Arabic Learning Orientation in Ma'had and Islamic Boarding Schools, and its Relevance to the Need for Human Resources with Language Skills in the Globalization Era

Abstract

The problem and the aim of the study: The demand for human resources with language skills in the globalization era is very high. This is because many companies require active and passive language skills as the main criteria for workforce recruitment. In Indonesia, Arabic teaching institutions are categorized into two forms, namely those that teach with communication skills orientation (ma'had) and those with an orientation to understand the concept as an Islamic knowledge source (Islamic boarding schools). This difference causes varied output skills of each institution. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze which output is more relevant to the skills needed in this globalization era. Methods: This study was designed with a quantitative approach. The data source was ma'had and Islamic boarding school graduates who continued their studies at the Islamic Faculty of West Sumatra, Muhammadiyah University with a total of 43 students. Furthermore, data were obtained through tests that included four language skills, and then analyzed using ME as well as T test. Results: It was found that ma'had and Islamic boarding school graduates have advantage in language skill. This is based on data which showed that they have advantage in speaking, but weak in reading and writing. Meanwhile, the Islamic boarding school graduates have advantage in reading and writing, but the listening skills of graduates from both institutions are balanced. Conclusion: Language skills in listening and communication aspects are essential as interpreters, tour guides, consultants and other opportunities. Meanwhile, human resources with writing skills are needed in the field of manuscript translation and text analysis. Therefore, both graduates have the same opportunity in the globalization era but with different contents.