Teachers as Moral Agents: The Role of Islamic Religious Education in Shaping Student Character

Purpose: This study aims to examine the role of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers in cultivating character values among fifth-grade students at Metro, Lampung. The research focuses on identifying the methods used, as well as the supporting and inhibiting factors faced by teachers in implementing character education. Method: The research employed a qualitative field study design. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation involving PAI teachers and students. Data analysis was conducted inductively through data reduction, display, and verification to ensure credibility, with triangulation applied as a validation technique. Findings: The results reveal that Islamic Religious Education teachers play a crucial role in shaping students’ character through group activities and the implementation of the “7S” principle (smile, greet, salute, courtesy, politeness, patience, and gratitude). The main teaching methods include role modeling, advice, demonstration, and discussion. Supporting factors consist of adequate facilities and storytelling media, while inhibiting factors involve parental busyness, environmental influences, and mass media exposure. Solutions suggested include assigning meaningful tasks and strengthening collaboration between teachers and parents to foster consistent character development. Significance: This study highlights the pivotal position of PAI teachers as moral agents in elementary schools. It contributes to the discourse on Islamic education by emphasizing the integration of religious instruction with character formation. The findings provide practical insights for educators, schools, and policymakers in enhancing strategies for value-based education to prepare morally responsible future generations.