THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ISLAMIC COMICS IN STRENGTHENING CHARACTER EDUCATION AND LITERACY AMONG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN PAMEKASAN

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Islamic comics as a visual literacy medium in strengthening character education and literacy culture among elementary school students in Pamekasan. A qualitative approach with a comparative case study design was employed in two Islamic-based elementary settings, namely SDN Potoan Laok 1 and SD  Quran Utrujah. The research subjects consisted of 26 sixth-grade students at SDN Potoan Laok 1, who received an intervention using a comic titled “Stop Bullying”, and 13 third-grade students at SD  Quran Utrujah, who were introduced to a comic titled “Jangan Pacaran dan Saling Menghargai”. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with teachers and parents, as well as oral pre-tests and post-tests to measure students’ understanding of Islamic character values. The findings indicate that Islamic comics are effective in translating abstract moral messages into concrete visual narratives that are closely related to students’ everyday experiences. At SDN Potoan Laok 1, the comics contributed to improved understanding of different forms of bullying and fostered a collective commitment to building a more empathetic classroom climate. At SD  Quran Utrujah, the average understanding score increased from 48 to 76 (a gain of 58.3%), and parents reported that the comics facilitated more dialogic communication about pre-adolescent relationships. Comic-based visual literacy supports meaningful learning that is aligned with children’s cognitive development. It also shows strong potential as an alternative strategy for developing Islamic Religious Education curricula at the elementary level. The study is limited by its small sample, its focus on two schools in Pamekasan, and its reliance on qualitative data and oral pre- and post-tests. Even so, the findings offer important implications for using visual, narrative-based media to operationalize Islamic moral values in elementary education.