Understanding “Service Learning” in a Traditional Islamic Boarding Schools in Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract

Traditional Islamic educational institution, known as Dayah, has been popular in Aceh for their ability to produce highly qualified Muslim scholars. This popularity was due to its ability to implement a special type of learning strategy known as beut pubeut or service learning (SL) in the Dayah across Aceh. In spite of the emergence of modern teaching approach, the SL in the Dayah is persistent. Therefore, this research aims to discuss the nature of SL and its strengths and investigate the effectiveness of the SL as implemented in the Dayah. As this is a qualitative study, the data for this research was collected through observation and interviews. The data were analyzed through qualitative procedures, such as coding techniques, and showed several important findings. First, the SL implemented by the Dayah has played an important role in producing charismatic Muslim scholars/Ulema in Aceh. Second, the combination of the SL and modern teaching strategies helps develop students’ competence. Third, internal and external support greatly influences the effective implementation of SL. This study suggests that the service learning with some adjustments needs to be maintained as it benefits not only students and dayah but the community as well.