Instructional Innovation As A Strategic Effort To Cultivate Critical Thinking In Muhammadiyah Elementary Education

Abstract

This study explores the innovative instructional strategies implemented by Islamic Religious Education (IRE) teachers at Muhammadiyah Perumnas Elementary School to foster students' critical thinking. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research focuses on learning practices, teacher-student interactions, and contextual integration of Islamic values. The findings reveal that varied strategies such as communicative delivery, open-ended discussions, reflective practices, and real-life applications significantly enhance students’ analytical, ethical, and spiritual reasoning skills. This innovation is supported by curriculum design, teacher readiness, and Islamic school culture, despite challenges like time constraints and diverse student abilities. The study affirms that instructional innovation rooted in Islamic values plays a strategic role in cultivating holistic critical thinking from an early age.