Exploring Students’ Learning Engagement in Edutainment-Based Islamic Education Learning: A Case Study on Social Media Ethics

Abstract

Student engagement is essential for meaningful Islamic Religious Education (PAI), yet limited research has examined how different dimensions of engagement emerge during edutainment-based learning. This study explored how edutainment-based activities encouraged student engagement in learning about social media ethics. A qualitative case study was conducted at SMAN 1 Barat involving one PAI teacher and ten purposively selected Grade XI students. Data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis and were analysed using an interactive qualitative approach. Trustworthiness was established through triangulation and member checking.

The findings show that discussions, quizzes, simulations, role-playing, and video-based activities created a more interactive learning environment that fostered four interconnected forms of engagement: behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and social. Students participated more actively, demonstrated greater enthusiasm, reflected more critically on ethical issues in digital communication, and collaborated more effectively with their peers. However, engagement varied across participants, with some students preferring more structured and individual learning activities.

This study contributes qualitative evidence that multidimensional student engagement can emerge simultaneously during edutainment-based PAI learning and highlights the importance of designing interactive activities that accommodate diverse learner preferences while promoting ethical reflection in digital contexts.