Enhancing Students’ Islamic Moral Understanding through the Jigsaw Strategy in Akidah Akhlak Learning at MTs Al Barokah Karanggayam Kebumen

Abstract

This Classroom Action Research (CAR) was conducted to improve

students’ understanding and internalization of Islamic moral principles in

the Akidah Akhlak subject through the implementation of the Jigsaw

cooperative learning strategy at MTs Al Barokah Karanggayam, Kebumen,

Central Java. The study was motivated by initial observations indicating

that students tended to be passive, showed limited engagement in

discussions, and demonstrated low comprehension of core moral values

such as honesty, discipline, responsibility, and respectful behavior. The

Jigsaw strategy was selected because it encourages active participation,

collaborative learning, peer teaching, and deeper conceptual processing, all

of which are essential for moral-based learning. The research was carried

out in two cycles, each consisting of planning, action, observation, and

reflection. The participants were 28 eighth-grade students enrolled in the

Akidah Akhlak class. Data were collected through classroom observations,

learning outcome tests, student worksheets, and reflective notes.

Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while

qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis.

The findings revealed a significant improvement in both cognitive

understanding and behavioral indicators of Islamic moral values. Students

became more responsible in completing tasks, more respectful in group

interactions, and more confident when presenting their assigned subtopics.

The average test scores increased from 63.5 in the pre-cycle to 76.2 in Cycle

I and 86.8 in Cycle II, indicating substantial academic progress.

Observational data also showed higher levels of cooperation and mutual

support during group activities. Furthermore, the Jigsaw strategy created a

positive classroom atmosphere, enabling students to appreciate diverse

perspectives and practice moral conduct in real time. The study concludes

that the Jigsaw strategy is an effective pedagogical approach to enhancing

both comprehension and character development in Akidah Akhlak learning.

Teachers are encouraged to adopt structured cooperative learning