Managing Arabic Language Curricula in Islamic Higher Education: Alignment, Evaluation, and Digital Transformation

Authors

  • Menik Mahmudah Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang Author
  • Moh. Ainin Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang Author
  • Rizki Yatul Mahmuda Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang Author
  • Nur Aunie Batrisya International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Author
  • Heykal Fikri Universitas Islam Internasional Darullughah Wadda'wah, Pasuruan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.68299/nsetef70

Keywords:

Arabic Language Curriculum, Curriculum Management, Islamic Higher Education, Digital Transformation, Curriculum Evaluation

Abstract

Arabic language curriculum management in Islamic higher education remains a critical issue because Arabic functions not only as a communicative language but also as a medium of Islamic scholarship, academic literacy, and professional competence. However, existing curriculum practices are often fragmented, with planning, implementation, assessment, evaluation, and digital innovation treated as separate institutional activities. This study aims to examine how Arabic language curricula are planned, aligned, implemented, evaluated, and digitally transformed in Islamic higher education. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through curriculum documents, course syllabi, classroom observations, LMS activity records, field notes, and semi-structured interviews with Arabic lecturers, curriculum managers, students, and digital learning administrators at an Indonesian Islamic higher education institution. The findings reveal six interrelated themes: curriculum planning based on needs analysis and institutional vision; constructive alignment among outcomes, materials, pedagogy, and assessment; CEFR-informed adaptation for Islamic and Arabic academic literacy; lecturer competence and TPACK; CIPP-based curriculum evaluation; and digital transformation in curriculum management. The study shows that Arabic curriculum quality depends on transforming curriculum management from a document-based administrative routine into a cyclical, evidence-informed, and digitally responsive quality assurance process. Theoretically, this study proposes the Integrated Arabic Curriculum Management Framework (IACMF), which connects language curriculum theory, Islamic academic literacy, constructive alignment, CIPP evaluation, lecturer competence, and digital pedagogy within Islamic higher education.

References

Abdul Ghani, M. T., Hamzah, M., Wan Daud, W. A. A., & Muhamad Romli, T. R. (2022). The impact of mobile digital game in learning Arabic language at tertiary level. Contemporary Educational Technology, 14(1), ep344. DOI: 10.30935/cedtech/11480

Abdullah, M. R., Yaakob, M. A., Zulkifli, M. F., & Sahrir, M. S. (2023). A review of studies related to Arabic language learning based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR). Ijaz Arabi Journal of Arabic Learning, 6(2), 463–475. DOI: 10.18860/ijazarabi.v6i2.20386

Al-Abdullatif, A. M., & Aldoghan, M. A. (2022). Using digital learning platforms for teaching Arabic literacy: A post-pandemic mobile learning scenario in Saudi Arabia. Sustainability, 14(19), 11868. DOI: 10.3390/su141911868

Alderson, J. C. (2007). The CEFR and the need for more research. The Modern Language Journal, 91(4), 659–663. DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-4781.2007.00627_4.x

Alhawary, M. T. (Ed.). (2018). The Routledge handbook of Arabic second language acquisition. Routledge. DOI: 10.4324/9781315674261

Alzahrani, A. (2024). LexArabic: A receptive vocabulary size test to estimate Arabic proficiency. Behavior Research Methods, 56, 5529–5556. DOI: 10.3758/s13428-023-02286-z

Amrina, Iswantir, M., Mudinillah, A., & Noor, A. F. M. (2022). The contribution of Arabic learning to improve religious materials for students. Ijaz Arabi Journal of Arabic Learning, 5(1). DOI: 10.18860/ijazarabi.v5i1.15066

Biggs, J. (1996). Enhancing teaching through constructive alignment. Higher Education, 32, 347–364. DOI: 10.1007/BF00138871

Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (2010). Inside the black box: Raising standards through classroom assessment. Phi Delta Kappan, 92(1), 81–90. DOI: 10.1177/003172171009200119

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021a). One size fits all? What counts as quality practice in reflexive thematic analysis? Qualitative Research in Psychology, 18(3), 328–352. DOI: 10.1080/14780887.2020.1769238

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021b). To saturate or not to saturate? Questioning data saturation as a useful concept for thematic analysis and sample-size rationales. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 13(2), 201–216. DOI: 10.1080/2159676X.2019.1704846

Busetto, L., Wick, W., & Gumbinger, C. (2020). How to use and assess qualitative research methods. Neurological Research and Practice, 2, 14. DOI: 10.1186/s42466-020-00059-z

Canale, M., & Swain, M. (1980). Theoretical bases of communicative approaches to second language teaching and testing. Applied Linguistics, 1(1), 1–47. DOI: 10.1093/applin/I.1.1

