Emerging Science Journal
Vol. 9 (2025): Special Issue "Emerging Trends, Challenges, and Innovative Practices in Education"

Integrating Social Intelligence Into Character-Based Education: A Contextual Learning Model in Modern Boarding Schools

Sabaruddin (Doctoral Study Program in Social Sciences Education, Graduate School, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Darussalam, Banda Aceh)
Rusli Yusuf (Department of Civic Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Syiah Kuala Banda Aceh, Aceh, 23111)
Misri A. Muchsin (Department of Islamic History and Culture, Faculty of Adab and Humanities. Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry, Darussalam, Banda Aceh)
Masrizal (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Darussalam, Banda Aceh)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Dec 2025

Abstract

Objectives: This study designs and evaluates a social intelligence-based learning model for social studies in modern Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in Indonesia, addressing the lack of social-emotional integration in faith-based curricula. Methods/Analysis: A mixed-methods approach involved 150 participants from five pesantren, including students, teachers, and school leaders. Qualitative data were gathered via interviews, observations, documentation, and FGDs, while quantitative data were collected using a validated 25-item Social Skills Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests, and Cohen’s d assessed effectiveness, with methodological and theoretical triangulation ensuring qualitative validity. Findings: The model—integrating social values, interactive strategies, contextual materials, authentic assessment, and teacher facilitation produced significant gains in social intelligence. Problem-solving and tolerance improved most (+1.7 points each), and student participation rose from 42% to 88%. Both students and teachers reported high satisfaction with the collaborative, contextually relevant approach. The questionnaire demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.87). Novelty/Improvement: This study introduces a culturally grounded, faith-based pedagogical framework embedding social intelligence into character-based education. By aligning Islamic values and Acehnese wisdom with 21st-century social competencies it provides a replicable model for enhancing social-emotional learning in similar educational contexts.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ESJ

Publisher

Subject

Environmental Science

Description

Emerging Science Journal is not limited to a specific aspect of science and engineering but is instead devoted to a wide range of subfields in the engineering and sciences. While it encourages a broad spectrum of contribution in the engineering and sciences. Articles of interdisciplinary nature are ...