Open access: https://journal. icpa-banyuwangi. id/index. php/skyhawk SKYHAWK: Jurnal Aviasi Indonesia Volume. Number. 1, 2026, pp. P-ISSN: 2745-6102 E-ISSN: 2776-3854 Integration of Islamic Boarding School Culture and ProjectBased Learning in Strengthening Islamic Character Education for Modern Curriculum Arif Efendi1. Moh. Zainudin2 12PPNI Bina Sehat University. Mojokerto. Indonesia Email Address: zenika59@gmail. Email Correspondence: ariffendi2018@gmail. ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Article History This study examined the integration of pesantren cultural values with Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in strengthening Islamic character education in higher education. A qualitative approach was employed involving 20 undergraduate nursing students at Universitas Bina Sehat PPNI Mojokerto selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured documentation, then analyzed using thematic procedures including data reduction, categorization, and verification. The findings indicate that integrating pesantren culture with PjBL cooperation, respect, spirituality, and moral awareness through authentic and collaborative learning experiences. Students independence, critical thinking, and process-oriented learning attitudes. However, challenges related to passive learning habits, adaptation to collaborative learning, and unequal participation were still identified. The study further reveals that lecturer facilitation and institutional support significantly influence implementation effectiveness. Theoretically, this study contributes to culturally responsive and holistic education frameworks by integrating religiouscultural values into contemporary project-based learning. Received: 09 Januari 2026 Revised: 10 Februari 2026 Accepted: 27 Maret 2026 Keywords Islamic character education. Project-Based Learning. Pesantren culture. Character development. Holistic This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license. Copyright A2026 by Author. Published by Akademi Penerbangan Indonesia. INTRODUCTION Islamic character education has become increasingly urgent amid the rapid transformations characterizing 21st-century society. The current era is marked by significant paradigm shifts in SKYHAWK: Jurnal Aviasi Indonesia Volume. Number. 1, 2026, pp. education, moving beyond the traditional focus on academic achievement toward a more holistic approach that emphasizes moral development, personal identity, and social responsibility. Rapid advancements in technology, globalization, and digital communication have profoundly influenced the mindset, behavior, and lifestyles of younger generations (Munawarsyah, 2023. Haq & MuAoshoda. While these developments provide broader educational opportunities, they also generate complex challenges, including moral degradation, individualism, instant culture, and uncontrolled exposure to digital information. Consequently, educational institutions are increasingly expected not only to develop studentsAo cognitive competencies but also to cultivate ethical awareness and strong moral character. Within this context. Islamic character education serves as a strategic framework for strengthening studentsAo moral foundations and guiding them in responding wisely to contemporary social realities. Islamic values such as honesty, discipline, responsibility, trustworthiness, and social care function as ethical principles that shape individual behavior and social interaction. These values are essential in helping students navigate modern life with integrity while maintaining balance between intellectual development and spiritual maturity. The growing concern regarding declining moral values among young people further reinforces the need for educational approaches that integrate character formation into the learning process rather than treating it merely as a supplementary component of the curriculum. Moreover, the success of Islamic character education cannot be separated from the role of parents and families as the primary agents of moral development. Parents play a fundamental role in nurturing, guiding, and habituating children to practice positive values in daily life (Sugiarti et al. Collaboration between family, school, and community therefore becomes crucial in building a supportive educational environment that consistently reinforces Islamic character values. In this regard. Islamic character education should be understood not merely as religious instruction, but as a comprehensive educational paradigm aimed at preparing students to become morally responsible, socially aware, and spiritually grounded individuals capable of facing the challenges of contemporary The modern education paradigm has undergone a significant shift from a conventional teachercentered approach to a more participatory, collaborative, and competency-oriented learning model. Today's curriculum emphasizes the integration of 21st-century knowledge, skills, and contextual learning experiences so that students are able to think critically, creatively, and adaptively to change. The integration of values becomes an essential part of the process because education is not only aimed at producing intellectually intelligent individuals, but also having strong character and adequate social abilities (Alam1, 2. , (Alam, 2. This paradigm shift encourages the need for a learning approach that is able to combine moral, affective, and psychomotor aspects simultaneously, so that the educational process becomes more holistic and relevant to global demands. Morals are very important, even from the lowest level of education to the level of higher education, the moral aspect continues to be the center of attention that continues to be accompanied to maintain its purity (Jin, 2. Pesantren, as the oldest Islamic educational institution in Indonesia, has traditions, values, and culture that have proven effective in shaping the character of students over the centuries (Isbah, 2. , (Mujahid, 2. The pesantren culture that emphasizes discipline, independence, respect for teachers, and the habit of daily worship creates a comprehensive learning ecosystem oriented SKYHAWK: Jurnal Aviasi Indonesia Volume. Number. 