Developing Teachers' Social Skills in Improving Student Character Building: A Case Study of SMA Pembangunan in Barito Utara

Abstract

Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers in schools play an important role in shaping the character of religious and noble learners. Teachers' social competence which includes the ability to interact with students, other teachers, and the surrounding environment must be implemented effectively in order to form the expected character of students. This study aims to describe the role of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers' social skills in shaping students' character at Pembangunan Jangkang Baru High School, North Barito Regency. Teachers' social competence, which includes the ability to interact with students, fellow teachers, and the surrounding environment, has a significant influence on students' character building. This study used a descriptive qualitative approach with the research subjects consisting of PAI teachers and grade XI students. Data were collected through observations and interviews to obtain an overview of the role of teachers in shaping students' character, which includes religious attitudes, honesty, tolerance, democracy, discipline, responsibility, social care, and love for the environment. The results showed that PAI teachers with inclusive, adaptive, and communicative attitudes play a role in shaping students' positive character. Inclusive attitude is shown through acceptance without discrimination, adaptive attitude by adjusting to the school's social environment, and communicative attitude through giving advice that supports students' self-awareness. This study emphasizes the importance of developing PAI teachers' social skills in creating a conducive educational environment and supporting positive character in students.