Designing Curriculum Framework for Early Childhood Education Based on Thinking of Al-Ghazālī: Fuzzy Delphi Analysis

This study aims to develop an early childhood education curriculum framework rooted in al-Ghazālī’s educational philosophy. The research, which employed a mixed exploratory method, explored al-Ghazālī’s thinking on early childhood education through document analysis of his work in Ihyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn as well as secondary sources by relevant scholars. A Fuzzy Delphi method involving 25 field experts validated the proposed items in the framework, which covered curriculum elements like aims, objectives, content, teaching strategies, learning activities, and assessment methods. With over 75% consensus, the experts supported the six curriculum elements comprising 58 items. In this analysis, Al-Ghazali demonstrates visionary thinking in the field of educational philosophy, with a specific emphasis on improving Islamic education in the context of child education. He underscores the significance of these elements of the curriculum in nurturing the growth of an exemplary individual who aligns with the divine educational objectives of Islam. This framework presents an early proposition for enhancing existing early childhood education curriculum standards and emphasizing practical student outcomes.