In many pesantren, especially in modern ones with formal teacher training programs, there is a practicum known as Amaliyah Tadris, or teaching practice, designed to train students as future educators. Students approaching the end of their study period are required to participate in Amaliyah Tadris as a hands-on teaching exercise.
In practice, Amaliyah Tadris allows students to step into the role of a teacher, typically by instructing a specific subject while being observed by 2-3 supervisors (musyrif) and a group of peers who serve as evaluators (muntaqid).
The Amaliyah Tadris program is often a comprehensive, carefully planned sequence that begins long before the actual teaching begins. The stages include orientation and preparation, syllabus drafting (i’dadut tadris), the official program launch, practicum implementation, and a formal closing.
During the orientation phase, students are equipped with essential teaching skills, such as effective lesson delivery, creating an engaging and conducive learning environment, and understanding the responsibilities and characteristics expected of a teacher. Training also includes instructions on managing student groups and class dynamics to ensure Amaliyah Tadris is both successful and realistic in preparing students for the teacher’s role.
Following orientation, students receive guidance on drafting their syllabi or i’dadut tadris. They often base their drafts on syllabi from alumni, supplemented by instructional books and team mentors. While drafting may only take about 1-2 weeks, it requires precision and input from mentors to ensure the syllabus is thorough and useful for the practicum process.
Once all preparations are complete, the pesantren formally launches the Amaliyah Tadris agenda. This official opening is led by the school’s administration, and from then on, senior students begin their teaching practicum. Completion of Amaliyah Tadris is typically a graduation requirement.