Penerapan Strategi The Power of Two dalam Mengembangkan Kemampuan Berpikir Siswa pada Mata Pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam di SMP Integral Hidayatullah Sangatta

Abstract

This study examined the implementation of The Power of Two strategy in developing students’ thinking abilities in Islamic Religious Education at SMP Integral Hidayatullah Sangatta. A descriptive qualitative field-research design was employed. Data were collected through classroom observation, semi-structured interviews with the Islamic Religious Education teacher and selected eighth-grade students, and documentation. Data analysis involved condensation, display, and conclusion drawing, with credibility strengthened through source, technique, and time triangulation. The findings showed that the strategy was implemented through communicating objectives and presenting a contextual problem, individual thinking, pairing, comparing answers, constructing a joint response, presentation, clarification, and reflection. The sequence enabled students to formulate initial ideas, examine different reasons, correct misconceptions, construct more logical conclusions, and communicate religious understanding with greater confidence. The developed abilities included analytical understanding, argumentation, evaluation, synthesis, metacognitive awareness, motivation, and social-religious attitudes. The strategy increased participation, deepened conceptual understanding, strengthened confidence, focused peer interaction, and made classroom monitoring easier. Its limitations were unequal contribution, dependence on partner compatibility, limited viewpoints, possible shared misconceptions, and time-management demands. These constraints were addressed through individual written responses, dynamic pair formation, clear roles and time limits, teacher monitoring, representative presentations, and final clarification. The study concludes that The Power of Two supports meaningful Islamic Religious Education when individual accountability is maintained, pair interaction is structured, and reflection is connected to Islamic values.