The Role of the Environment and Teachers at Al-Bayan Academy for Quranic Education in Fostering Creative Thinking Among Yemeni Community Students in Malaysia

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role of the educational environment and teachers at Al-Bayan Academy in fostering creative thinking among Yemeni community students in Malaysia. The study adopted a quantitative case-study approach using a questionnaire administered to a random sample of 39 male and female students from different age groups and educational levels. The data were analyzed using SPSS through frequencies, percentages, weighted means, standard deviations, validity and reliability testing, and relevant statistical procedures. The findings show that the educational environment at the Academy contributes positively to developing students’ creative thinking. In particular, 82% of respondents agreed that the number of hours allocated for learning supports the development of creative thinking, while 77% indicated that the Academy’s physical and educational setting motivates innovative thinking. However, the administration’s role in encouraging creativity received a lower agreement rate of 66.6%, indicating the need for further administrative support and structured creativity-based programs. Regarding the role of teachers, 92.3% of students affirmed that teachers encourage interaction and discussion, reflecting a strong pedagogical foundation for creative thinking. Nevertheless, only 64.1% agreed that teachers directly encourage new ideas and critique them, suggesting a need for more systematic teaching strategies that promote innovation. The study is significant because it highlights the potential of Qur’an memorization circles to move beyond rote learning toward reflective, interactive, and creative learning. It recommends developing the Academy’s educational programs, training teachers in creativity-oriented pedagogy, strengthening community collaboration, and providing technological resources to enhance Qur’anic education and foster students’ creative-thinking skills.