THE PLAY METHOD IN THE SUBJECT OF ISLAMIC CULTURAL HISTORY FOR NINTH GRADE STUDENTS AT MA’ARIF NU 1 KEMRANJEN BANYUMAS MADRASAH TSANAWIYAH (MTS)

Abstract

This research explores the use of play-based methods in teaching the subject of Islamic Cultural History (SKI) to ninth-grade students at Ma’arif NU 1 Kemranjen Islamic Junior High School (MTs) in Banyumas. Its background is based on the need to enhance the effectiveness of SKI teaching by integrating methods that are engaging and motivating for students. The research method employed is experimental research with a pre-test post-test control group design. A quantitative approach is utilized to measure the impact of play-based methods on students’ understanding and retention of SKI materials. This study identifies the SKI concepts taught at MTs Ma’arif NU 1 Kemranjen in Banyumas and selects play-based methods suitable for SKI learning content. Experimental and control groups are chosen from ninth-grade students, with the experimental group receiving play-based learning and the control group receiving conventional learning. A pre-test is conducted before the intervention to measure students’ initial understanding. The intervention, consisting of play-based learning, is implemented for the experimental group, while the control group receives regular learning. A post-test is conducted after the intervention to measure students’ understanding after the learning process. Data is analyzed using statistical techniques and qualitative analysis to compare the level of understanding between the two groups. The results show that learning with play-based methods significantly improves students’ understanding of SKI materials compared to conventional learning. Students engaged in play-based learning demonstrate higher levels of engagement and better retention of SKI materials. The implications of this research emphasize the importance of integrating play-based methods in SKI learning at MTs to enhance effectiveness and student engagement in understanding Islamic history and culture