The Influence of Islamic Religious Education on Student Character Formation at SMK Al-Ghaffar Pamekasan

Abstract

This study is motivated by the important role of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) in shaping students' character, particularly in Islamic based schools such as SMK Al-Ghaffar Palengaan Laok, where variations in students' behavior indicate that character development has not yet been optimal. This study aims to analyze the relationship between Islamic Religious Education learning and students' character. A quantitative approach with a correlational design was employed. The study population consisted of 65 students, all of whom were included as the research sample using the total sampling technique. Data were collected through observation, questionnaires, interviews, and documentation, while data analysis was conducted using the Pearson Product Moment correlation. Students' character was measured using indicators of (adjust according to the research instrument, for example: religiosity, discipline, responsibility, honesty, and politeness). The findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between Islamic Religious Education learning and students' character (r = 0.634, p < 0.05), indicating a strong correlation. The coefficient of determination showed that Islamic Religious Education learning contributed 40.2% to students' character development, while the remaining 59.8% was influenced by other factors beyond the scope of this study, such as the family environment, peer influence, and school culture. These findings indicate that improving the quality of Islamic Religious Education learning plays a significant role in strengthening students' character development, although support from various external factors is also necessary to optimize the outcomes.