Active Learning dalam Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam di Sekolah Menengah Pertama: Kajian Konseptual dalam Perspektif Pendidikan Islam

Abstract

Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning in junior high schools (SMP) is still predominantly teacher-centered and lecture-based, which limits students' active engagement, critical thinking, and internalization of Islamic values. This study aims to conceptually analyze the application of Active Learning as a contemporary teaching method in PAI at the SMP level, and to identify its relevance, advantages, challenges, and implementation solutions. A qualitative approach was employed through library research, using content analysis of relevant primary and secondary sources. The findings indicate that Active Learning has strong theological foundations in Islamic values, is compatible with the developmental characteristics of SMP students, and is applicable across all PAI subjects including Fiqh, Islamic Creed and Ethics, Islamic Cultural History, and Qur'an-Hadith. Its implementation has been shown to enhance student motivation, deepen understanding, and develop 21st-century competencies. This study concludes that Active Learning is not merely a methodological option but a pedagogical necessity in PAI to cultivate students who are faithful, knowledgeable, and righteous in practice.