Arabic teaching and learning strategies through SMALL: challenges and importance during COVID-19

Abstract

Communication skills and use of technology are considered among the pillars to the teaching effectiveness and facilitation of teachers in the digital age. Both of these elements have been identified as a skill and knowledge that is vital to be mastered by most teachers especially generation X. Therefore, this concept paper discusses teachers’ strategies in the implementation of taeching and learning process (TLP) of Arabic through Social Media Assisted Language Learning (SMALL). This article explains the challenges and importances of using current technology among teachers when virtually implementing TLP. The findings of this study suggest that teachers who teach traditionally need to correct weaknesses in communication skills and technology application first. Teachers cannot avoid following the current changes of TLP of this new era because the demands and needs of technology in education are constantly changing over time. This is because it will be more difficult in the event of a push where TLP is conducted online such as the occurrence of natural disasters and disease outbreaks. Thus, training on the use of technology should be continuously implemented so that the teaching objectives can be achieved optimally and students feel excited to follow the class. Keyword: Arabic, Social Media, Communication, Online Teaching Technology