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This study compares the Islamic religious education systems in Indonesia and Malaysia with a particular focus on curriculum design and its implementation within secondary schools. Using a qualitative research approach, data were gathered through document analysis and interviews with educators and school administrators from both countries. The findings show that although Indonesia and Malaysia share similar objectives in fostering students’ understanding and practice of Islamic teachings, several significant differences remain in terms of curriculum structure, learning materials, and instructional strategies. In Indonesia, Islamic religious education is more closely integrated into the national curriculum, emphasizing a balance between religious values and general educational competencies. Meanwhile, Malaysia adopts a more specific and traditionally oriented curriculum that places stronger emphasis on classical Islamic knowledge and conventional pedagogical practices. Implementation in both countries is shaped by government policies, socio-cultural contexts, and local wisdom that influence how Islamic education is delivered in the classroom. Overall, this study is expected to contribute as a useful reference for enhancing the effectiveness, relevance, and contextualization of Islamic education systems in both nations.

Learning design is a fundamental component in the educational process, as it serves as a foundation for teachers in planning, implementing, and evaluating learning activities systematically and purposefully. In the context of Islamic Religious Education (PAI), learning design has a broader role, not only focusing on the delivery of religious knowledge, but also encompassing the formation of character, morals, and strengthening Islamic values ​​in students. This paper discusses the general concept and function of learning design in PAI through theoretical studies from various literature and expert views. The results of the discussion indicate that PAI learning design must be prepared comprehensively by considering the components of objectives, materials, methods, media, and evaluation that are aligned with Islamic values. In addition, learning design serves as a practical guideline for teachers to create effective, efficient, innovative learning that is able to respond to the challenges of modern developments. Good learning design also contributes to increased learning motivation, optimal achievement of competencies, and the formation of students who are faithful, pious, and have good morals. Thus, understanding the concept and function of learning design is crucial for educators in their efforts to improve the quality of PAI learning as a whole.

This study aims to describe the implementation of an active learning model based on collaboration to improve students’ conceptual understanding in Islamic Religious Education (PAI). The background of this research stems from the low level of student engagement in the learning process, which has resulted in less optimal understanding of religious concepts. The research employed a qualitative approach with a classroom action research (CAR) design conducted in two cycles. The subjects were eleventh-grade students at a senior high school in City X. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and conceptual understanding tests. The findings revealed that the implementation of the collaborative active learning model increased students’ participation in learning activities, fostered critical thinking skills, and enhanced their conceptual understanding of Islamic Education materials. Through group discussions, problem-solving activities, and reflection sessions, students became more cognitively and affectively engaged in the learning process. Therefore, the collaborative active learning model can serve as an effective alternative strategy to improve both the process and outcomes of Islamic Religious Education learning.

This research focuses on the role of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers in actualizing the values of Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah (Aswaja) Annahdliyah as one of the Islamic guidelines that develop and are firmly rooted in Indonesia. Aswaja values have distinctive characteristics that emphasize moderation, tolerance, and maintaining religious traditions that have been acculturated with local culture without abandoning the principles of Islamic law. In the context of education, Aswaja is an important foundation in shaping the character of students who are religious, nationalist, and able to appreciate diversity in a multicultural society. The purpose of this study is to find out: (1) how to implement the role of PAI teachers in integrating Aswaja values in the learning process at MA NU Assalafie Babakan Ciwaringin Cirebon, (2) problems that arise in the actualization process, such as limited student understanding, differences in family backgrounds, to the challenges of globalization currents that can affect religious understanding, and (3) efforts made by teachers to overcome them, for example, through a personal approach, strengthening Aswaja-based teaching materials, and collaboration with schools and parents. This study uses a qualitative method with a field study approach. Data was obtained through observation, in-depth interviews with madrasah heads, deputy heads of student affairs, and five PAI teachers, and documentation of learning activities. Data analysis was carried out through the stages of reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawn, then tested for validity with the source triangulation technique. The results of the study show that the role of PAI teachers is very crucial in maintaining the value of Aswaja so that it remains relevant and internalized in students.

This study aims to analyze how adaptive curriculum encourages learning flexibility and its contribution to improving the quality of education in the era of disruption. The research approach used is qualitative with a case study type. This research was conducted at MI Al Khoiriyyah, Muara Bungo, Indonesia. Data collection techniques include in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis was carried out through data reduction techniques, data presentation, and drawing conclusions, while the validity of the data was checked by triangulation of sources and techniques. The results of the study indicate that adaptive curriculum provides flexible space for teachers to adjust learning methods and materials according to student characteristics, supported by the visionary managerial leadership of the principal and the use of digital technology. These findings show that the success of adaptive curriculum is greatly influenced by the synergy between educational actors and supporting facilities that are responsive to change. The contribution of this study lies in a comprehensive understanding of the practice of implementing adaptive curriculum and strategic recommendations for the development of future education policies.

