FITRAH: International Islamic Education Journal

Optimization of Teacher Working Group (KKG) in Improving PAI Teacher Literacy in Compiling HOTS Questions in Elementary Schools Simeulue Tengah District

2025-05-25T22:51:27+08:00

The ability to develop Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions is a critical competency emphasized in the Merdeka Curriculum, particularly in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) at the elementary level. However, the literacy of PAI teachers in designing HOTS questions remains low in the Simeulue Tengah District. This study aims to assess PAI teachers' literacy in formulating HOTS questions, their participation in Teacher Working Groups (KKG), and the main barriers to effective KKG utilization. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, using both open- and close-ended questionnaires distributed to 12 PAI teachers from 10 elementary schools. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that although 66.7% of teachers found the KKG beneficial for developing HOTS questions, participation levels were low: 58% rarely attended KKG activities, and only 25% felt significantly supported. The main barriers identified include time constraints due to workload and household responsibilities, minimal support from principals and supervisors, limited access to resources such as digital media and contextual teaching materials, low teacher awareness of the benefits of KKG, and training sessions that are often too theoretical and lack contextual relevance. To optimize the effectiveness of KKG, training must be more practical and context-based, with sustained pedagogical discussions and stronger institutional support. Strengthening the role of KKG is essential for enhancing PAI teachers’ capacity to develop HOTS questions and, ultimately, to improve the quality of religious education.

Effective Learning Style: The Key to Success in the Education Process

2025-05-28T22:56:51+08:00

An effective learning process requires an approach that accommodates the diversity of student learning styles, including those with high intellectual intelligence (IQ) who may not yet recognize their optimal way of learning. Each individual has a different way of absorbing, processing, and storing information, making the understanding of learning styles a crucial aspect in education. This study aims to identify effective learning styles, particularly for students with high intellectual intelligence (IQ) who have not yet understood their appropriate learning style, and to analyze various factors that influence learning success. This research uses a library research method by analyzing recent scientific literature. The findings indicate that visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles can all enhance learning effectiveness when integrated with appropriate teaching strategies, high learning motivation, and a conducive learning environment. Teachers play a central role in recognizing student characteristics and adapting their teaching approach accordingly. Understanding learning styles not only impacts academic achievement but also creates a more personalized, inclusive, and adaptive learning atmosphere. This study highlights the importance of a holistic approach in education, involving the interconnection between learning styles, intellectual potential, teaching strategies, and the learning environment to realise a higher-quality education system that is responsive to each learner's needs. This research contributes a novel perspective by focusing on the group of high-IQ students and advocating for the integration of individualized learning styles into classroom practice to achieve a more inclusive, adaptive, and high-quality education system.

An Evaluation of the Literacy Program in Islamic Religious Education Learning at SD-TQ Muadz Bin Jabal Kendari

2025-05-25T23:24:24+08:00

The literacy program is an initiative implemented in schools aimed at increasing students' interest in reading and writing. Specifically, at SD-TQ Muadz Bin Jabal Kendari, several activities are carried out to support the literacy program, including 15 minute reading sessions, reading in the library or reading corners, and the integration of literacy into subjects, particularly Islamic Religious Education (PAI). Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the School Literacy Movement (GLS) program at SD-TQ Muadz Bin Jabal Kendari and its application within the Islamic Religious Education learning process. This research uses a qualitative approach, with data collected through observation, interviews, tests, and documentation. The subjects of the study are the teachers (ustadz and ustadzah) and students of SD-TQ Muadz Bin Jabal Kendari. Data analysis techniques include data collection, data reduction, data display, and verification or conclusion drawing. The research findings reveal that the literacy program at SD-TQ Muadz Bin Jabal Kendari consists of several activities, such as reading in classroom reading corners or the library, and 15 minute reading sessions before lessons begin. The evaluation of the GLS program implementation includes: context evaluation literacy implementation is regulated by the principal's decree, establishing a literacy team; input evaluation the school is well prepared in terms of human resources (teachers and students), facilities (library and classrooms), and external support, particularly through collaboration with Nyalanesia to enhance school literacy; process evaluation literacy activities have been carried out fairly well, though further development and variation are needed to maintain student interest; product evaluation the GLS program has improved student learning outcomes, as shown by the 53% mastery rate in class 2C (which used literacy based learning) compared to only 33% in class 2D (which used conventional learning methods).

Trends and Directions of Research on Innovation in Islamic Education: A Bibliometric Analysis

2025-06-27T10:44:40+08:00

This study aims to analyze the trends and directions of research on innovation in Islamic education using a bibliometric approach based on publications indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) from 2006 to mid-2025. The methods employed include citation analysis, collaborative network analysis, and keyword mapping using VOSviewer software. The results show a significant increase in the number of publications and citations since 2012, with a peak in 2018 and the highest citation surge occurring in 2024. Al-Jami'ah: Journal of Islamic Studies, the author Abdullah, and an article focusing on Islamic higher education in Indonesia emerged as the most influential. In addition, Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta was identified as the most cited institution. In terms of collaboration, strong national author networks were identified, although international collaboration remains limited. Keyword analysis revealed the dominance of the theme “Islamic education” and its connection to contemporary issues such as sustainability, environment, and 21st-century competencies. The study concludes that although innovation in Islamic education is gaining increasing global attention, there remains significant potential to strengthen cross-national and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the future impact and relevance of the field.