Castro Benavides, L. M., Tamayo Arias, J. A., Arango Serna, M. D., Branch Bedoya, J. W., & Burgos, D. (2020). Digital transformation in higher education institutions: A systematic literature review. Sensors, 20(11), 3291. DOI: 10.3390/s20113291

Crompton, H., & Burke, D. (2023). Artificial intelligence in higher education: The state of the field. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 20, 22. DOI: 10.1186/s41239-023-00392-8

Ellis, R., Skehan, P., Li, S., Shintani, N., & Lambert, C. (2019). Task-based language teaching: Theory and practice. Cambridge University Press. DOI: 10.1017/9781108643689

Fika, N., Salimah, Suherni, E. S., Atiqoh, Nasiruddin, & Uyuni, Y. R. (2023). Manajemen kurikulum pembelajaran bahasa Arab di Madrasah Aliyah. Journal on Education, 6(1). DOI: 10.31004/joe.v6i1.4129

Gazali, E., & Saefuloh, H. (2023). Development of an Arabic receptive proficiency test instrument based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Al-Ta’rib: Jurnal Ilmiah Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Arab, 11(2), 293–308. DOI: 10.23971/altarib.v11i2.6721

Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Qadri, M. A., & Suman, R. (2022). Understanding the role of digital technologies in education: A review. Sustainable Operations and Computers, 3, 275–285. DOI: 10.1016/j.susoc.2022.05.004

Hyland, K., & Thompson, P. (Eds.). (2016). The Routledge handbook of English for academic purposes. Routledge. DOI: 10.4324/9781315657455

Irwanto. (2021). Research trends in technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK): A systematic literature review from 2010 to 2021. European Journal of Educational Research, 10(4), 2045–2054. DOI: 10.12973/eu-jer.10.4.2045

Jasso-Aguilar, R. (1999). Sources, methods and triangulation in needs analysis: A critical perspective in a case study of Waikiki hotel maids. English for Specific Purposes, 18(1), 27–46. DOI: 10.1016/S0889-4906(97)00048-3

Khotijah, K., Suhairi, S., & Has, Q. A. B. (2024). Religious moderation perspectives on Arabic language learning for Islamic boarding schools in Lampung. Ijaz Arabi Journal of Arabic Learning, 7(1). DOI: 10.18860/ijazarabi.v7i1.17811

Kukulska-Hulme, A., & Shield, L. (2008). An overview of mobile assisted language learning: From content delivery to supported collaboration and interaction. ReCALL, 20(3), 271–289. DOI: 10.1017/S0958344008000335

Levitt, H. M., Bamberg, M., Creswell, J. W., Frost, D. M., Josselson, R., & Suárez-Orozco, C. (2018). Journal article reporting standards for qualitative primary, qualitative meta-analytic, and mixed methods research in psychology. American Psychologist, 73(1), 26–46. DOI: 10.1037/amp0000151

Long, M. H. (Ed.). (2005). Second language needs analysis. Cambridge University Press. DOI: 10.1017/CBO9780511667299

Loughlin, C., Lygo-Baker, S., & Lindberg-Sand, Å. (2021). Reclaiming constructive alignment. European Journal of Higher Education, 11(2), 119–136. DOI: 10.1080/21568235.2020.1816197

Mahmudah, U., & Musthofa, T. (2023). Reading skills learning in the “Arabic-Online.net” application by Saudi Electronic University based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Scaffolding: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam dan Multikulturalisme, 5(3), 370–385. DOI: 10.37680/scaffolding.v5i3.3377

Mishra, P., & Koehler, M. J. (2006). Technological pedagogical content knowledge: A framework for teacher knowledge. Teachers College Record, 108(6), 1017–1054. DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9620.2006.00684.x

Mohamed, S. (2023). The development of an Arabic curriculum framework based on a compilation of salient features from CEFR level descriptors. The Language Learning Journal, 51(1), 33–47. DOI: 10.1080/09571736.2021.1923781

Muhlis, W., Rahmayanti, I., Fitrah, I. J., Muhamad, S., & Hattab, M. (2024). Digitalization of Arabic language learning through social media. Ijaz Arabi Journal of Arabic Learning, 7(1). DOI: 10.18860/ijazarabi.v7i1.23680

Musthofa, T. (2022). CEFR-based policy in Arabic language teaching and cultural dimension in Indonesian Islamic higher education. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 8(2), 96–107. DOI: 10.32601/ejal.911545

Nation, I. S. P., & Macalister, J. (2010). Language curriculum design. Routledge. DOI: 10.4324/9780203870730

