<![CDATA[This study aims to analyze students’ academic and non-academic needs as a basis for developing project-based learning at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach conducted at MIN 3 Lhokseumawe. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with the head of the madrasah and six classroom teachers selected purposively based on their knowledge of students’ learning needs and school programs. Data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that students’ needs can be categorized into academic and non-academic needs. Academic needs include difficulties in Mathematics, Indonesian Language, Arabic, Qur’an and Hadith, and Integrated Science and Social Studies (IPAS), particularly multiplication and division, reading and writing, makhraj and tajwid, memorization, and selected topics related to living things and family members. These needs are associated with limited learning time, inadequate learning media, and limited variation in teaching methods. Non-academic needs include strengthening students’ morals, public speaking, social interaction, cooperation, responsibility, and concern for others. The madrasah has responded to these needs through group learning, instructional innovation, public speaking activities, and monthly communal work. However, the development of project-based activities is constrained by limited time and funding. The findings suggest that student needs analysis can provide a practical basis for designing project-based learning that is more aligned with students’ academic and non-academic development. Nevertheless, the identified needs in this study represent the perspectives of teachers and the head of the madrasah and therefore should not be interpreted as direct self-reported needs of students.]]>
