Implications of Problem Based Learning to Improve Islamic Religious Education Learning Outcomes for Praiseworthy Morals Material for Grade VII Students of SMP Takhassus Al-Qur'an Wonosobo

Farah Faida,, M. Nurkholis Setiawan,, Naqiyah,

Islamic Religious Education does have an important role in shaping students' morals, but it also faces various challenges such as the influence of globalization, technological developments, and socio-cultural changes that can disrupt efforts to shape these morals. The purpose of this study is to analyze and review the implications of Problem Based Learning to improve learning outcomes of Islamic religious education on the material of commendable morals for grade VII students of SMP Takhassus Al-Qur'an Wonosobo. The article is the result of quantitative field research findings with an experimental approach. Intensive research was conducted for two months, from March to May 2025, involving a sample of 54 respondents including control and experimental classes. Data were obtained from observations, in-depth interviews, documentation and tests, then analyzed qualitatively with the Problem Based Learning theory (Shelagh A. Gallagher). The research results show that the application of the Problem Based Learning method in Islamic Religious Education learning on commendable morals material can significantly improve student learning outcomes as evidenced by the results of the experimental class hypothesis with a gain test of 0.624 (high category), the results of the control class gain test of 0.079 (medium category). The improvement in learning outcomes is evidenced by the results of tcount 11.591 and ttable 2.006 with an error level of 5% and 2.673 with an error level of 1% with dk = 27 + 27 - 2 = 52. This finding has implications for improving conceptual understanding, developing critical thinking skills, increasing learning motivation, developing social skills, and character building. On the other hand, this finding has challenges: 1) It takes longer to complete the material; 2) Requires thorough preparation from the teacher; 3) Not all materials are suitable for PBL, 4) Teachers need to guide students well. Considering these implications and challenges, Problem-Based Learning can be an effective learning model for improving Islamic Religious Education learning outcomes on the topic of good morals and helping shape better student character. Research recommends Problem-Based Learning in education, given the urgency of deep learning in the futur.