Innovative Strategies of Islamic Religious Education Teachers in Improving the Religious Character of MTs Kanjeng Sepuh Sidayu Gresik Students

Abstract

Islamic education teachers have a role in shaping the religious character on students, therefore the strategy of Islamic education teachers in shaping the religious of characters of students needs to be considered. The purpose of this study was to find out the religious characters of students at MTs Kanjeng Sepuh Sidayu Gresik, to find out the strategy used by Islamic education teachers in shaping students’ religious character, and to find out the factors that influence  Islamic education teachers in shaping students’ religious character at MTs Kanjeng Sepuh Sidayu Gresik. This research used qualitative deskriptif methods, the researcher conducted research at MTs Kanjeng Sepuh Sidayu Gresik. The data collection used are interview, observation and documents. The informants in this study were Islamic education teachers and students. Data analysis was carried out by interactive methods and used a credibility test, namely triangulation. Thei result showed that the  religious character of students has showed well formed, which can be seen from the students’ daily life in school where students are getting used to religious activities, The strategy used by teachers to raise awareness of students' religious character is to provide habituation and role models to students. The habits carried out checking students' neatness, going to school on time, praying and memorizing Qur’an before learning begin, and congregational prayer. Meanwhile, providing a good example to students in the form of teachers entering class to teach on time, having a neat appearance, carrying out dhuha and dhuhur prayers in congregation. Furhermore, thei strategies used by PAI teachers in monitoring students' religious character include providing rewards and punishments to students.