ANALISIS PEMBELAJARAN PENDIDIKAN AGAMA ISLAM BERBASIS KURIKULUM MERDEKA DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KRITIS SISWA

Abstract

This study aims to analyze Islamic Religious Education learning based on the Merdeka Curriculum in improving students’ critical thinking skills. The Merdeka Curriculum was introduced as an educational reform emphasizing student-centered learning, character development, and the enhancement of critical, creative, and reflective thinking skills. In its implementation, Islamic Religious Education learning is not only oriented toward mastering religious materials but also directed at developing students’ ability to analyze, understand, and solve various life problems based on Islamic values. This research employed a qualitative approach using a descriptive method. Data collection techniques included observation, interviews, and documentation. The research subjects consisted of Islamic Religious Education teachers and students at the secondary school level. Data analysis was carried out through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing to obtain an overview of the implementation of Islamic Religious Education learning based on the Merdeka Curriculum in improving students’ critical thinking skills. The results showed that Islamic Religious Education learning based on the Merdeka Curriculum was able to improve students’ critical thinking skills through the use of active learning methods, discussions, problem-based learning, and contextual learning that connected learning materials with daily life. Teachers acted as facilitators who provided opportunities for students to ask questions, discuss, express opinions, and critically analyze problems. However, the implementation still faced several obstacles, such as limited learning media, differences in students’ abilities, and teachers’ limited understanding of Merdeka Curriculum-based learning strategies. Therefore, Islamic Religious Education learning based on the Merdeka Curriculum has a positive contribution to improving students’ critical thinking skills. Strengthening teacher competence and providing adequate learning facilities are necessary to optimize the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum.