UNIDA Gontor — On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Teaching Practice was held by the English Language Teaching Department of UNIDA Gontor, one of the Best Islamic University in Indonesia, in collaboration with the teachers of Pesantren Anak Sholeh Baitul Qur’an (PASBQ) Ponorogo. The activity was attended by TBI lecturers, TBI students, and teachers of PAS BQ as discussion partners. This FGD was a form of community service as well as an effort to strengthen collaboration to improve the quality of English language learning at the elementary level.
In the discussion session, Ustadz Berxy as an English teacher conveyed the various obstacles faced in the learning process. One of them is the limitation of students’ vocabulary, especially in low grades, so that the use of existing textbooks feels quite heavy for them. Teachers also expressed their desire to develop independent textbooks that are more in line with the characteristics and needs of students. In addition, the condition of infrastructure facilities such as TVs, projectors, and laboratories that are not fully adequate is an important concern that needs to be fixed to support optimal learning.
The FGD also emphasized the importance of using more active, varied, and fun learning methods. Teachers agree that approaches such as gamification, singing, and kinesthetic-based learning are very effective in attracting students’ focus, especially for those who quickly get bored with theoretical material. Teachers are also given flexibility in choosing learning media, including the use of educational videos from YouTube. In addition, a fun learning approach outside the classroom is recommended as a strategy to increase student enthusiasm and engagement.
The discussion continued on the implementation of vocabulary memorization deposits in grade 6. Although the program is already running, it does not have a clear target considering that students also have other memorization obligations such as mahfudzot, hadith, and the Qur’an. In addition, language extracurriculars in schools are still more focused on preparing for competitions than comprehensively improving English skills. This is a note to direct extracurricular activities to play a greater role in developing students’ language competence.
At the lower grade level, Ustadz Aries, as the Coordinator of TBI Department, emphasized that students at this level do not have a mature learning awareness so that they require a concrete and applicable learning approach. An example of practice that has been carried out is the activity of students bringing fruits and stoves for cooking activities while introducing English vocabulary directly. This real-life experience-based activity is considered very effective in increasing students’ understanding, interest, and active participation.
In addition to the FGD, 5 TBI students from this Best Islamic University were also given the opportunity to practice teaching directly in classes 6B and 6C. This activity is an important means for students to train pedagogic skills, strengthen confidence, and mentally prepare as prospective professional teachers in the future. This teaching practice is running well and has received appreciation from the school, because it can provide real experience for students while adding a variety of learning for students.
Author: Muhammad Ivan Anugerah Hadi
Editor : Ahmad Ma’ruf Muzaidin Arrosit
