Islamic Religious Education and Student Academic Achievement and Motivation: A Systematic Review of Pedagogical Strategies and Value Internalization Mechanisms

Yovie Djundjunan; Moh Ali; Saefudin Zuhri

doi:10.32806/jf.v15i01.1708

Authors

Yovie Djundjunan UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC)
Moh Ali UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC)
Saefudin Zuhri UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UINSSC)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32806/jf.v15i01.1708

Keywords:

Islamic Religious Education; Academic Competitiveness; Pedagogical Implementation.

Abstract

Islamic Religious Education (PAI) is mandatory in Indonesia's national curriculum, yet how it shapes academic achievement and motivation remains poorly understood. This systematic review synthesises the pedagogical strategies and mediating factors through which PAI influences these outcomes among Indonesian learners. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, and Garuda for peer-reviewed studies published January 2015 and April 2026; of 312 records, 47 met inclusion criteria after dual independent screening (Cohen's κ = 0.84), with quality appraised using CASP and MMAT and findings synthesised through Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. Three mechanisms emerged: intrinsic motivation grounded in religious meaning-making (thalabul 'ilm), non-cognitive competencies cultivated through character-based instruction, and academic identity formed through value internalisation. The review grounds these in a framework linking al-Ghazali's anthropology (nafs, qalb, ruh, 'aql) with Self-Determination Theory and Achievement Goal Theory; the convergence between ikhlas and autonomous motivation is especially productive, as both describe the same inner orientation. Active learning, technology integration, and curricular coherence amplified these mechanisms; teacher quality and institutional leadership moderated their impact on measurable gains. Limitations include restriction to English and Indonesian sources, a ten-year window that underweights foundational work, and the inability to estimate effect sizes. Future meta-analyses, longitudinal studies, and multilingual reviews would address each of these. When pedagogically rigorous and institutionally supported, PAI is a meaningful driver of academic outcomes, not merely a doctrinal subject at the margins of the curriculum, but rather a framework for reform grounded in the Islamic ideal of insan kamil.

References

Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali. Ihya’ Ulum Al-Din (T. J. Winter, Trans.). Cambridge: Islamic Texts Society, n.d.

Ahmed, Farah. “Tarbiyah for Shakhsiyah (Educating for Identity): Seeking out Culturally Coherent Pedagogy for Muslim Children in Britain.” Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education 42, no. 5 (September 2012): 725–49. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057925.2012.706452.

Alainati, Shaikhah J. “Towards an Effective Competency-Based Education and Training Model.” IOSR Journal of Business and Management (IOSR-JBM) 23, no. 11 (2021): 31–40.

Alimni, Alimni, Alfauzan Amin, and Dwi Agus Kurniawan. “The Role of Islamic Education Teachers in Fostering Students’ Emotional Intelligence.” International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) 11, no. 4 (December 1, 2022): 1881. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v11i4.22116.

Ames, Carole. “Classrooms: Goals, Structures, and Student Motivation.” Journal of Educational Psychology 84, no. 3 (September 1992): 261–71. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.84.3.261.

Braun, Virginia, and Victoria Clarke. “Reflecting on Reflexive Thematic Analysis.” Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health 11, no. 4 (August 8, 2019): 589–97. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2019.1628806.

Briki, Walid, Asma Aloui, Nicola Luigi Bragazzi, Anis Chaouachi, Thomas Patrick, and Karim Chamari. “Trait Self-Control, Identified-Introjected Religiosity and Health-Related-Feelings in Healthy Muslims: A Structural Equation Model Analysis.” Edited by Malte Friese. PLOS ONE 10, no. 5 (May 11, 2015): e0126193. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0126193.

Budiyanti, N, K S Komariah, W Hermawan, and P Hyangsewu. “Impact Of the Ulû Al-Ilm Model on Six Domains of Student Learning Outcomes in Islamic Religious Education.” Jurnal Pendidikan Islam 10, no. 1 (2024): 113–24. https://doi.org/10.15575/jpi.v10i1.33225.

Camelia, Farrah. “Implementasi Kebijakan Program Tahfidz Alquran Sebagai Upaya Penguatan Pendidikan Karakter Di Pondok Pesantren Alquran Putri Ibnu Katsir Jember.” Jurnal Islamika 20, no. 1 (2020): 4.

Deci, Edward L, and Richard M Ryan. Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior. Springer Science & Business Media, 2013.

Driessen, Michael D. “Public Religion, Democracy, and Islam: Examining the Moderation Thesis in Algeria.” Comparative Politics 44, no. 2 (2012): 171–89.

