A Project-Based Arabic Journaling Kit: A Creative Learning Medium for Arabic Writing among Students of the Arabic Language Education Study Program at Universitas Negeri Jakarta

Abstract

Arabic writing instruction requires sustained practice and appropriate learning media to support students in developing ideas, vocabulary, and written expression. However, learning in the Kitabah Muwajjahah course still requires greater variation in learning activities and media that can facilitate students’ writing practice and creativity. This study aims to analyze the needs and design an Arabic Journaling Kit as a creative learning medium for Arabic writing instruction based on Project-Based Learning (PjBL). This study employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach using the ADDIE model, limited to the Analysis and Design stages in the reported phase of development. Data were collected through questionnaires, supported by observations and interviews, involving 105 students enrolled in the Kitabah Muwajjahah course in the Arabic Language Education Study Program, Faculty of Language and Arts, Universitas Negeri Jakarta. The data were analyzed descriptively to identify students’ learning difficulties, media needs, interest in journaling and project-based activities, and the features required in the proposed learning medium. The findings indicate that students need more writing practice (mean = 4.37) and more varied learning activities (mean = 4.32). High levels of need were also identified for media that support Arabic writing skills (mean = 4.40), can be used independently (mean = 4.37), integrate creativity with writing activities (mean = 4.32), and provide attractive visual features (mean = 4.24). Based on these findings, the Arabic Journaling Kit was designed by integrating journaling paper, vocabulary cards, activity cards, memo notes, stickers, and washi tape within the themes of learning, family, and vacation. The findings establish the conceptual relevance of the Arabic Journaling Kit as a supporting medium for PjBL-based Arabic writing instruction. Further development, expert validation, implementation, and evaluation are required to determine its feasibility and effectiveness.