Pesantren Curriculum at An-Nursali Binjai Found to Strengthen Students’ 21st-Century Skills
A recent study by researchers from the University of Pembangunan Panca Budi, Indonesia shows that the curriculum at An-Nursali Islamic Boarding School in Binjai effectively develops essential 21st-century skills among students, known as santri. The research was conducted by Muhammad Fachrul Rozy, Bahtiar Siregar, and Muhammad Zakaria, and published in 2026 in the International Journal of Contemporary Sciences (IJCS).
The study highlights how an integrated pesantren curriculum combining religious education, academic subjects, and daily institutional practices helps students build critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and leadership skills. These competencies are widely recognized as necessary for students to navigate modern social, technological, and professional challenges.
A Growing Focus on 21st-Century Skills in Education
Around the world, education systems are shifting away from traditional rote learning toward the development of broader competencies. Skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity are increasingly viewed as essential for preparing young people to succeed in rapidly changing societies.
However, much of the research on these competencies has focused on formal secular schools. Islamic boarding schools, or pesantren, have historically been studied primarily for their role in religious teaching and character formation.
This gap in research prompted the team from the University of Pembangunan Panca Budi to investigate whether pesantren education also contributes to modern skill development. The researchers chose An-Nursali Islamic Boarding School in Binjai, North Sumatra, as a case study because it integrates traditional Islamic education with modern academic subjects.
The study demonstrates that pesantren can serve as a unique educational model that blends religious values with contemporary learning competencies.
How the Research Was Conducted
The research used a qualitative case study design during the 2025–2026 academic year. Data were collected directly at An-Nursali Islamic Boarding School through several methods:
- Classroom and activity observations of learning practices and student interactions
- Semi-structured interviews with school leaders, teachers (ustadz), and students
- Document analysis, including curriculum materials, lesson plans, and institutional records
Participants were selected through purposive sampling, focusing on individuals directly involved in implementing the pesantren curriculum.
The researchers then applied thematic analysis to identify patterns in curriculum structure, teaching strategies, and institutional culture that contribute to the development of 21st-century skills.
Key Findings
The study found that the curriculum at An-Nursali Islamic Boarding School is implemented through an integrated educational framework combining three main components:
- Religious instruction (diniyah)
- Formal academic subjects such as mathematics, science, and languages
- Character-building and community activities
This integrated system ensures that learning occurs not only in classrooms but also through daily routines and social interactions.
1. Structured Daily Learning Environment
Students participate in a balanced schedule that includes:
- Qur’an memorization sessions
- Islamic studies such as Fiqh, Hadith, and Tafsir
- Formal academic classes
- Group study and religious discussions
This structure ensures that intellectual development and spiritual education occur simultaneously.
2. Experiential and Skill-Oriented Activities
Santri at An-Nursali regularly take part in activities designed to strengthen practical competencies:
- Community service projects such as charity drives and environmental campaigns
- Student-organized religious and social events
- Group discussions on religious and social issues
- Peer tutoring and collaborative problem solving
These activities help students practice communication, teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking in real-life situations.
3. Leadership and Responsibility Through Student Life
Life in the dormitory environment also plays a significant educational role. Students manage daily responsibilities such as:
- Organizing study groups
- Maintaining shared living spaces
- Participating in student councils and committees
These routines foster independence, accountability, time management, and teamwork.
4. The Role of Institutional Culture
The study emphasizes the importance of a “hidden curriculum.” Beyond formal lessons, the pesantren environment shapes character and interpersonal skills through:
- Communal prayers and religious practices
- Conflict resolution among students
- Social outreach activities and community engagement
These experiences help develop emotional regulation, empathy, and collaboration.
Real-World Implications
The findings suggest that pesantren education can play a significant role in preparing students for modern life while preserving Islamic values.
The integrated curriculum at An-Nursali demonstrates that traditional religious institutions can adapt to contemporary educational needs without losing their identity.
Potential implications include:
- Education policy: Policymakers can consider pesantren models when designing holistic education systems that combine academic learning and character development.
- Islamic education reform: Pesantren can integrate modern competencies while maintaining classical Islamic teachings.
- Workforce preparation: Graduates gain skills such as leadership, communication, and collaboration that are valuable in professional environments.
- Community development: Social service programs conducted by students promote civic responsibility and community engagement.
Academic Perspective
Lead author Muhammad Fachrul Rozy of the University of Pembangunan Panca Budi explains that pesantren curricula can serve as more than religious frameworks.
According to Rozy and his colleagues, the study demonstrates that the pesantren curriculum “functions as a holistic educational system capable of supporting competencies associated with twenty-first-century education.”
The research also shows that curriculum implementation in pesantren works not only through formal classroom instruction but also through everyday institutional practices and student responsibilities.
Author Profile
Their work focuses on curriculum innovation, Islamic education systems, and the integration of traditional learning with modern educational competencies.
Source
- Title: Implementation of the Pesantren Curriculum in Developing 21st Century Skills of Santri at An-Nursali Islamic Boarding School, Binjai
- Journal: International Journal of Contemporary Sciences (IJCS)
- Year: 2026
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/8zh08805
- URL Jurnal: https://journalijcs.my.id/index.php/ijcs
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