This article discusses the Direct Instruction strategy, a teacher-centered learning approach that emphasizes systematic and structured delivery of material. The purpose of this study is to address the following research questions: (1) What is meant by direct instruction strategy? (2) What are the characteristics of the direct instruction strategy? (3) What are its strengths and weaknesses? and (4) How is the direct instruction strategy applied in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) subjects? This article uses a library research method by examining various relevant theoretical sources. The findings indicate that direct instruction is an effective approach for delivering factual and procedural knowledge, particularly when learning objectives focus on mastering basic skills and understanding concepts in stages. This strategy is characterized by clear teacher guidance, structured learning steps, and continuous assessment. Its advantages include time efficiency and ease of classroom control, while its drawbacks involve limited student participation and less development of critical thinking skills. In the context of PAI learning, this strategy can be effectively applied to memorization materials, basic conceptual understanding, and character formation through concrete examples and teacher modeling.      

Islamic Religious Education (PAI) plays an important role in the formation of students' character and understanding of religious teachings. However, in practice, not a few students face difficulties in understanding PAI material, both in terms of cognitiveness and affective. These difficulties can be caused by a variety of factors, such as differences in academic ability, lack of motivation, or socio-cultural problems. Therefore, the right strategy from PAI teachers in overcoming learning difficulties is very necessary. This article aims to identify various strategies that PAI teachers can apply to help students overcome learning difficulties. Based on a literature review, there are several approaches that have proven to be effective, including the use of varied learning methods, the use of educational technology, the provision of intensive guidance, and the strengthening of student motivation and character. In addition, the importance of constructive evaluation and feedback in the learning process is also one of the keys in improving the effectiveness of PAI learning. By implementing these strategies, it is hoped that the learning difficulties faced by students can be overcome, and the quality of PAI learning can be improved.

The author focuses on analyzing the Jigsaw learning method in class VII SKI subjects at MTsN 6 Nganjuk. This writing aims to analyze the implementation of learning using the Jigsaw method, how this method can have an effect on student interaction, student activity in learning, and the difference in receiving material in SKI subjects. This writing uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Information obtained from observations, then interviews, and analysis of learning outcomes. The results obtained from the Jigsaw method analysis had a very drastic effect on increasing student activity. They are more enthusiastic, active, and able to work together in groups. Then this method increases students' activeness and self-confidence when appearing in front of the class. Although there are advantages, this research identifies a problem, namely the limited time which can reduce the overall application of the method. Some students like learning in groups to interact and exchange knowledge with other friends. However, some students experience challenges in understanding the material and they do not feel comfortable when explaining the material in front of the class. The conclusion is that the Jigsaw learning method provides positive things to increase active student interaction, involvement and increase self-confidence in SKI learning. The implication of this research is the need for plans that are ready and supported by teachers that can help to successfully analyze the Jigsaw method in the context of SKI learning at MTs level.  

This article aims to examine the implementation of morals-based non-test assessment in PAI learning in grade 11 of SMK Muhammadiyah 4 Surakarta, focusing on its influence on students' character development. Islamic Religious Education (PAI) has an important role in instilling moral values. In this context, morals-based non-test assessment is an effective approach to assessing students' character development, as it focuses on observing their behavior and attitudes. At SMK Muhammadiyah 4 Surakarta, the implementation of this method is expected to help students not only understand religious teachings in theory, but also apply them in daily life. This research is a type of field research that is descriptive qualitative in nature. The main focus of this research is to understand the concept of evaluation in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning, which includes both test-based and non-test evaluation methods at SMK Muhammadiyah 4 Surakarta. In this study, a phenomenological approach is used to explore the experiences and understanding of individuals or groups regarding the phenomenon under investigation. Moral-based non-test assessment in PAI learning aims to evaluate students' moral values in everyday life. In contrast to test assessments that measure cognitive abilities. The implementation of morals-based non-test assessment faces obstacles such as difficulties in measuring morals objectively and limited time for observation.Morals-based non-test assessment in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning at SMK Muhammadiyah 4 Surakarta has an important role in shaping student character, in addition to mastery of academic material.