Discussion method in enhancing students` learning competence : a case study of Halaqah programme in IIUM

Abstract

The Halaqah (study circle) is a Personality Development Programme being coordinated by the Co-Curricular Activity Centre (CCAC), a Unit of Student Development Programme at the International Islamic University Malaysia. This study investigates the effectiveness of the method of teaching used by the facilitators and chief-facilitators in the Halaqah. The scope of this study was restricted to the CCAC’s Halaqah programme whereby the extent through which interactive group discussion could enhance students’ level of competence was examined. This study identified facilitator-centred as the main problem inhibiting the students’ active participation and fostering competency in the Halaqah. The quantitative research methodology was used. Sample of one hundred and twenty (120) participants were involved. The descriptive statistics, correlation and ANOVA were used for the data analysis. The findings indicated that discussion method could enhance students’ active participation in the Halaqah and there was no significant difference between respondents’ demographic background, their competencies and positive personality traits in the ×alaqah study. It was therefore, recommended that CCAC management should improve the Halaqah modules, curriculum and training of facilitators in order to cater for the students’ awareness, participation, thinking, competence, skills, and foster personality and character of students being students of International Islamic University Malaysia.