A Systematic Approach to Arabic Reading Instruction: Assessing the Saminiyah Method's Effectiveness with Young Learners

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Saminiyah method in enhancing Arabic reading skills among children aged 5-11 years. Arabic language education faces challenges in developing effective reading instruction methods for young learners, as traditional approaches based on rote memorization demonstrate limited effectiveness. The Saminiyah method presents a systematic 8-step framework for Arabic reading instruction. A one-group pretest-posttest design was employed with 50 children from Pekanbaru, Indonesia. Participants received three intervention sessions using the Saminiyah method, which includes systematic instruction in Arabic letters, diacritical marks, letter connections, long vowels, gemination, nunation, feminine markers, and definite articles. Data were collected through standardized pre-test and post-test assessments measuring letter recognition, pronunciation accuracy, and reading fluency. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired sample t-test. The study revealed significant improvements in Arabic reading skills following the intervention. Mean scores increased from 55.10 to 78.40, representing a 42% improvement. Performance categories showed dramatic shifts: children classified as not fluent decreased from 44% to 8%, while those achieving very fluent levels increased from 0% to 42%. The large effect size indicates substantial practical significance. The Saminiyah method demonstrates exceptional effectiveness in enhancing Arabic reading skills among children. The systematic 8-step approach provides a structured, evidence-based framework for Arabic language instruction, contributing to innovative pedagogical approaches in Arabic language education. These findings have important implications for Arabic language education policy, curriculum development, and teacher training programs, particularly in Muslim-majority countries where Arabic literacy is essential. Future research should employ randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up periods, incorporate qualitative data collection methods such as participant interviews, and investigate the method’s effectiveness across different age groups and cultural contexts to strengthen the evidence base and provide more comprehensive insights into the learning process.