Applying Discovery Learning within a Fitrah-Based Education Framework to Foster Students’ Religious Character

Abstract

This study aims to improve students’ religious character through the implementation of Discovery Learning integrated with Fitrah Based Education (FBE) in Grade III students of SDN Rambutan 05 Pagi, East Jakarta. A Classroom Action Research (CAR) design following the Kemmis and McTaggart model was employed, consisting of three cycles with four stages in each: planning, action, observation, and reflection. Data were collected using observation, questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. The findings showed a significant improvement in students’ religious character. The percentage of students achieving the minimum mastery criteria (MMC) increased from 37.5% in the pre-cycle to 46.8% in Cycle I, 65.6% in Cycle II, and 90.6% in Cycle III. Integrating FBE principles within Discovery Learning proved effective in nurturing values such as worship discipline, politeness, honesty, and responsibility. This approach encourages students to learn and develop according to their natural fitrah, making the cultivation of religious character more meaningful and organic. The study suggests that fitrah-based instructional design serves as a promising strategy for strengthening religious character education in primary schools.