Contextual Teaching and Learning Model:Its Application in Teaching Prayer Values in Islamic Education

The present article intends to present a contextual teaching and learning model that can be applied in the teaching of prayer in Islamic religious education. The essence of prayer is promoting understanding. Through a contextual learning model, there will emerge understanding and easier applicability of religious virtues based on clear knowledge. The author uses mixed methods, where data has been collected through participatory observation, documentation study, in-depth interview, and through questionnaires. It has been revealed that with the use of a contextual teaching and learning model to teach Islamic education, there is improved knowledge and understanding of the religious values. This can be evidenced from the students' improvement in the application of the learnt prayer knowledge in their daily life. Using a contextual teaching and learning model can make learning more realistic, concrete, actual, enjoyable, and meaningful, because students are actively engaged in the development of learning materials which are application to real life situation. The authors conclude by recommending that this learning model should be applied to facilitate the teaching of religious virtues and practices in schools.