1, 2026, pp. towards moral formation. A harmonious relationship between kiai and students, a congregational lifestyle, and repeated instilling values encourage the internalization of character not only through verbal instruction, but through example and real practice. This experiential value-building model places pesantren as one of the most successful examples of sustainable and contextual Islamic character education. With these peculiarities, pesantren offer a rich and relevant value base to be developed in various modern educational models. Along with the times, there is a need to adapt and transform the cultural values of pesantren into a modern educational curriculum so that it can be implemented in various formal education contexts (Achmadin et al. , 2. , (Halimah et al. , 2. The cultural values of Islamic boarding schools, especially those exemplified by Kiai, can have implications for the spirit of independence, entrepreneurship, and other positive values (Karim et al. , 2. This adaptation is important to expand the benefits of the noble values of the pesantren for students who are not in the pesantren environment, as well as to strengthen the Islamic character in the national education system. The transformation of pesantren values must be carried out through pedagogical approaches that are relevant, innovative, and in accordance with the character of today's students, without losing their spiritual and moral essence. The global trend of education shows an increase in the adoption of active learning models, especially Project-Based Learning (PjBL), due to its ability to encourage learners to learn through hands-on experience, collaboration, and authentic problem-solving (Haatainen & Aksela, 2. , (Sukack et al. , 2. PjBL allows for more meaningful learning through activities that require cognitive, affective, and psychomotor involvement simultaneously, so that it becomes an effective medium to internalize character values through practice and reflection. In the context of Islamic character education. PjBL offers a pedagogical approach that can bridge between abstract values and real implementation in daily life. Through a structured project, students can experience the process of internalizing values such as responsibility, cooperation, care, and perseverance directly, so that character learning is not only declarative, but truly integrated in an authentic and contextual learning Although Islamic character education has been integrated into various national curriculum documents, its implementation in modern educational institutions still shows suboptimal results (Mohammad, 2. Many schools place character education at a declarative level through ceremonial activities or theoretical learning that do not provide space for the in-depth internalization of values. On the other hand, the dynamics of contemporary education that are oriented towards academic achievement make character values often marginalized and not a top priority in the learning process. As a result, learners acquire knowledge of Islamic values cognitively, but do not fully experience or practice them in a real context. This imbalance shows the need for a more systematic and applicable pedagogical approach so that Islamic character education can truly be implemented effectively in the modern curriculum. One of the fundamental problems in strengthening Islamic character education is the limited integrative model that combines the strength of Islamic boarding school education traditions with innovative learning approaches such as Project-Based Learning (PjBL) (Harahap et al. , 2. , (Mau. Pesantren have a strong value-based education system and have been tested in shaping the character of students, but the model has not been fully adapted to the context of more modern formal Meanwhile. PjBL has been recognized globally as an effective approach in increasing SKYHAWK: Jurnal Aviasi Indonesia Volume. Number. 1, 2026, pp. learners' active engagement and instilling value through hands-on experience. However, the two still run separately without a pedagogical design that comprehensively integrates the spiritual dimension of the pesantren with a project-based learning structure. The absence of such a model results in a great loss of opportunity to optimize character learning holistically through the synthesis of tradition and innovation. The objectives of this research are: . Describe the values and cultural practices of pesantren that are relevant to strengthening Islamic character education. Analyze how the Project-Based Learning approach can be used to integrate the cultural values of the pesantren into learning . Develop a conceptual model or integrative framework between pesantren culture and PjBL for a modern curriculum. Identify the contribution of this integration to the effectiveness of student character formation in the context of contemporary education. Previous studies on pesantren culture are still mostly descriptive, emphasizing the exposure of values, traditions, and practices that develop in the pesantren environment without associating them with the dynamics of modern pedagogical innovation. This kind of research does contribute to a basic understanding of the characteristics of pesantren education, but it does not provide a conceptual or methodological framework that bridges the potential of these values with the needs of contemporary education. The limitations of this descriptive approach cause knowledge about pesantren culture to be less applicable when faced with the demands of a modern curriculum that emphasizes active, collaborative, and competency-oriented learning. As a result, the opportunity to combine the rich traditions of pesantren with innovative pedagogical strategies has not been optimally utilized by previous studies. Until now, there is no systematic model that comprehensively integrates pesantren culture with the PjBL approach to strengthening character education in the modern curriculum. Existing research offers general theoretical ideas without formulating an operational framework that can be used as a practical reference by educators. The absence of this model makes it difficult for educational institutions