The Importance and Status of the Arabic Language
The Arabic language holds undeniable significance and prestige. It is the language chosen by Allah (SWT) for the Quran, making it a core component of the Arab nation’s identity and cultural heritage.
Despite the importance of other academic subjects, Arabic is not merely a school subject. It plays a crucial role in influencing other subjects, as a student’s weakness in Arabic language skills negatively impacts their overall academic performance.
Teaching Arabic at various educational stages aims to develop the four essential language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—along with associated cognitive abilities and cultural dimensions.
In addition to fostering these skills, ensuring high-quality textbooks, competent teachers, and precise language assessment methods is essential. Equally important is considering the final learning outcomes achieved by students and how these outcomes align with real-world applications.
This has given rise to a general educational approach known as Learning-Based Outcomes (LBO). The goal of education is to produce learners proficient in the planned knowledge, skills, and values outlined in curriculum design while also equipping them to adapt effectively to society.
Therefore, measuring and verifying learning outcomes is crucial. Weak learning outcomes can hinder the effectiveness of the educational process, preventing it from achieving its intended objectives.
This highlights the necessity of preparing Arabic language teachers for non-native speakers—not only in terms of specialization but also from a pedagogical perspective. Teachers must be well-versed in differentiated teaching strategies that cater to students’ varying proficiency levels.