Islamic Religious Education Teachers’ Strategies in Shaping Students’ Religious Character at SMP IT Aziziyah Binjai

Abstract

This study examines the implementation of a humanistic approach in Islamic Religious Education learning to develop students’ religious character through habituation strategies, exemplary behavior, and a humanistic personal approach. The objectives of this study are to: (1) describe the forms of implementing the principles of the humanistic approach in Islamic Religious Education learning, (2) analyze the impact of implementing the humanistic approach on the development of students’ religious character, (3) describe an effective model for implementing the humanistic approach, and (4) identify the supporting and inhibiting factors in its implementation. The research method used was qualitative with an evaluative approach. The study was conducted at SMP IT Aziziyah Binjai, involving the principal and Islamic Religious Education teachers as research subjects. Data collection techniques included participatory observation, semi-structured in-depth interviews, and documentation studies. Data analysis referred to the Miles and Huberman model (data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing/verification), while data validity was tested through source and method triangulation. The findings revealed that Islamic Religious Education teachers implemented three main strategies: habituation of daily ritual worship activities (Duha prayer, congregational Zuhr prayer, and Qur’an recitation), consistent exemplary behavior, and a humanistic personal approach. As a result, the level of attendance in congregational prayers increased, and there was a significant decrease in cases of disciplinary violations. The study concludes that a multidimensional strategy integrating cognitive, affective, and psychomotor aspects has proven effective in shaping students’ religious character. The implications of this study recommend providing broader opportunities for Islamic Religious Education teachers to develop innovative strategies without being burdened by overly dense curriculum targets, as well as strengthening collaboration between schools and parents through sustainable two-way communication.