to design learning activities that can combine the depth of pesantren values with a directed project learning structure. In addition, the absence of an integrative framework makes efforts to adapt the culture of pesantren in the context of formal education sporadic, nonstandardized, and dependent on individual initiatives of educators. This model gap indicates an urgent need to develop a systematic approach that is able to synergize tradition and innovation in character learning. The justification for this research is: . Offering a new perspective by combining two domains: pesantren culture . and Project-Based Learning . odern and innovativ. Providing theoretical contributions in the form of integrative frameworks that have not been widely raised in the Islamic educational literature. Provide practical contributions to curriculum developers and educators in designing experiential character learning. Relevant to the demands of a modern curriculum that emphasizes character, collaboration, creativity, and contextualization of . Produce findings that can be a model for strengthening Islamic character that is adaptive, applicative, and based on local wisdom. SKYHAWK: Jurnal Aviasi Indonesia Volume. Number. 1, 2026, pp. METHODS This study uses qualitative research methods. Qualitative research refers to qualitative methods as study methods and techniques, and qualitative research and overall research is carried out in a qualitative way. Furthermore, this study was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing. Universitas Bina Sehat PPNI Mojokerto, involving undergraduate nursing students as the primary sources of data. The participants consisted of 20 active undergraduate nursing students selected through a purposive sampling technique based on specific inclusion criteria relevant to the objectives of the study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: . active undergraduate nursing students, . students who had participated in project-based religious learning activities integrated with pesantren culture as part of character education strengthening, . students who were willing to participate in interviews and observations, and . students who had direct experience in project-based learning integrated with pesantren cultural values. The purposive sampling technique was employed to ensure that the participants possessed sufficient experience and understanding regarding the implementation of project-based religious learning integrated with pesantren culture. The data collected in this study consisted of words, sentences, and narratives obtained from in-depth interviews, observation sheets, and supporting These data sources were analyzed to explore studentsAo experiences, perceptions, and character development within the context of pesantren-based project learning. The data collection techniques employed in this study included semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain in-depth information regarding studentsAo experiences and perceptions of project-based religious learning integrated with pesantren culture. Observations were carried out using observation sheets to identify studentsAo attitudes, participation, and character-related behaviors during the learning In addition, documentation techniques were utilized to collect relevant supporting documents related to the research focus, including learning activity records, student assignments, and institutional documents. The data analysis process was conducted systematically through several stages. First, data reduction was performed by selecting, classifying, and organizing data according to its relevance to the research objectives. This stage also involved coding and categorizing similar data into meaningful Second, data display was carried out by systematically presenting relevant findings in descriptive and thematic forms to facilitate interpretation. Third, conclusion drawing and verification were conducted to identify patterns, relationships, and meanings emerging from the collected data. To ensure the trustworthiness and validity of the findings, this study applied several data validation techniques. First, triangulation was conducted by comparing data obtained from interviews, observations, and documentation to ensure consistency across different sources and Second, member checking was employed by confirming interview results and interpretations with participants to enhance the accuracy of the data. Third, prolonged engagement and persistent observation were carried out to gain a deeper understanding of participantsAo experiences and the research context. In addition, peer debriefing was conducted through discussions with fellow researchers and academic supervisors to minimize researcher bias and SKYHAWK: Jurnal Aviasi Indonesia Volume. Number. 1, 2026, pp. strengthen the credibility of the findings. These validation techniques were applied to ensure the reliability, credibility, and accuracy of the research results. RESULTS The findings of this study demonstrate that the integration of pesantren culture with ProjectBased Learning (PjBL) provides a comprehensive impact on studentsAo character development and learning processes. The results reveal that core values such as discipline, responsibility, cooperation, and respect are effectively internalized through structured routines and collaborative project Students not only understand these values conceptually but also practice them consistently in real learning contexts. In addition, the integration of spiritual elements into the learning process enhances the meaning of academic activities, transforming them into value-driven experiences that go beyond cognitive achievement. Furthermore, the findings obtained from interviews, observations, and documentation analysis indicate that Project-Based Learning (PjBL) integrated with pesantren culture functions as an effective pedagogical approach for transforming abstract Islamic moral values into practical daily Data from participant interviews revealed that students became more actively involved in collaborative learning activities, such as group discussions, community-based projects, and reflective religious practices, which encouraged