This research is motivated by the direct method taught by lecturers at Ma’had Al Imam Malik Purwokerto, which has proven to be less effective and does not meet the target speaking proficiency, especially for students without a background in Islamic boarding schools. As a result, students struggle with pronunciation and conversation in Arabic. The purpose of this study is to examine the implementation of the direct method and evaluate the outcomes of its application in teaching Arabic speaking skills to students. Additionally, this research aims to identify the challenges faced by lecturers in improving the speaking abilities of students at Ma’had Al Imam Malik Purwokerto.
This research is descriptive qualitative study conducted at Ma’had Al Imam Malik Purwokerto, with research subjects including students, the director, lecturers, and staff of Ma’had Al Imam Malik Purwokerto. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis techniques encompass data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions.
The research results indicate that the implementation of the direct method in Arabic language learning for improving the speaking skills of students at Ma'had Al Imam Malik Purwokerto is carried out in three stages. The opening activities begin with preparing the class, reciting the basmallah and a prayer, and reviewing the previous material. In the main activities, the instructor pronounces new vocabulary, which the students listen to, followed by imitation, explanation of the meaning, interpretation by the students, and group practice. Finally, additional tasks are given for muroja'ah (revision). The closing activities are marked by the kafaratul majlis prayer. These stages have been shown to improve the students' speaking abilities at Ma'had Al Imam Malik Purwokerto, as evidenced by the students' fluency in pronouncing each vocabulary word and the significant improvement in oral exam results each semester.