Ediansyah, Ediansyah, Dwi Agus Kurniawan, Rahmat Perdana, and Salamah Salamah. “Using Problem-Based Learning in College: Mastery Concepts Subject Statistical Sesearch and Motivation.” International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) 8, no. 3 (September 1, 2019): 446. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v8i3.20243.

Elliot, Andrew J, and Holly A McGregor. “A 2× 2 Achievement Goal Framework.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 80, no. 3 (2001): 501.

Faisal, Faisal, Marhamah Syarif, and Muh Asy’ari Akbar. “Penerapan Model Pembelajaran PAI Berbasis Proyek Dalam Meningkatkan Nilai Karakter Dan Sikap Religius Siswa.” Hartaki: Journal of Islamic Education 2, no. 1 (2023): 1–12.

Faqihuddin, A, E Suresman, and M Abdullah. “Overcoming the Spiritual Emptiness of Students in the Modern Era through the Integration of Al-Ghazali’s Human Concepts in the Islamic Religious Education Learning Model.” Cogent Education 12, no. 1 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2497147.

Fatmawati, Erma. “Reconceptualizing Assessment in Islamic Education: A Critical Review of Madrasah Evaluation Practices in the 21st Century.” Journal of Quality Assurance in Islamic Education (JQAIE) 5, no. 2 (2025): 109–19.

Firdaus, Raudlotul, and Binti Fatah. “Educational Philosophy in Islam in The Curriculum Design of Integrated Islamic Education in Malaysia.” HIKMATUNA: Journal for Integrative Islamic Studies 5, no. 1 (2019): 1–14. https://doi.org/10.28918/hikmatuna.v5i1.1855.

Gafarurrozi, Muhammad, Rizal Fathurrohman, Wahyu Kholis Prihantoro, and Hendri Sugianto. “Dynamics of Motivation in PAI Learning Study of McClelland’s Theory of Motivation and Its Application in Improving Student Achievement.” Journal of Contemporary Islamic Education 4, no. 2 (2024): 233–42.

Genç, M. Fatih, Ina Ter Avest, and Siebren Miedema. “Religious Education in Two Secular Multicultural Societies: The Turkish and Dutch Case Compared.” Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 15 (2011): 801–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.03.188.

Habibi, Akhmad, Amirul Mukminin, Lalu Nurul Yaqin, Lalu Parhanuddin, Rafiza Abdul Razak, Nor Nazrina Mohamad Nazry, Muhamad Taridi, Karomi Karomi, and Fathurrijal Fathurrijal. “Mapping Instructional Barriers during Covid-19 Outbreak: Islamic Education Context.” Religions 12, no. 1 (2021): 50.

Handrianto, Ciptro, Ahmad Jazimin Jusoh, Silvia Herlina, Alfurqan Alfurqan, and Nurul Fathihah Nor Azhar. “Exploring the Factors Influencing Motivation and Understanding in Islamic Religious Education: A Mixed-Methods Study in Urban and Rural Areas.” The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Educational Studies 20, no. 3 (2025): 75–94. https://doi.org/10.18848/2327-011X/CGP/v20i03/75-94.

Hosaini, Hosaini, Hamzah Hamzah, Moch. Yusuf Efendi, Nanci Yosepin Simbolon, and Aden Sutiapermana. “Tawheed-Based Pedagogy: Empowering Islamic Education Through Community Engagement And Pesantren Tradition.” Journal Of Human And Education (JAHE) 4, no. 4 (August 14, 2024): 844–52. https://doi.org/10.31004/jh.v4i4.1110.

Jenuri, Achmad Faqihuddin, Edi Suresman, and Mulyana Abdullah. “Overcoming the Spiritual Emptiness of Students in the Modern Era through the Integration of Al-Ghazali’s Human Concepts in the Islamic Religious Education Learning Model.” Cogent Education 12, no. 1 (December 31, 2025). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2497147.

Kamila, Lia Alfi, Afif Syaiful Mahmudin, and Rihab Wit Daryono. “Self-Intention in Mediating Self-Competence and Memorization Methods on Intensity of Memorizing the Qur’an: PLS-SEM Approach.” Southeast Asian Journal of Islamic Education 6, no. 2 (2024): 121–36.

Kartaputra, Dani Pradana, Muhmmad Ramdani Nugraha, and Ahmad Lukman Nugraha. “Website Development as an Information and Material-Sharing Platform for Fiqh of Worship.” Jurnal Bangkit Indonesia 14, no. 2 (2025): 15–20.

