Implementing Muhadharah To Develop Santri's Speaking Skills and Self-Confidence At Al-Fattah Islamic Boarding School, Bungo

Abstract

Public speaking skills and self-confidence are essential competencies for santri, yet many students in Islamic boarding schools face linguistic and psychological barriers when speaking before an audience. This study aims to analyse the implementation of muhadharah (speech practice) and its role in developing santri's speaking skills and self-confidence at Pondok Pesantren Al-Fattah, Bungo, Jambi. A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews and documentation involving nine key informants and were analysed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman and Saldaña. Trustworthiness was established through source triangulation, method triangulation and member checking. The findings show that muhadharah is implemented in a structured manner in three languages (Arabic, Indonesian and English) with a tiered progression and rubric-based evaluation. The activity improves articulation, enriches vocabulary and trains argument construction, and it builds self-confidence through psychological safety, habituation and peer appreciation. The commitment of the kyai and adequate facilities support the programme, while initial speaking anxiety is overcome through intensive mentoring. The study concludes that muhadharah functions as a psychopedagogical intervention rather than merely a language-teaching method, and that its structured, tiered model merits adoption by other pesantren.