Implementasi Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam Berbasis Kurikulum Merdeka di Madrasah Tsanawiyah

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the implementation of Islamic Religious Education learning based on the Merdeka Curriculum at Madrasah Tsanawiyah. The Merdeka Curriculum was introduced as an effort to improve the quality of education through student-centered, flexible learning that adapts to students’ needs and characteristics. In Islamic Religious Education (PAI), the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum is expected to enhance students’ religious understanding, develop religious character, and improve critical thinking skills. This study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data collection techniques were conducted through observation, interviews, and documentation involving the madrasah principal, Islamic Religious Education teachers, and students as research subjects. The results of the study indicate that the implementation of PAI learning based on the Merdeka Curriculum at Madrasah Tsanawiyah has been carried out through adaptive learning planning, the use of project-based learning methods, differentiated learning, and strengthening the Profile of Pancasila Students and Islamic values. PAI teachers play an active role in creating interactive and contextual learning so that students become more active in the learning process. In addition, the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum has a positive impact on increasing students’ learning motivation, critical thinking skills, and religious character development. Supporting factors for the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum include teacher readiness, support from the madrasah principal, learning facilities, and curriculum training. Meanwhile, inhibiting factors include teachers’ limited understanding of the Merdeka Curriculum, inadequate supporting facilities, and limited time in preparing learning tools. Therefore, the implementation of Islamic Religious Education learning based on the Merdeka Curriculum at Madrasah Tsanawiyah is able to improve the quality of learning and optimize students’ character development.