Khairuldin, WMKFW, Abdul Hanis Embong, WNIWN Anas, Daud Ismail, and WKAW Mokhtar. “An Augmented Reality (AR) Approach in Educational Integration of Du’a in Islam.” International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development 8, no. 1 (2019): 32–39.

Kholiq, Abdul, Fihris, Kartika Indah Permata, and Evita Nur Apriliana. “Web-Based Learning to Promote Intrinsic Motivation in Islamic Education during Covid-19 Pandemic: A Study on Elementary School Students in Indonesia,” 090022, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0153024.

Kivunja, Charles, and Ahmed Bawa Kuyini. “Understanding and Applying Research Paradigms in Educational Contexts.” International Journal of Higher Education 6, no. 5 (2017): 26. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v6n5p26.

Latipah, E, N Hasan, and M A Rokhimawan. “Curriculum Reconstruction: Alignment of Profile, Body of Knowledge, and Learning Outcomes of the Indonesian Islamic Education Study Program.” Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam 20, no. 1 (2023): 1–19. https://doi.org/10.14421/jpai.v20i1.7756.

Mahmud, Salami, Sri Rahmi Sri Rahmi, Nufiar Nufiar, Nurbayani Nurbayani, and Realita Nurdin. “Building Students’ Character Based on Maqāṣid Al-Sharī’ah: Perspectives of Parents, Teachers, and Community Members in Banda Aceh.” Samarah: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga Dan Hukum Islam 7, no. 3 (November 30, 2023): 1803. https://doi.org/10.22373/sjhk.v7i3.17708.

Masturin. “Religious Education in Agricultural Environments: Integrating Islamic Teachings and Agricultural Practices for Holistic Student Development.” Religious Education, 2023, 1–18.

Matari, A S A, L Patimah, and A.S.A.A. Nasywa. “Can AI-Optimized YouTube Videos Enhance Islamic Religious Education? A Quantitative Study on Student Learning Outcomes.” Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam 22, no. 1 (2025): 175–94. https://doi.org/10.14421/jpai.v22i1.11100.

Mohammad, OAAMHQ, Ali Khasawneh, and A Ḥ al-Ghazālī. “The Educational Philosophical Thoughts of Abu Hamid Al Ghazali (1058-1111) And‎ John Dewey (1859-1952): A Comparative Study‎.” Jordan Journal of Educational Sciences 19, no. 2 (2023): 505–19.

Muchlis Solichin, Mohammad, and Achmad Muhlis. “Correlation between Religiosity and Student Achievement Motivation in Islamic Education Science Students.” International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change. Www. Ijicc. Net 11, no. 1 (2020): 406–20.

Mustafa, Fekra, Mayudin Bin Daud, Ahmad Bin Yussuf, Nabeeh Kasasbeh, and Othman Abu Khurma. “The Practice of Augmented Reality in Islamic Education and the Level of Motivation Among UAE Secondary School Students.” Social Sciences 14, no. 2 (January 31, 2025): 80. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14020080.

Muzaki, I A, and S Nurhayati. “Reflective Digital Pedagogy in Islamic Religious Education and Religious Character Formation in Higher Education.” International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research 25, no. 2 (2026): 763–82. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.25.2.34.

Muzayaroh, A. “Strengthening Religious and Character Education in Madrasah Diniyah Ali Maksum Yogyakarta.” Millah: Journal of Religious Studies 20, no. 2 (2021): 245–74. https://doi.org/10.20885/millah.vol20.iss2.art3.

Nurhikmah, N. “Character Education Islam from the Views of Imam Al-Ghazali.” Jurnal Al Burhan 4, no. 1 (2024): 53–66. https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105004297981?origin=resultslist.

Page, Matthew J, Joanne E McKenzie, Patrick M Bossuyt, Isabelle Boutron, Tammy C Hoffmann, Cynthia D Mulrow, Larissa Shamseer, Jennifer M Tetzlaff, and David Moher. “Updating Guidance for Reporting Systematic Reviews: Development of the PRISMA 2020 Statement.” Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 134 (2021): 103–12.

Paisun, Paisun, and Mowafg Masuwd. “Investigating the Relationship between Teacher Self-Efficacy and Student Achievement.” Andragogi: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran 4, no. 2 (2024): 94–108.

