Challenges in Teaching English in Indonesian Islamic Boarding Schools

Strategic Insights -

The integration of technology in teaching English faces significant hurdles in Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia. Research conducted by Universitas Negeri Malang has revealed that despite the reluctance to use technology, English teachers in these schools employ traditional methods, are limited by a lack of competence and teaching resources, and often fail to adapt to the digital era. The study highlights the need for teacher training and improved teaching methods to enhance English language instruction.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that despite the digital revolution, traditional teaching methods are still prevalent in Indonesian Islamic boarding schools.
  • English teachers in these schools do not refuse the existence of technology but do not use it as the primary method of learning in the classroom.
  • The study identified challenges in teaching English as traditional learning methods, monotonous classroom atmosphere, lack of teacher competence, and lack of teaching sources.
  • The research concluded that teacher training, improved teaching methods, and teaching sources are essential to address these challenges.
  • The study employed a qualitative method using interviews and observations to collect data from English teachers in Islamic boarding schools.
  • The findings emphasize the need for innovative approaches to teaching English in a digital age, balancing tradition and modernity in education.

Statistics:

  • The study collected data from 20 English teachers in Islamic boarding schools.
  • The research revealed that the educational pattern at pesantren fulfilled the characteristics of a modern pesantren with formal and informal education systems (ELTALL, 2025).
  • The study found that English teachers in these schools do not refuse the existence of technology but use it as a supplementary tool rather than the primary method of learning (ELTALL, 2025).
  • The research highlighted that traditional learning methods, monotonous classroom atmosphere, lack of teacher competence, and lack of teaching sources are the main challenges in teaching English in Indonesian Islamic boarding schools.

Sources:

  • ELTALL. (2025). English Language Teaching in Islamic Boarding School: Navigating the Digital Revolution. ELTALL, 6(1), 24-30.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.21154/eltall.v6i1.10827