The Challenges of Islamic Education Novice Teachers in Teaching Method in Sarawak’s Secondary Schools
Keywords:
Islamic education, Novice teachers, Phenomenological study, Teaching challenges, Teacher adaptationAbstract
This study explores the challenges encountered by novice Islamic education teachers in secondary schools in Sarawak and how they navigate their early professional experiences. Guided by a phenomenological approach, the research examines teachers’ perceptions, instructional practices, and efforts to sustain Islamic values in diverse classroom contexts. Data were obtained through purposive sampling and semi-structured online interviews, allowing participants to share detailed accounts of their teaching realities. The findings show that while novice teachers demonstrate strong personal commitment and adopt various coping strategies to maintain the goals of Islamic education, they face significant constraints arising from administrative workload, compulsory digital reporting, and limited institutional support. These pressures often reduce their capacity to focus on effective teaching and student engagement. The study highlights the importance of structured mentoring, professional development, and workload management in supporting novice Islamic educators and concludes with implications for policy and practice aimed at strengthening teacher retention and the quality of Islamic education in East Malaysia.
Keywords: Islamic education, Novice Teachers, Phenomenological Study, Teaching Challenges, Teacher Adaptation.
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