Advancing Students’ Comprehension of Islamic Religious Education through the Integration of Visual Media in Discovery Learning: A Study at Senior High School

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of integrating visual media into Discovery Learning to enhance students’ comprehension in Islamic Religious Education at the senior high school level. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, the research involved two groups of students: an experimental group that received instruction incorporating visual media within a Discovery Learning framework, and a control group that followed conventional Islamic Religious Education instruction. Data was collected through pre-tests and post-tests to assess the impact on students’ understanding of the subject matter. The results indicate a significant improvement in comprehension among students in the experimental group, highlighting the value of visual aids in fostering deeper engagement and learning retention within Discovery Learning contexts. By making abstract religious concepts more accessible and engaging, visual media helped students connect religious teachings to real-life scenarios, enhancing both their academic understanding and ethical reflection. The novelty of this study lies in the combined application of visual media and Discovery Learning within the context of Islamic Religious Education, addressing a gap in existing research on modern instructional methods in religious education. The findings contribute to educational practices by providing a structured model for integrating visual media in Islamic Religious Education, offering a practical framework for educators to enhance student comprehension and moral engagement. This approach not only supports cognitive learning but also encourages students to reflect on and internalize religious values, promoting a more holistic educational experience.