Integrating Social Intelligence Into Character-Based Education: A Contextual Learning Model in Modern Boarding Schools

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Sabaruddin, Rusli Yusuf, Misri A. Muchsin, Masrizal

2025 Emerging Science Journal Vol. 9 Issue Special Issue Article Cited by 0 SDG 4SDG 17 Quartile

Abstract

Objectives: This study designs and evaluates a social intelligence-based learning model for social studies in modern Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in Indonesia, addressing the lack of social-emotional integration in faith-based curricula. Methods/Analysis: A mixed-methods approach involved 150 participants from five pesantren, including students, teachers, and school leaders. Qualitative data were gathered via interviews, observations, documentation, and FGDs, while quantitative data were collected using a validated 25-item Social Skills Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests, and Cohen’s d assessed effectiveness, with methodological and theoretical triangulation ensuring qualitative validity. Findings: The model—integrating social values, interactive strategies, contextual materials, authentic assessment, and teacher facilitation produced significant gains in social intelligence. Problem-solving and tolerance improved most (+1.7 points each), and student participation rose from 42% to 88%. Both students and teachers reported high satisfaction with the collaborative, contextually relevant approach. The questionnaire demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.87). Novelty/Improvement: This study introduces a culturally grounded, faith-based pedagogical framework embedding social intelligence into character-based education. By aligning Islamic values and Acehnese wisdom with 21st-century social competencies it provides a replicable model for enhancing social-emotional learning in similar educational contexts. © 2025 by the authors.

Affiliations

Doctoral Study Program in Social Sciences Education, Graduate School, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Darussalam, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; Department of Civic Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Syiah Kuala Banda Aceh, Aceh, 23111, Indonesia; Department of Islamic History and Culture, Faculty of Adab and Humanities, Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry, Darussalam, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Darussalam, Banda Aceh, Indonesia

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