CURRENT CHALLENGES AND INNOVATIVE PEDAGOGICAL STRATEGIES FOR JAWI MASTERY IN CONTEMPORARY ISLAMIC PRIMARY EDUCATION

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the contemporary challenges and innovative pedagogical strategies employed in teaching Jawi script within Islamic primary education settings. Through semi-structured interviews with 15 Islamic primary school teachers and focus group discussions with 8 curriculum specialists across Malaysia, this research identifies critical pedagogical gaps, technological integration opportunities, and culturally responsive teaching approaches. The findings reveal that traditional rote-learning methods remain prevalent despite their limited efficacy, while digital literacy gaps, insufficient teacher training, and reduced instructional time pose significant barriers to Jawi mastery. Innovative strategies including gamification, multimodal learning approaches, technology-enhanced instruction, and contextualized cultural pedagogy demonstrate promising outcomes. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on Islamic education by proposing a comprehensive pedagogical framework that integrates traditional Islamic pedagogical values with contemporary instructional technologies. The research emphasizes the urgent need for systematic teacher professional development, curriculum redesign, and policy interventions to ensure the preservation and revitalization of Jawi literacy among young Muslim learners. Implications for educational practice, policy formulation, and future research directions are discussed within the context of maintaining Islamic cultural heritage while embracing pedagogical innovation.