mindful learning

The authenticity of Islamic Religious Education in elementary schools faces significant contemporary challenges, shifting from transformative character building toward mechanical cognitive memorization. This study aims to re-actualize the core principles of authentic moral learning through a mindful, meaningful, and joyful paradigm tailored for elementary school students. Using a literature study approach with critical-qualitative analysis, this research examines classical and contemporary pedagogical frameworks to synthesize an integrated moral education model. The findings indicate that mindful learning enhances students' self-awareness and spiritual presence, meaningful learning connects religious doctrines with daily life experiences, and joyful learning fosters intrinsic motivation and emotional well-being. Synthesizing these three elements restores the authenticity of IRE, transforming moral learning from rigid doctrinal instruction into a living, transformative spiritual and ethical experience.

Islamic Religious Education (PAI) is not only intended to provide an understanding of religious concepts, but also to develop students’ ability to comprehend, internalize, and apply religious values in everyday life. Therefore, the learning process needs to move beyond mere mastery of subject matter and provide meaningful and in-depth learning experiences. This study focuses on analyzing deep learning-based PAI instruction from the perspective of Robert E. Slavin’s QAIT model, which consists of Quality of Instruction, Appropriate Levels of Instruction, Incentive, and Time, at SMP Negeri 1 Blora. This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. The informants consisted of three PAI teachers and two students selected purposively. Data were collected through interviews, classroom observations, and documentation, and were analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña model through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that PAI instruction has reflected the principles of deep learning through three main aspects: meaningful learning, mindful learning, and joyful learning. In addition, analysis based on the QAIT model shows that the learning process is supported by instructional quality, the appropriateness of instruction to students’ abilities, learning motivation, and time management. Nevertheless, limited instructional time remains a challenge in providing sufficient opportunities for in-depth learning through discussion, presentation, and reflection. This study concludes that the implementation of deep learning in PAI can support a more contextual, reflective, and meaningful learning process when supported by instructional quality, appropriate strategies tailored to students’ needs, learning motivation, and adequate time management.

Background. Indonesian language instruction at the high school (SMA), vocational high school (SMK), and Islamic high school (MAN) levels still tends to be focused on mastering course content, resulting in students' in-depth understanding not yet being optimal. Aims. This study aims to describe the implementation of the deep learning approach in Indonesian language instruction at high schools, vocational high schools, and Islamic high schools in Cirebon City, examining aspects of planning, implementation, language use, instructional structure, as well as challenges and their solutions. Methods. The study employed a qualitative approach using descriptive methods; data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, then analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model. Result. The results indicate that all three schools have applied the principles of meaningful learning, mindful learning, and joyful learning to varying degrees, with one school demonstrating the most optimal implementation due to consistency across all aspects of instruction. Challenges still faced include time constraints, variations in student abilities, and less-than-ideal classroom conditions, which teachers address through adaptive strategies such as the use of engaging learning media and adjustments to teaching methods. Conclusion. This study concludes that the successful implementation of deep learning depends not only on the planning and execution of instruction but also on strengthening teacher competencies and support from the learning environment.