Jurnal Pendidikan Terapan
Vol 4, No 4 September (2026)

Effectiveness of Gamified Qur'an-Hadith Learning on Cognitive Achievement and Student Engagement: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study in an Islamic Elementary School

Dian Rif'iyati (Universitas Islam Negeri K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan)
Dirasti Novianti (Universitas Islam Negeri K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan)
Muhlisin Muhlisin (Universitas Islam Negeri K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Sep 2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluates the effectiveness and impact of implementing gamified learning on students' academic achievement and learning engagement in Qur'an-Hadith education to address low student motivation stemming from traditional instruction. Methods: Utilizing a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design across a six-session intervention, this study examined 60 fifth-grade Islamic elementary school students assigned to experimental (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups, complemented by qualitative interviews with 2 teachers and 6 students. Quantitative data were analyzed using independent sample t-tests and ANCOVA to adjust for baseline baseline ability, while qualitative transcriptions underwent thematic analysis. Findings: Controlling for pre-test scores, ANCOVA demonstrated that the experimental group achieved significantly higher adjusted post-test performance (EMM = 84.50, SE = 1.12) compared to the control group (EMM = 72.10, SE = 1.12), F(1, 57) = 48.92, p < .001,  = .462. Qualitative findings revealed that gamification mechanics specifically structured points, leaderboards, and interactive challenges enhanced student engagement, self-reported retention of scriptural text, and peer collaboration. Research Implications: Gamified learning offers a practical, high-impact pedagogical framework for modernizing religious education in Islamic elementary schools, demonstrating clear utility for enhancing short-term cognitive performance and classroom participation. Originality: This study provides empirical evidence for integrating tailored game mechanics directly into primary-level Qur'an-Hadith curricula, addressing a critical gap in educational technology research within traditional religious instruction.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JUPITER

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Social Sciences Other

Description

Jurnal Pendidikan Terapan (JUPITER) is an open scientific forum for educational researchers,scholars and practitioners. This open access journal publishes articles related to the research results in the field of education. The journal seeks to digest innovations, issues and trends in educational ...