Pedagogical Strategies of Islamic Religious Education Teachers in Developing Students' Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)

Ulul Azmi Al ghozi; Kustiana  Arisanti; Ummi Lailia Maghfiroh

doi:10.61987/jemr.v5i5.2909

Authors

Ulul Azmi Al ghozi Universitas Islam Zainul Hasan Genggong
Kustiana Arisanti Universitas Islam Zainul Hasan Genggong
Ummi Lailia Maghfiroh Universitas Islam Zainul Hasan Genggong

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61987/jemr.v5i5.2909

Keywords:

Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), Islamic Religious Education, Instructional Strategies

Abstract

This study aims to examine the instructional strategies employed by Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers to develop Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) and to identify the supporting and inhibiting factors influencing their implementation. A qualitative case study was conducted at Madrasah. Data were collected through non-participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis, and were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña. The findings reveal six key instructional strategies: active learning, higher-order questioning, contextual learning, interactive discussion, diverse learning resources, and HOTS-based assessment. The implementation of these strategies was supported by teachers' pedagogical competence, adequate instructional resources, and a conducive learning environment, while limited instructional time, heterogeneous student readiness, and conventional teaching practices emerged as major constraints. The study concludes that the successful development of HOTS requires an integrated instructional approach combining planning, implementation, classroom interaction, and authentic assessment. This research contributes a comprehensive pedagogical framework for HOTS-oriented Islamic Religious Education and provides practical recommendations for teachers, school leaders, and policymakers to strengthen instructional quality.

References

Abadiga, Z. A., Tola, K., & Tulu, A. H. (2025). Development and Validation of Self‐Report Questionnaire to Assess Higher‐Order Thinking Skills in Secondary School Mathematics. School Science and Mathematics. https://doi.org/10.1111/ssm.18400

Adzim, A. F. (2025). The Application of Cooperative-Contextual Learning Style in Islamic Religious Education Learning at Hidayatullah Middle School, Denpasar. International Journal of Educational and Life Sciences. https://doi.org/10.59890/ijels.v3i12.221

Agustina, R., & Amri, H. (2025). Optimization of Teacher Working Group (KKG) in Improving PAI Teacher Literacy in Compiling HOTS Questions in Elementary Schools Simeulue Tengah District. FITRAH: International Islamic Education Journal. https://doi.org/10.22373/fitrah.v7i1.7762

Aisih, L. A., Saihan, S., & Indrianto, N. (2025). The Role of Contextual Learning in Embedding Religious Moderation Values in PAI Subjects. Islamic Management: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.30868/im.v8i01.7884

Ajuoga, M., & Odhiambo, O. R. (2023). Prospects of the 21st Century Skills in Education: An Implication for Competency Based Curriculum in Kenya. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science. https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2023.7011122

Akib, E., Muhsin, M. A., Hamid, S. M., & Irawan, N. (2025). Critical Thinking in Authentic Assessment: An Exploration into Argumentative Writing Non-English Department in Higher Education. International Journal of Language Education. https://doi.org/10.26858/ijole.v8i4.70051

Alali, R. (2024). Enhancing 21st Century Skills through Integrated STEM Education Using Project-Oriented Problem-Based Learning. GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites. https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.53205-1217

Ardiansyah, A., Degeng, I. N. S., Kuswandi, D., & Ulfa, S. (2025). A New Model for Blended Learning in Islamic Higher Education: Integrating Peer Instruction with Just-in-Time Teaching. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 26(3), 192–216.

Asmawi, N. F., & Nasir, N. M. (2025). Characterizing Teacher Readiness and Strategies for Embedding Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in the Islamic Education Curriculum. International Journal of Modern Education. https://doi.org/10.35631/ijmoe.724090

Asokawati, J., & Ahmadi. (2026). Humanizing Islamic Education in Elementary Islamic School: Teacher Strategies, Classroom Dynamics, and Contextual Factors at MIM Pringkuku. Journal of Indonesian Islamic Studies. https://doi.org/10.24256/jiis.v5i2.10451

Ayuningrum, N. D., Ngazizah, N., & Ratnaningsih, A. (2024). The Effectiveness of Authentic Assessment Instrument Based on Higher Order Thinking Skills Integrated with Character Education. Journal of Innovation and Research in Primary Education. https://doi.org/10.56916/jirpe.v3i1.548

Baehaqi, B., & Abdullah, A. (2025). Implementation of Deep Learning in Islamic Religious Education to Enhance Students’ Critical Thinking Skills. KASTA: Jurnal Ilmu Sosial, Agama, Budaya dan Terapan. https://doi.org/10.58218/kasta.v5i2.3642

Dilekçi, A., & Karatay, H. (2023). The Effects of the 21st Century Skills Curriculum on the Development of Students’ Creative Thinking Skills. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 47, 101229.

