Adult Learners Understanding in Learning Islam Using the Andragogy Approach in Singapore

Abstract

This study describes adult learners understanding in learning Islam using the andragogy approach in Singapore comprising multicultural and multi-religious society. Singapore is a secular state where freedom of religion is encrypted in the constitution and Malay/Muslim comprises 13.3% of the population. Adults learn Islam to deepen their understanding and to practice the teachings of Islam due to their strong conviction to the religion. To illustrate this study, a qualitative research was adopted. The source of the research data come from the Muslim adult learners who attended the Islamic religious class either at Kampung Siglap Mosque and/or Al-Zuhri Higher Learning Institute. To determine the source of the data, the snowball sampling was used. The emphasis of this study are on adult learners understanding in learning Islam, adult learners approach to learning Islam and adult learners’ transformation from the learning of Islam. The findings of the research illustrate adult learners formulated their own comprehension through their personal experiences. Adult learners initiated their own learning, inquisitive and engaged. They have a preconceived idea of learning the topics based on their needs related to Islam. Adult learners’ eagerness to learn depended on teachers teaching method. They aspired to be responsible Muslim and role model to family members inspired them to achieve their learning goals; having self-confidence and family support facilitates their learning of Islam effectively. The intention establishes on adult learners strengthen their determination to actualize the intention of learning Islam is to succeed in life and the hereafter. The results offer insights on the adult learners learning process in which transformative learning took place in engaging Islam with the divine intervention had transform adult learners.

Keywords: Learning, Islam, Adult, Learners