STRENGTHENING PRAYER MOTIVATION AND STUDENT CHARACTER THROUGH A CONTEXTUAL LEARNING APPROACH IN ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS EDUCATION SUBJECTS AT THE IT NU TANJUNG BARU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Abstract

This study aims to strengthen the motivation to pray and the character of students through the application of a contextual learning approach in Islamic religious education subjects. The contextual learning approach is designed to connect the subject matter with students' real experiences, thereby increasing the understanding and application of religious values in everyday life. The research method used is qualitative research that uses field research with stages of observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study indicate that the contextual learning approach is able to increase students' motivation in performing prayers and form positive characters, such as discipline, responsibility, and religious obedience. Thus, contextual learning is effectively applied in teaching Islamic religious education to achieve holistic character education goals.