Norris, J. M., & Ortega, L. (2000). Effectiveness of L2 instruction: A research synthesis and quantitative meta-analysis. Language Learning, 50(3), 417–528. DOI: 10.1111/0023-8333.00136

Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1), 1–13. DOI: 10.1177/1609406917733847

Nurbayan, Y., Sauri, S., & Sanusi, A. (2021). Developing an international standardized Arabic language education curriculum: Introducing a conception-focused design and outcome. Al-Ta’rib: Jurnal Ilmiah Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Arab, 9(2), 155–172. DOI: 10.23971/altarib.v9i2.3264

O’Brien, B. C., Harris, I. B., Beckman, T. J., Reed, D. A., & Cook, D. A. (2014). Standards for reporting qualitative research: A synthesis of recommendations. Academic Medicine, 89(9), 1245–1251. DOI: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000000388

Pereira, E., Nsair, S., Pereira, L. R., & Grant, K. (2024). Constructive alignment in a graduate-level project management course: An innovative framework using large language models. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 21, 25. DOI: 10.1186/s41239-024-00457-2

Piccardo, E., & North, B. (2019). The action-oriented approach: A dynamic vision of language education. Multilingual Matters. DOI: 10.21832/9781788924351

Richards, J. C. (2021). Curriculum development in language teaching (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. DOI: 10.1017/9781009024556

Ritonga, M., Febriani, S. R., Kustati, M., Khaef, E., Ritonga, A. W., & Yasmar, R. (2022). Duolingo: An Arabic speaking skills’ learning platform for andragogy education. Education Research International, 2022, 7090752. DOI: 10.1155/2022/7090752

Ritonga, M., Mudinillah, A., Ardinal, E., Tauhid, T., & Nurdianto, T. (2024). Enhancing Arabic language learning in higher education: Leveraging e-campus as an online learning and evaluation platform. Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun, 12(2), 491–516. DOI: 10.26811/peuradeun.v12i2.1103

Roßnagel, C. S., Lo Baido, K., & Fitzallen, N. (2021). Revisiting the relationship between constructive alignment and learning approaches: A perceived alignment perspective. PLOS ONE, 16(8), e0253949. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253949

Rudisunhaji, M. A., Dewi, I. S., Nurcholis, A., & Hidayatullah, S. I. (2024). Competency-based Arabic language learning in Madrasah Aliyah. Ijaz Arabi Journal of Arabic Learning, 7(1). DOI: 10.18860/ijazarabi.v7i1.20910

Sankaran, S., & Saad, N. (2022). Evaluating the Bachelor of Education program based on the Context, Input, Process, and Product model. Frontiers in Education, 7, 924374. DOI: 10.3389/feduc.2022.924374

Schmid, M., Brianza, E., & Petko, D. (2021). Self-reported technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) of pre-service teachers in relation to digital technology use in lesson plans. Computers in Human Behavior, 115, 106586. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2020.106586

Schmid, M., Brianza, E., Mok, S. Y., & Petko, D. (2024). Running in circles: A systematic review of reviews on technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK). Computers & Education, 214, 105024. DOI: 10.1016/j.compedu.2024.105024

Shulman, L. S. (1986). Those who understand: Knowledge growth in teaching. Educational Researcher, 15(2), 4–14. DOI: 10.3102/0013189X015002004

Stufflebeam, D. L. (2003). The CIPP model for evaluation. In T. Kellaghan, D. L. Stufflebeam, & L. A. Wingate (Eds.), International handbook of educational evaluation (pp. 31–62). Springer. DOI: 10.1007/978-94-010-0309-4_4

Tong, A., Sainsbury, P., & Craig, J. (2007). Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research: A 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 19(6), 349–357. DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzm042

Wang, S., & Vásquez, C. (2012). Web 2.0 and second language learning: What does the research tell us? CALICO Journal, 29(3), 412–430. DOI: 10.11139/cj.29.3.412-430

Widodo, S. A., & Setiyawan, A. (2021). Refirming understanding about Arabic curriculum management: Concept, characteristics, and study area. LISANIA: Journal of Arabic Education and Literature, 5(1), 53–70. DOI: 10.18326/lisania.v5i1.53-70

Zawacki-Richter, O., Marín, V. I., Bond, M., & Gouverneur, F. (2019). Systematic review of research on artificial intelligence applications in higher education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 16, 39. DOI: 10.1186/s41239-019-0171-0

Downloads

Published

2026-05-30

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Managing Arabic Language Curricula in Islamic Higher Education: Alignment, Evaluation, and Digital Transformation. (2026). ELBASH : Journal of Social Science and Education, 1(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.68299/nsetef70