Learning Media Innovation by Islamic Religious Education Teachers in Indonesian Elementary Schools: A Qualitative SWOT Analysis

This study investigates learning media innovation conducted by Islamic Religious Education teachers in Indonesian elementary schools through a qualitative SWOT analysis. The research aims to examine the forms of media innovation, their alignment with the school vision and mission, and their implications for learning quality. A qualitative case study design was employed at SD Muhammadiyah 1 Candi Sidoarjo. Participants consisted of the school principal (1), Islamic Religious Education teachers (2 teachers responsible for grades III and V), and students from grades III and V selected purposively to represent active classroom users of the media. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. Data analysis followed Miles and Huberman’s interactive model combined with SWOT analysis. Empirical findings show that teachers implemented four dominant types of media: digital presentations, audio-visual videos, concrete teaching aids, and self-developed contextual modules. Classroom observations revealed increased student participation, longer engagement duration, and improved task completion when interactive media were used. SWOT results identified strong institutional support and teacher creativity as key strengths, while limited digital devices and varying technological skills emerged as primary constraints. These findings demonstrate that systematic media innovation significantly enhances student engagement and differentiated religious learning practices.