Transformation of Islamic Religious Education in the Formation of Elementary School Students' Character
Abstract
Islamic Religious Education (IRE) plays a crucial role in shaping students' character at the elementary school level. However, IRE instruction often remains focused on cognitive aspects, resulting in less-than-optimal internalization of moral and ethical values. This study aims to analyze the transformation of Islamic Religious Education in fostering students' character at SD Negeri 139 Sukarasa, Bandung City, through value internalization strategies, the integration of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains, and the identification of supporting factors and implementation challenges. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. The data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model, supported by methodological triangulation to enhance the credibility of the findings. The results indicate that the transformation of IRE shifts the learning paradigm from **the transfer of knowledge** to **the transfer of values** through exemplary role modeling, religious habituation, moral guidance, contextual learning, and experiential learning. These strategies effectively foster students' religious values, discipline, honesty, responsibility, empathy, and mutual respect. The successful implementation of this transformation is supported by teachers' commitment, a religious school culture, and strong collaboration among all school stakeholders. Conversely, the influence of digital media and differences in students' family backgrounds constitute the primary challenges. Overall, the transformation of Islamic Religious Education makes a significant contribution to the holistic and sustainable development of students' character.
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