” Al-Jawhar: Journal of Arabic Language 4, no. 1 (2026): 14–35. 'https://doi.org/10.69493/ajoal.v4i1.92
Maggau, 0.111Q3SJR Q3; 0.111NAABS NANAABDC NAJ-CEKI: Jurnal Cendekia IlmiahFM, … A Fiddienika - J-CEKI: Jurnal Cendekia, and undefined 2025. “Alih Kode Dan Campur Kode Dalam Pembelajaran Ushul Fiqh Di Kulliyatul Mu’allimin Al-Islamiyah Pondok Pesantren Ibadurrohman Baleendah (Kajian.” Journal.Trunojoyo.Ac.Id, 2025. https://doi.org/10.35931/am.v8i2.5188.
Muhammad Samin, Saproni, Alfitri Zulkifli, Harif Supriady, Konsep Lingkungan Bahasa Arab Informal Untuk Perguruan Tinggi, and Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Arab. “Konsep Lingkungan Bahasa Arab Informal Untuk Perguruan Tinggi.” Journal.Uir.Ac.Id, 2023. https://doi.org/10.25299/al-hikmah:jaip.2023.vol20(1).12026
Mukarromah, A, M Andriana - Journal of Science and, and undefined 2022. “Peranan Guru Dalam Mengembangkan Media Pembelajaran.” Jurnal.Insanmulia.or.Id 1, no. 1 (2022). https://doi.org/10.62759/jser.v1i1.7
Mulhakim, I, A Ahmadi, MAS Malisi - -Adab: Jurnal Bahasa Arab, and undefined 2025. “Game Interaktif: Solusi Seru Untuk Meningkatkan Interaksi Dan Keterlibatan Siswa Dalam Belajar Bahasa Arab.” Ejournal.Staialamin.Ac.Id, n.d. https://doi.org/10.54723/jpai.v2i1.306
Muttaqin, Cecep, Nukman Nukman, Ahmad Fadhel Syakir Hidayat, Lita Lestari, Furqon Taufiq, and Ganjar Yusup Sofian. “Students’ Perceptions of ChatGPT as a Learning Aid in Arabic Language Education at Universitas Islam KH. Ruhiat Cipasung.” Borneo Journal of Language and Education 5, no. 2 (July 2025): 269–86. https://doi.org/10.21093/benjole.v5i2.11183.
Sadwika, NAIN, … IK Muada - Jurnal Pendidikan Sejarah Dan Ilmu, and undefined 2025. “Transformasi Bahasa Indonesia: Dari Lingua Franca Ke Bahasa Nasional Dalam Perspektif Historis: Transformation of The Indonesian Language: From Lingua Franca.” Ojs.Mahadewa.Ac.Id, n.d. https://doi.org/10.59672/nirwasita.v6i2.5364
Sanjaya, MB, … MFR Nasution - Jurnal Nirta, and undefined 2024. “Mengoptimalkan Media Teknologi Dalam Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab: Analisis Tantangan Dan Peluang Di Era Digital.” Ejournal.Nlc-Education.or.Id 4, no. 3 (2024). https://ejournal.nlc-education.or.id/index.php/JNSI/article/view/99
Sofian, Ganjar Yusup, Sutaman, R. Taufiqurrochman, Ahmad Fadhel Syakir Hidayat, and Nukman Nukman. “The Effectiveness of AI Based Microlearning Platforms through Vlog Content to Improve Arabic Listening Skills.” Arabiyatuna: Jurnal Bahasa Arab 10, no. 1 SE-Articles (May 1, 2026): 39–62. https://doi.org/10.29240/jba.v10i1.16265.
Sulmayanti, Indah, Tri Lidia Kandau, Yuli Yanti, Universitas Nurul Huda, Ogan Komering Ulu Timur, and Indonesia Penulis Korespondensi. “Pembelajaran Berbasis Games Berbahasa Indonesia Untuk Meningkatkan Motivasi Belajar Di Era Digital.” Dmi-Journals.Org 5, no. 3 (n.d.): 2025. https://dmi-journals.org/deiktis/article/view/1832
Sutinalvi, Vivi, Annisa Harahap, M Yusri, Ali Lubis, Sahkholid Nasution, Alamat : Jln, Willem Iskandar Pasar, et al. “Penggunaan Media Sosial Dalam Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab: Peluang Dan Tantangan.” Journal.Lpkd.or.Id, n.d. https://doi.org/10.59059/mutiara.v3i1.1969.
Ulya, Z, N Wahdah, M Marsiah - Al-Af’idah: Jurnal, and undefined 2024. “Meningkatkan Kemampuan Bahasa Melalui Metode Bernyanyi Dengan Media Audio Visual.” Journal.Barkahpublishing.Com, n.d. https://journal.barkahpublishing.com/index.php/jppg/article/view/126
Yusup, Akmad, Abdul Qodir, Cepi Ramdani akmadyusup, SDN Ciborerang, and Uin Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten. “Penguatan Nilai Spiritual Dan Moral Melalui Pembelajaran Kontekstual Di Era Modern.” Ftk.Uinbanten.Ac.Id 3, no. 1 (2026). https://doi.org/10.32678/tpej.v3i01.12770.
Zikrullah, NAN, N Afrah - Hijri, and undefined 2024. “Strategi Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab Yang Efektif Di Era Digital.” Jurnal.Uinsu.Ac.Id, n.d. http://dx.doi.org/10.30821/hijri.v13i2.23835
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Nurbaiti Maulida Ramadhani, Siti Kholiza Nasution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
