The Strategies of Islamic Education Teachers in Fostering Religious Character Education in Public Elementary Schools

Character education is one of the main priorities of the national education system to shape a generation with noble character and responsibility. This study aims to describe the implementation of strategies used by Islamic Education (PAI) teachers in strengthening students’ religious character at SDN 065 Cijerah, Bandung, along with its supporting and inhibiting factors. A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, with the school principal, PAI teachers, classroom teachers, and students as the research subjects. The findings reveal that the main strategies include role modeling, habituation through religious activities, the integration of religious values across subjects, and the application of constructive rewards and sanctions. Supporting factors consist of school leadership, teacher collaboration, parental involvement, school facilities, and policy support through the Sekolah Penggerak (Driving School) Program. Meanwhile, the barriers identified include differences in students’ backgrounds, limited instructional time, insufficient teacher training, and the influence of social environments and digital media. The study concludes that a consistently and collaboratively managed school culture can serve as a strong foundation for religious character education, although further strengthening of teacher capacity and learning innovation remains necessary.