PENGEMBANGAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN AKHLAK BERBASIS KISAH INTERAKTIF UNTUK MENINGKATKAN EMPATI SISWA DI SMP AT-TIBYAN LI TAHFIDZIL QURAN, DESA TANJUNG DALAM, KABUPATEN MUSI BANYUASIN, SUMATERA SELATAN

Abstract

This study aims to develop an interactive-story-based moral learning model to enhance students’ empathy at SMP At-Tibyan Li Tahfidzil Quran, Tanjung Dalam Village, Musi Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra. The model development was driven by the need for moral instruction that engages students emotionally, given the low level of empathy reflected in their social behavior. The research employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach, encompassing needs analysis, model design, expert validation, revision, limited trials, and field trials. Data were collected through observations, interviews, questionnaires, and documentation. Validation was conducted by experts in Islamic education, instructional media, and adolescent psychology to assess content feasibility, structural clarity, and the model’s potential to foster empathy. The findings indicate that the developed model is valid and feasible for classroom implementation. Limited trials demonstrated strong student engagement, particularly during empathetic dialogue, role-playing, and moral reflection activities. Field trials revealed a significant increase in students’ empathy scores based on the paired sample t-test. Students exhibited improved ability to understand others’ feelings, show concern, and adopt social perspectives more maturely. Teachers also reported that the model made moral instruction more dynamic and interactive compared to conventional methods. This study concludes that the interactive-story-based moral learning model is effective in cultivating students’ empathy through narrative-driven, emotional, and reflective learning experiences. The model is recommended for broader adaptation in Islamic educational settings.