Farwa, U., Riaz, M., & Asadullah. (2026). Developing Critical Thinking Skills through Active Learning: Strategies for Higher Secondary and Undergraduate Education. Social Science Review Archives. https://doi.org/10.70670/sra.v4i1.1910

Fitria, W., & Nafiah, U. (2025). Enhancing Students’ Inferential Reading Skills through a Higher Order Thinking Skills Based Module: An Experimental Study. International Journal of Education and Teaching Zone. https://doi.org/10.57092/ijetz.v4i2.434

Fitriati, S. W., Wahyuni, S., & Sakhiyya, Z. (2025). Cultivating Critical Inference: A Problem-Based Learning Model for High School Students. Indonesian EFL Journal, 11(3), 525–538.

Hidayati, N. (2024). Implementation of Active Learning Methods in Islamic Religious Education to Improve Students’ Critical Thinking Skills in Schools. AFKARINA: Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam. https://doi.org/10.33650/afkarina.v9i2.9399

Hunaepi, H., & Suharta, I. (2024). Transforming Education in Indonesia: The Impact and Challenges of the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum. Path of Science. https://doi.org/10.22178/pos.105-31

Isnaeni, I., Yahya, M., Alwi, B. M., & Idris, R. (2026). Problem-Based Learning dalam Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam: Sintesis Konseptual untuk Pengembangan Pembelajaran Abad ke-21. Al-Qalam: Jurnal Kajian Islam dan Pendidikan. https://doi.org/10.47435/al-qalam.v18i1.4344

Isnaini, N., & Jannah, N. (2024). Islamic Religious Education (PAI) Learning Assessment Based on Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) at SMK Muhammadiyah 5 Jember. AL-WIJDÃN Journal of Islamic Education Studies. https://doi.org/10.58788/alwijdn.v9i3.4647

Laila, A., Ulinnas, S., & Irfanda, H. (2026). Authentic Evaluation Based on Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in Islamic Religious Education Learning. Ad Dien: Journal of Islamic Studies. https://doi.org/10.66089/djis.v1i4.106

Lestari, N., Hadi, M., & Nuryanto. (2025). Teachers as Moral Agents: The Role of Islamic Religious Education in Shaping Student Character. Indonesian Journal of Religious Studies. https://doi.org/10.64268/ijors.v1i1.51

Maisyanah, Rahman, A., Kholis, N., Yunus, M., Bakar, A., Akbar, A., & Hasan, A. (2024). Living Qur’an Approach to Improve Critical Thinking Skills in Islamic Religious Education Learning. Al-Hayat: Journal of Islamic Education. https://doi.org/10.35723/ajie.v8i4.7

Mawarni, S., B2, I., & Mukhlisah, I. (2025). Analysis of the Role of Islamic Religious Education Teachers in Enhancing Students’ Critical Thinking in Moral Learning Based on the Merdeka Curriculum at SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Sukoharjo. At Turots: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.51468/jpi.v7i2.1112

Mor, B., Patel, R., & Prajapati, B. (2025). 21st-Century Competencies in Physics: Assessment Strategies for Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, and Character Formation. Schrödinger: Journal of Physics Education. https://doi.org/10.37251/sjpe.v6i2.2030

Muhammad, K., Kalule, J., & Sserwadda, B. M. (2025). An Analysis of Teachers’ Insights on Assessment Approaches in the Implementation of a Competency-Based Curriculum for Islamic Religious Education in Secondary Schools in Wakiso District – Uganda. East African Journal of Education Studies. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajes.8.1.2693

Musanna, S., Jamaluddin, & Duskri, M. (2025). Test and Non-Test Evaluation Methods in Islamic Religious Education Learning in Senior High School: A Critical Analysis Based on Literature Review to Strengthen Student-Centered Learning. DARUSSALAM: Scientific Journal of Islamic Education. https://doi.org/10.62945/darussalam.v2i1.752

Musyaffa, M. R., & Atno. (2025). Analysis of the History Learning Model Based on Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in the Merdeka Curriculum. JURNAL PENDIDIKAN IPS. https://doi.org/10.37630/jpi.v15i3.3306

Otaya, L. G., Yahiji, K., Rasimin, R., Rahmawati, R., Imtihan, N., & Muhamad, N. (2025). Assessment of Teachers’ Ability to Develop HOTS-Based Test Items: A GRM Analysis. Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun, 13(3). https://doi.org/10.26811/peuradeun.v13i3.1555

Palangda, L., Abu, I., Watung, S., & Chintya, J. (2025). Implementation of Higher Order Thinking Skills Learning. International Journal of Multi Discipline Science (IJ-MDS). https://doi.org/10.26737/ij-mds.v8i1.7601

Panuntun, S., Saputri, B. H., Fahsin, M., Umniyah, I., Farihah, I., & Masykur. (2025). Implementation of Deep Learning Strategy in Islamic Religious Education to Internalize Islamic Values at SMK Hisba Buana Semarang. At Turots: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.51468/jpi.v7i1.842

Priawasana, E., & Subiyantoro, S. (2024). Evaluating the K-13 Versus Merdeka Curriculum: Impacts on Primary, Junior, and Senior High School Education in Indonesia. Jurnal Kependidikan: Jurnal Hasil Penelitian dan Kajian Kepustakaan di Bidang Pendidikan, Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran. https://doi.org/10.33394/jk.v10i3.12060

