Analysis of the Use of the Social Media Platform Instagram (@kursusarab.id) as a Reference Source for Learning Arabic Among Eighth-Grade Students at the Fifth Al-Wasliyah Islamic Middle School in Belawan

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the use of social media, specifically Instagram @kursusarab.id, as a reference source for learning Arabic among eighth-grade students at MTs Al-Wassiliya 05 in Bilwan. The development of digital technology has made it possible to utilize social media as accessible and engaging educational resources for students. Instagram is one of the popular platforms that can serve as an alternative educational tool to help students understand Arabic language material outside the classroom setting. This study adopted a qualitative approach using a descriptive method. The research population consisted of eighth-grade students at MTs Al-Wassiliya 05 in Belawan. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, observation, and documentation. The questionnaire was used to determine the frequency of Instagram use as a learning resource, as well as to gather students’ opinions on the learning content presented there. Interviews were also conducted with the Arabic language teacher and some students to obtain more in-depth information. Observation was used to monitor students’ engagement with the learning content, while documentation served as supporting data. The data was analyzed through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research findings revealed that most students benefit from the Instagram account @kursusarab.id as an additional learning resource. It also revealed that the content provided is engaging and easy to understand, and contributes to increasing students’ motivation to learn. Thus, Instagram can be utilized as one of the effective alternative educational tools to support the Arabic language learning process.