Pesantren Counselors’ Competence in Addressing Students’ Problems

Abstract

Pesantren (Islamic Boarding Schools) serve an important role in shaping students’ character, morality, and spirituality. In this context, Guidance and Counseling services are needed to support students in dealing with various challenges that arise throughout the educational process. This study aimed to identify students’ problems, analyze counselors’ competency readiness, explore the challenges they face, and describe the case-handling mechanisms at Pondok Pesantren Al-Amien Prenduan Sumenep. The study employed a qualitative approach with a case design. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, and were analyzed through data reduction and conclusion drawing supported by triangulation. The findings showed that students experienced adjustment difficulties, disciplinary issues, and behaviors requiring special attention. Although counselors demonstrated adequate pedagogical, social, personal, anda spiritual competencies, counseling services remained constrained by limited human resources and students’ low openness. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening counselors’ competencies to improve servise effectiveness