<![CDATA[This research is motivated by the low learning achievement of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) among Grade VIII students at SMP Al Faris Campaka Cianjur, resulting from teacher-centered learning that made students passive, lacking learning initiative, and dependent on teacher direction. To address this issue, the Self Directed Learning (SDL) approach was applied, emphasizing students’ initiative, responsibility, and independence in managing their own learning process. This research aims to describe the implementation of SDL, to identify students’ learning achievements after SDL application, and to analyze the supporting and inhibiting factors. The study employed a qualitative descriptive field research method, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation involving PAI teachers and Grade VIII students at SMP Al Faris Campaka Cianjur. The findings show that SDL implementation was carried out through three stages, namely planning, implementation, and evaluation, and enhanced students’ active participation, independence, and learning responsibility. Students’ learning achievement also improved in the aspects of knowledge, attitudes, and skills, as reflected in the increase of the average score from 72.50 in the Mid-Semester Assessment (PTS) to 83.00 in the Final-Semester Assessment (PAS), an increase of 10.50 points. Supporting factors include the teacher’s role as facilitator, students’ motivation, the availability of learning resources, and a conducive learning environment, while inhibiting factors involve limited independent learning habits, differences in students’ abilities and confidence, time constraints, and suboptimal use of learning resources. The conclusion highlights that SDL is a strategic approach in PAI learning, aligned with Islamic values and the demands of the Merdeka Curriculum, and is proven effective in improving the learning achievement of Grade VIII students at SMP Al Faris Campaka Cianjur.]]>
