The Implementation of Islamic Religious Education Teaching Methods Based on Sustainable Education Theory in Madrasah

Abstract

Islamic Religious Education and sustainable education are two essential and interrelated elements that cannot be separated in the learning process. Sustainable education plays a vital role in ensuring that ethical values and sustainability principles are instilled in students, enabling educational institutions to remain relevant and contribute to the development of a society that is more environmentally and socially conscious. This study aims to analyze the implementation of Islamic Religious Education teaching methods based on Sustainable Education Theory in State Madrasah Aliyah in Medan City. This research adopts a case study approach with data collection techniques, including in-depth interviews with Islamic Religious Education teachers, madrasah principals, and students, as well as participatory observation and document analysis. The data were analyzed qualitatively using data triangulation and source triangulation techniques to ensure the validity of the results. The findings reveal that the understanding of teachers, principals, and students regarding the concept of sustainable education is not yet fully optimal. The teaching methods are still predominantly project-based, with limited exploration of other methods that could strengthen the integration of sustainable education into the Islamic Religious Education curriculum. However, this study underscores the need for a more holistic and sustainability-oriented learning model within religious education in Indonesia and recommends the use of alternative methods such as problem-based learning, classroom discussions, field activities, community service, thematic learning, and collaboration with communities actively engaged in sustainability issues. These recommendations hold the potential to significantly enhance students’ understanding and practice of sustainability, offering a hopeful path towards a more holistic and sustainability-oriented learning model within religious education in Indonesia.