An Exploration of the Role of Emotional Intelligence and Discipline in Improving Student Learning Outcomes in Islamic Religious Education at the Ninth-Grade Level of SMP Bisnis Informatika Bekasi

This study aims to explore the role of emotional intelligence and discipline in enhancing student learning outcomes in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) for ninth-grade students at SMP Bisnis Informatika Bekasi. Emotional intelligence encompasses five key aspects: self-awareness, emotional management, motivation, empathy, and social skills; meanwhile, discipline includes punctual attendance, adherence to rules, timely completion of assignments, and consistency in study habits. The study is motivated by the significance of non-cognitive factors in the learning process an area that has yet to be explored in depth, particularly within the context of Islamic Religious Education. A qualitative approach with a descriptive method was employed. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation involving the school principal, the Islamic Religious Education teacher, homeroom teachers, the school counselor, and ninth-grade students. The results indicate that emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in helping students manage academic pressure, sustain learning motivation, and build positive social relationships within the school environment. Discipline is also shown to have a significant impact on fostering structured study habits, increasing student responsibility, and ensuring consistency throughout the learning process. Furthermore, the findings reveal a strong link between emotional intelligence and discipline, with both factors mutually reinforcing one another to create a conducive learning climate that contributes positively to academic outcomes. Both internal factors such as character and motivation and external factors such as the family and school environment influence the development of these traits. Effective teaching strategies, specifically those utilizing affective approaches and cooperative learning, are key to fostering emotional intelligence and discipline, thereby ensuring the success of Islamic Religious Education. This study is expected to provide a theoretical contribution to the development of character education in schools and serve as a practical reference for teachers and educational institutions seeking to improve the overall quality of student learning outcomes encompassing not only cognitive aspects but also emotional and attitudinal dimensions.