The Case Method in Islamic Education as an Effort to Strengthen Students’ Character Values: A Literature Review

Abstrak

This study examines the development of Islamic character values through the implementation of a case method–based learning model in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) at the university level. Framed within the paradigm of character education revitalization in higher education, this research discusses how instructional design, campus religious culture, and co-curricular activities jointly contribute to character formation. The purpose of this study is to identify the extent to which the case method can strengthen students’ religious literacy, critical thinking skills, and social character, as well as to formulate hypotheses regarding its pedagogical effectiveness. Methodologically, this literature-based study synthesizes various empirical findings and theoretical frameworks related to PAI learning models by highlighting research designs, sample characteristics, geographical contexts, variables, instructional conditions, and assessment techniques reported in previous studies. It also reviews how character values are integrated through syllabus development, course design, Islamic civilization materials as contextual learning resources, mosque-based learning environments, digital media, interactive multimedia, and authentic assessment practices such as observation, self-assessment, peer assessment, worship journals, and interviews. The findings indicate that case method–based learning fosters meaningful engagement with real socio-religious issues, deepens the examination of scriptural evidence from contemporary perspectives, and enhances students’ cognitive, affective, and social competencies. The implications of these findings affirm the need for policies that institutionalize case-based learning within the PAI curriculum and strengthen campus religious culture through mosque-centered programs. In conclusion, the case method offers a progressive and value-oriented pedagogical framework that can reinforce Islamic education management, improve students’ problem-solving abilities and religious practice, and provide a strategic foundation for strengthening character education in higher education.

Penelitian ini mengkaji pengembangan nilai-nilai karakter Islami melalui penerapan model pembelajaran berbasis metode kasus (case method) dalam Pendidikan Agama Islam (PAI) pada tingkat perguruan tinggi. Ditempatkan dalam paradigma revitalisasi pendidikan karakter di pendidikan tinggi, penelitian ini membahas bagaimana desain pembelajaran, budaya religius kampus, dan kegiatan ko-kurikuler berkontribusi secara bersama-sama terhadap pembentukan karakter. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi sejauh mana metode kasus dapat memperkuat literasi keagamaan, kemampuan berpikir kritis, dan karakter sosial mahasiswa, serta merumuskan hipotesis mengenai efektivitas pedagogisnya. Secara metodologis, penelitian berbasis literatur ini mensintesis berbagai studi empiris dan kerangka teoretis terkait model pembelajaran PAI dengan menyoroti desain penelitian, karakteristik sampel, konteks geografis, variabel, kondisi instruksional, dan teknik penilaian dalam studi-studi sebelumnya. Penelitian ini juga meninjau bagaimana nilai-nilai karakter diintegrasikan melalui pengembangan silabus, desain perkuliahan, materi peradaban Islam sebagai konteks pembelajaran, lingkungan pembelajaran berbasis masjid kampus, media digital, multimedia interaktif, serta praktik penilaian autentik seperti observasi, penilaian diri, penilaian teman sejawat, jurnal ibadah, dan wawancara. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pembelajaran berbasis metode kasus mendorong keterlibatan bermakna dengan isu-isu sosial-keagamaan nyata, memperdalam kajian terhadap dalil keagamaan dalam pandangan kontemporer, dan meningkatkan kompetensi kognitif, afektif, dan sosial mahasiswa. Implikasi temuan ini menegaskan perlunya kebijakan yang menginstitusionalisasi pembelajaran berbasis kasus dalam kurikulum PAI serta memperkuat budaya religius kampus melalui program-program berbasis masjid. Sebagai kesimpulan, metode kasus menawarkan kerangka pedagogis yang progresif dan berorientasi nilai, yang mampu memperkuat manajemen pendidikan Islam, meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan masalah dan praktik keberagamaan mahasiswa, serta memberikan landasan strategis bagi penguatan pendidikan karakter di perguruan tinggi