Analisis Penerapan Metode Inkuiri Dalam Pengajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam Untuk Meningkatkan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Siswa

Abstract

Islamic Religious Education (PAI) plays a crucial role in shaping students' understanding, character, and thinking patterns. However, conventional teaching methods, such as lectures and rote memorization, are often ineffective in enhancing critical thinking skills. This study aims to analyze the application of the inquiry method in PAI instruction and its impact on students' critical thinking development. The inquiry method emphasizes exploration, investigation, and problem-solving, allowing students to be more active in understanding religious concepts. This research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical method. Data were collected through observations, interviews with PAI teachers, and literature studies. The findings indicate that the inquiry method increases student engagement in the learning process, encouraging them to ask questions, seek solutions, and evaluate information based on relevant religious sources. Additionally, this method helps students connect religious concepts with real-life situations, leading to a deeper and more applicable understanding. In conclusion, the inquiry method is an effective teaching strategy for enhancing critical thinking skills in PAI. Therefore, teachers are encouraged to adopt this method to create a more interactive and reflective learning environment, ultimately improving students' religious understanding quality.