Design Of The Implementation Of Islamic Religious Education In Strengthening The Religious Character Of Students In The Era Of The Independent Curriculum

Abstract

Islamic Religious Education (PAI) plays a central role in strengthening students' religious character as part of the mandate of national education, particularly within the context of the Independent Curriculum implementation. This study aims to describe and analyze the design of PAI implementation focusing on the integration of Islamic values in both classroom instruction and school culture to foster students' religious character at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Datarang.

This research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with teachers and the principal, and documentation of students’ religious activities. The data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model, which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing.

The findings reveal that the design of PAI implementation within the Independent Curriculum framework involves value-based learning through participatory lectures, reflective discussions, and contextual case studies. The reinforcement of religious character is also carried out through school culture practices such as daily Qur’an recitation (tadarus), congregational Dhuha prayer, and the habituation of greetings and courteous behavior. The role of teachers as role models and the synergy between the school and parents are proven to be key elements in the success of the program. Nevertheless, challenges arise in the form of inconsistent teacher modeling and insufficient support from students' social environments.

The study concludes that an integrative and contextual design of PAI implementation, aligned with the spirit of the Independent Curriculum, can sustainably strengthen students' religious character if carried out consistently and collaboratively.