Improving Arabic Reading Interest and Learning Outcomes Through Visual Media in Modern Islamic Boarding Schools

Abstract

The problem of low student interest and poor learning outcomes in Arabic reading comprehension (Muthola'ah) remains a significant challenge in language education, primarily due to monotonous teaching methods and the lack of engaging instructional media. This study aims to investigate the implementation of visual media to enhance student interest and learning outcomes in the Muthola'ah course. Utilizing a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design, this study involved 21 male students from Class 1 Intensive D at Kulliyatul Mu'allimin Al-Islamiyah, PMDG Campus 9 Kalianda. Data were collected through direct observation, questionnaires, and tests across two iterative cycles comprising planning, action, observation, and reflection phases. The results indicate a substantial improvement in both metrics. In the pre-cycle, classical completeness was a mere 33.3%, which escalated to 61% in Cycle I, and peaked at 90% in Cycle II. Concurrently, student interest reached 89%, categorized as very good. These findings demonstrate that visual media effectively concretizes abstract concepts, thereby significantly elevating student motivation and learning achievement in Arabic reading.