Strengthening Islamic Education Management Reform and Innovationn With an Internastional Perspective

By: Sabilla Q (1222010169)

(Undergraduate students of Semester VI-D, Department of Islamic Education Management, Faculty of Education and Teaching, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung)

Improving the quality of Islamic education is urgent in the era of globalization and rapid technological disruption. Madrasahs as Islamic educational institutions face major challenges in responding to the needs of society who want intellectual, spiritual, and life skills in balance. However, there is a gap between the potential of madrasahs and the image that is still not widely known, thus reducing their competitiveness. This paper aims to examine the reform and innovation of international-minded Islamic education management that can strengthen the position of madrasahs as superior and trusted institutions in facing global challenges.

First, Education reform as a solution to inequality and global challenges; Global education reform aims to transform education systems to be relevant to the needs of contemporary society. This process involves systematic revision of educational laws, standards, and methods to improve the quality of learning and social benefits. The history of education reform reflects efforts for wider access to education and adaptive curricula, from classical models to democratic and pragmatic education. Reforms are also driven by socio-economic motivations to address inequality and improve the welfare of society through inclusive and equitable education. However, obstacles such as social and economic segregation remain challenges in implementing reforms.

Second, Education reform as the key to sustainable and real improvement; National Education Reform in Indonesia is a long and complex process that takes decades to achieve significant changes. The goal is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of education by identifying obstacles and formulating realistic strategies based on real conditions in the field. The government has taken various strategic policies, from updating the education law to increasing the budget and national education standards, in order to create an excellent, equitable, and globally competitive education system.

Third, Empowering learners through systematic reform of Islamic education; Reform of Islamic Religious Education in Indonesia demands a systemic paradigm shift starting from the learning experience to the legal system, with a bottom-up approach to empowering learners. Government policies show the dynamics of madrasah management that has shifted between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, but Law No. 20 of 2003 emphasizes the importance of religious education in accordance with learners' rights. Reform efforts are directed at curriculum, professional management, and community-based empowerment to answer the challenges of the times and increase the role of Islamic education as a means of individual and social empowerment.

Fourth, Independent learning as a transformative key to humanistic and innovative Islamic religious education; The Islamic Religious Education Reform Model through Independent Learning emphasizes a happy learning atmosphere for teachers, students, and parents, in order to develop innovative learning potential and independence. Key policies include replacing the National Examination with competency assessments, simplifying administration, and a more flexible zoning system. Independent Learning allows students to learn anytime and anywhere with various methods and tools, and play an active role in determining learning materials. Islamic Religious Education and Character Education are directed at forming a complete Muslim personality through the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains, with an inspiring, interactive, and challenging 21st century learning process.

Education reform is an important step to address today's social and global challenges; 1) Education reform addresses global inequality and adaptation. Socio-economic barriers remain. 2) National reform requires time and effective policies. Focus on equal quality. 3) Islamic education is a systemic reform for empowerment. The curriculum and management are updated. 4) Independent Learning encourages independence and innovation. Flexible and participatory system. With these steps, it is hoped that education can be more inclusive, adaptive, and of high quality for the future.

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*) This article is summarized from the Teaching Module for the International Islamic Education Management Course Part 13 by Prof. Dr. H. A. Rusdiana., M.M entitled " Reform and Innovation of Islamic Education Management with International Insight".