Puspitasari, M. (2025). Investigating EFL Teachers’ Perceptions on the Implementation of Higher Order Thinking Skills in Semi-Urban Area. Utamax: Journal of Ultimate Research and Trends in Education. https://doi.org/10.31849/utamax.v7i1.25120

Qudriyah, F., & Manshur, U. (2025). The Effectiveness of Inquiry-Based Learning in Fostering Students’ Problem-Solving Competence: Evidence from Secondary Education. AFKARINA: Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam. https://doi.org/10.33650/afkarina.v10i2.11449

Rafi, M., Qameer, N., & Salonen, E. (2025). How Islamic Religious Education Fosters Reflective Thinking Skills in a Multicultural and Democratic Context. Multicultural Islamic Education Review. https://doi.org/10.23917/mier.v3i2.12475

Rahim, A., Aziz, A., Rahim, I., Herdiani, R., Ambarita, J., & Nurhikmah. (2025). Integrating HOTS in Indonesian High School Textbooks: A Comparative Study of the 2013 and Merdeka Curriculum. Lingue: Jurnal Bahasa, Budaya, dan Sastra. https://doi.org/10.33477/lingue.v7i1.9426

Rahmah, S., Ramlan, Wardhani, N., Alwiyah, S., & Syarboini. (2026). Implementing Higher-Order Thinking Skills Oriented Assessment in Islamic Religious Education. Al-Hayat: Journal of Islamic Education. https://doi.org/10.35723/ajie.v10i1.152

Rahmanto, M. A., Bunyamin, B., & Wahjusaputri, S. (2026). Enhancing Higher Order Thinking Skills through Active Learning in Islamic Religious Education at a Vocational High School in Indonesia. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v17i4.8464

Rahmawati, S., Munawarah, M., Talib, K. A., Wardani, D. O. K., & Pratama, D. R. (2026). Modeling the Interrelationships of Critical Thinking Skills-Dispositions in Questioning Skills of Preservice Language Teachers. International Journal of Language Teaching and Education, 10(2), 1–18.

Rusmin, L., Misrahayu, Y., Pongpalilu, F., Radiansyah, R., & Dwiyanto, D. (2024). Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills in the 21st Century. Join: Journal of Social Science. https://doi.org/10.59613/svhy3576

Sadiya, H., Umaidah, A., Wisudaningsih, E. T., Kunci, K., Guru, S., Hebat, P. K. A., & Islam, A. (2025). PAI Teachers’ Strategies in Implementing the 7 Habits of Great Children in the Learning Activities of Grade V Students at SDN Besuk Kidul, Besuk District. Jurnal Tarbiyatuna: Jurnal Kajian Pendidikan, Pemikiran dan Pengembangan Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.30739/tarbiyatuna.v6i2.4492

Safitri, K. H., Sofiyah, E., Kusmana, S., & Jaja. (2024). Authentic Assessment Based on Higher Order Thinking Skills in Improving Student Literacy. British Journal of Teacher Education and Pedagogy. https://doi.org/10.32996/bjtep.2024.3.3.14

Situmorang, A. E., Napitupulu, S., Kunci, K., Merdeka, K., Kritis, B., Siswa, M., & Pendidikan, T. (2026). How the Merdeka Curriculum Fosters Critical Thinking Among Students: A Qualitative Investigation. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan dan Sosial. https://doi.org/10.58540/jipsi.v4i4.1305

Solihin, M., & Wijaya, A. (2024). Teacher Challenges in Implementing the Independent Curriculum: Strengthening HOTS in Religious Learning. Indonesian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 3(1), 1–11.

Sucipto, T. L. A., Sajidan, S., Akhyar, M., & Roemintoyo, R. (2025). Mapping Teacher’s Readiness to Improve the Government Policy in Implementing Higher-Order Thinking Skills-Based Learning. Qubahan Academic Journal. https://doi.org/10.48161/qaj.v5n1a1577

Suhiroh, I., Tharihoran, N., & Hidayatullah, H. (2023). Efforts of Subject Teacher Consultations (MGMP) in Increasing the Quality of Islamic Religious Education Learning. Ta Dib Jurnal Pendidikan Islam. https://doi.org/10.29313/tjpi.v12i1.11991

Thornhill-Miller, B., Camarda, A., Mercier, M., Burkhardt, J.-M., Morisseau, T., Bourgeois-Bougrine, S., Vinchon, F., El Hayek, S., Augereau-Landais, M., Mourey, F., Feybesse, C., Sundquist, D., & Lubart, T. (2023). Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration: Assessment, Certification, and Promotion of 21st Century Skills for the Future of Work and Education. Journal of Intelligence, 11(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11030054

Umah, M. A. (2025). Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)-Based Learning in Islamic Religious Education. World Journal of Islamic Learning and Teaching. https://doi.org/10.61132/wjilt.v2i3.433

Wakifah, W., Fatimah, F., & Sulistiawati, M. (2023). Optimization of Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in Islamic Education towards the Era of Society 5.0. Didaktika: Jurnal Kependidikan, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.30863/didaktika.v17i2.5750