Challenges and Elements Needed for Children with Learning Disabilities in Teaching and Learning the Quran

Abstract

People with disabilities have the same right to access education and, therefore, the space and opportunity to study the Quran as other groups. However, there are some issues regarding the teaching of the Quran to students with special learning needs, such as from the aspects of the level of readiness of teachers, the mastery of Islamic Education among teachers who teach Special Education, and the use of teaching aids to teach the Quran. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the challenges, the need to develop a model of teaching and learning the Quran, elements to be included in the development of Quranic teaching, and a learning model for children with learning disabilities. A qualitative methodology was adopted using a case study design. The sample consisted of eight informants who volunteered to be involved in this research. The results show that there are seven main challenges in the teaching and learning of children with learning disabilities, i.e., a lack of stimulus materials, a lack of knowledge, limited time, uncontrolled behavior, traditional teaching, disabilities, and a lack of parental commitment. Thereafter, three themes arose in terms of identifying why it is necessary to develop Quran teaching and learning models for children with learning disabilities, such as the lack of an up-to-date model and the right to education. In addition, there were four themes concerning the elements that need to be included in the development of teaching and learning models for the Quran for children with learning disabilities, i.e., digital teaching aids, visual, audio, and kinesthetic learning styles, activities graded by the level of ability, and sensory support. It is hoped that this study will provide guidance to teachers to further strengthen the teaching profession pertaining to educating children with learning disabilities.