Parhan, M, M A Somad, M Abdulah, and R H Nugraha. “DEVELOPING A CONTEXTUAL LEARNING MODEL IN ISLAMIC EDUCATION TO IMPROVE APPLICABLE KNOWLEDGE AND FOSTER KNOWLEDGE-BASED VIRTUES.” Jurnal Pendidikan Islam 10, no. 1 (2024): 75–86. https://doi.org/10.15575/jpi.v10i1.35205.

Patria, B. “Students Are Happier in Madrasah: The Results of Bayesian Analysis on Indonesian National Survey Data.” Islamic Guidance and Counseling Journal 6, no. 2 (2023): 1–16. https://doi.org/10.25217/0020236406800.

Rahmi, Agus Mita. “The Application of Problem-Based Learning Model to Improve Students’ Learning Outcomes in Islamic Religious Education Class X SMK PP Negeri Padang Overcome.” BiCED Proceeding 1 (2024): 239–44.

Razali, R, L Sundana, and R Ramli. “Curriculum Development in Higher Education in Light of Culture and Religiosity: A Case Study in Aceh of Indonesia.” International Journal of Society, Culture and Language 12, no. 1 (2024): 39–55. https://doi.org/10.22034/ijscl.2023.2010108.3144.

Rm, Ryan. “Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations: Classic Definitions and New Directions.” Contemporary Educational Psychology 25 (2000): 54–67.

Ryan, Richard M, and Edward L Deci. “Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations: Classic Definitions and New Directions.” Contemporary Educational Psychology 25, no. 1 (2000): 54–67.

Salaeh N.; Khair, N.; Djabir, D. A.; Hamed, P. K., A.; Saha. “Character Education Concepts Based on Al-Ghazali’s Perspective in Ihya’ Ulumuddin.” Southeast Asian Journal of Islamic Education 5, no. 2 (2023): 231–41. https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105001524333?origin=resultslist.

Saputra, Dedi. “Peran Filsafat Pendidikan Islam Dalam Mengembangkan Kurikulum Berbasis Nilai-Nilai Spiritual Dan Moral Di Abad Ke 21.” Jurnal Komunitas Literasi 1, no. 3 (2025): 7–10.

Sholeh, M I, M Haris, N ‘azah, M S Shobirin, B Wahruddin, H Muzakki, T Ismail, and H Ali. “The Role of Teachers in Increasing Students’ Learning Motivation in Islamic Religious Education.” Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam 21, no. 2 (2024): 421–41. https://doi.org/10.14421/jpai.v21i2.8846.

Sholehuddin, M S, M A Ghufron, and T Ningsih. “Integrating Javanese Philosophy into Islamic Education: A Case Study of Mikul Dhuwur, Mendhem Jero (Uplift the Dignity, Bury the Secret).” Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 34, no. 1 (2026): 43–65. https://doi.org/10.47836/pjssh.34.1.03.

Siraj A. M., S.; Arshad. “Ibn Miskawayh and Al-Ghazali Viewpoints on Children’s Character Development and Education.” Psychology of Education, 2009, 53–72. https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105001531784?origin=resultslist.

Sofyan, Ahmad, and Abuddin Nata. “Curriculum Development Evaluation of the Islamic Education Study Program in the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training,” n.d.

Sulastri, Neneng, Saeful Anwar, Usep Suherman, and Eliva Sukma Cipta. “Deep Learning-Based Planning Model for Islamic Education in Indonesian Integrated Schools.” EDUKASIA Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran 5, no. 2 (2024): 645–58.

Umiarso, Umiarso. “HUMAN TRANSFORMATION INTO THE ‘GOD’: Study of Critic–Elaborative Axiology of Islamic Education with Philosophical Sufism.” EDUKASI: Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Agama Dan Keagamaan 17, no. 1 (2019): 1–13. https://doi.org/10.32729/edukasi.v17i1.589.

Warsah, Idi. “Islamic Integration and Tolerance in Community Behaviour; Multiculturalism Model in The Rejang Lebong District.” Khatulistiwa 9, no. 1 (2019): 15. https://doi.org/10.24260/khatulistiwa.v9i1.1269.

———. “Religious Educators: A Psychological Study of Qur’anic Verses Regarding Al-Rahmah.” AL QUDS : Jurnal Studi Alquran Dan Hadis 4, no. 2 (November 12, 2020): 275. https://doi.org/10.29240/alquds.v4i2.1762.

Winkler, Kathrin, and Stefan Scholz. “Subaltern Thinking in Religious Education? Postcolonial Readings of (German) Schoolbooks.” British Journal of Religious Education 43, no. 1 (2021): 103–22.