Practice to Theory of Learning: A Lesson Learned From Islamic Boarding School in South Tapanuli of Indonesia

Purpose of the study: This research was aimed at constructing a new theory of learning from traditional practice which could give a significant contribution to the educational model. This research was conducted to seek the theory learning and model of teaching of Pondok Pesantren (Islamic Boarding School with Salafi system) in South Tapanuli of Indonesia. Methodology: A qualitative research design was applied to seek the data in the Islamic Boarding School for constructing a theory of learning. This research applied an observation and interview techniques to collect the data from Islamic boarding school Darussalam Parmeraan (PDP) of the Dolok District of South Tapanuli, North Sumatra Province of Indonesia. Main Findings: Data revealed that Sorongan and Halaqoh techniques (circling forum in group learning and discussion models), not like the formal school model in the classrooms, have been more effective in two terms; solidarity and control. Sorong and Halaqoh have been preferred to be practiced in that Islamic Boarding School for many years. This study recommends that theory. Applications of this study: The data obtained of teaching methods in Islamic Boarding School Darussalam Parmeraan (PDP) give the alternative teaching techniques such as Sorongan in which learners put into the circling forum which makes the learners are close to instructors and Halaqoh where the Islamic teachings motivate them to learn more intensively. Those two techniques could be applied to formal school, not only in the Pondok pesantren area. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study offered the system of Pondok pesantren traditional practice of teaching techniques of Sorongan and Hallaq of Pondok Pesantren which have been originally rooted in Islamic teachings in Southeast Asia for modern schools. Those techniques could be transferred to formal school; as learning practice that gives democratic education and contributes to training learners in formal schools.