Quran Memorization as a Vital Identification Process of Gifted and Talented Muslim Students

Abstract

Students for gifted program are usually selected using the traditional methods of identification (i.e., IQ and standardized achievement tests). Even for Malaysia gifted education program known as GENIUS program, the established methods such as intelligence tests are the yardstick for selecting students who are identified as gifted. GENIUS Insan, however, is a program that requires the gifted students to not only achieve high score in the standardized intelligence test, but also display the ability to memorize verses of Quran and recite them according to the correct tajweed (rules of Quran recitation). The students are also required to memorize the verses in a specific given amount of time. This study analyzed the identification process for gifted Muslim students for the 2021 cohort of Kolej GENIUS Insan, USIM in using Quran memorization as a method in identifying the qualified students for the program. The process involved a group of 232 candidates who had managed to score 130 marks and above in the standardized intelligence tests known as UKM1 and UKM2. These students were later tested individually for their ability to memorize and recite the selected verses pre-arranged for them. Those who fulfilled the criteria set by the college were offered to join the program at Kolej GENIUS Insan. Analyzing and understanding the data of the selection process and the outcome of the organized memorization test would help address the need to improve the identification method and make this selection process an effective way in drafting gifted and talented Muslim students to Kolej GENIUS Insan, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.