the application of values such as responsibility, discipline, honesty, and social care in real-life situations. Observation results further showed noticeable changes in studentsAo participation, communication patterns, and accountability during project The analysis also demonstrated that students experienced improvements in learning independence and critical thinking skills throughout the project-based learning process. Several participants reported that project activities required them to solve problems independently, manage time effectively, and make collective decisions within groups. In addition, students expressed a shift in learning orientation, from focusing primarily on academic outcomes toward valuing the learning process, collaboration, and personal character development. However, the findings also identified several challenges, particularly studentsAo initial dependence on lecturer-centered learning and difficulties adapting to collaborative and reflective learning environments. Moreover, the study found that the role of lecturers as facilitators significantly contributed to the success of the learning process. Lecturers provided guidance, reflective feedback, and value reinforcement throughout project activities, enabling students to connect pesantren cultural values with modern educational practices. The integration of traditional Islamic values and contemporary project-based learning approaches created a more contextual and meaningful learning environment. These findings suggest that the combination of cultural-religious values and innovative pedagogy can support the development of holistic, character-oriented education that is relevant to the demands of 21st-century learning. SKYHAWK: Jurnal Aviasi Indonesia Volume. Number. 1, 2026, pp. Tabel 1. Findings on the Integration of Pesantren Culture and Project-Based Learning (PjBL) Theme Category Discipline Responsibility Cooperation Manners and Respect Spirituality Value Translation PjBL Effectiveness Empirical Findings (Based on Interviews. Observations, and Documentatio. Students consistently followed project schedules, attended religious activities on time, and completed according to agreed Participants stated that group projects encouraged them to take responsibility for assigned tasks and collective outcomes. Observation data showed active collaboration, mutual assistance, and collective problemsolving during project Students demonstrated polite patterns toward lecturers and peers during discussions and project Religious practices such as prayer, reflection, and Islamic discussions were integrated into project activities. Students applied values such as honesty, patience, and sincerity in community-based Participants reported that project-based learning increased engagement and helped them understand values Data Source Coding / Categorization Result Implications Interviews. Time discipline. Improves time management and task completion Interviews. Academic Strengthens and integrity Observations. Team Builds teamwork Observations Ethical Creates a Documentation. Spiritual Enhances meaning of learning beyond Interviews. Internalization of Islamic values Encourages of character Interviews Experiential learning process Promotes active and contextual SKYHAWK: Jurnal Aviasi Indonesia Volume. Number. 1, 2026, pp. Learning Challenges Mindset Transformation Moral Identity Contextualization Lecturer Role Learning Independence Integrative Learning Model through direct Several students initially experienced difficulties adapting from passive learning habits to collaborative learning activities. Students reported a shift from focusing solely on grades to valuing the learning process and selfdevelopment. Participants expressed stronger awareness of Islamic moral identity after participating in pesantren-integrated learning activities. Students connected pesantren values with modern social and academic contexts during project Observations revealed that lecturers acted as facilitators, mentors, and value guides throughout the learning process. Students became more proactive in seeking information, managing tasks, and solving problems The integration of pesantren culture and PjBL created a balanced model combining religious values and modern Interviews Learning Requires gradual Interviews Process-oriented learning mindset Develops deeper Interviews Moral selfawareness Supports ethical decision-making Interviews. Contextual application of Increases relevance of traditional values Observations Facilitative learning role Ensures holistic learning process Interviews Self-regulated Enhances learning skills Documentation. Integrative Produces DISCUSSION The findings of this study demonstrate that the integration of pesantren cultural values with Project-Based Learning (PjBL) constitutes a pedagogical approach that not only supports academic development but also strengthens studentsAo character formation in a more holistic manner. The results indicate that values such as discipline, responsibility, cooperation, respect, and spirituality SKYHAWK: Jurnal Aviasi Indonesia Volume. Number. 1, 2026, pp. are not merely understood theoretically but are practiced within authentic learning activities (Syihabuddin, 2017. Wilson, 2. Several participants explained that project-based religious learning encouraged them to apply these values in daily academic interactions. One student stated. AuBefore joining this project. I usually focused only on completing assignments individually, but through group projects I learned how to be responsible not only for myself but also for my team Ay This finding suggests that character formation becomes more meaningful when values are embedded in real learning experiences rather than delivered solely through theoretical The prominence of discipline as a major finding reflects the effectiveness of structured routines derived from pesantren culture. Students consistently followed project timelines, attended activities punctually, and demonstrated greater commitment to task completion. This finding supports constructivist perspectives emphasizing that behavior is developed through repeated practice and meaningful engagement (Rob & Rob, 2018. Honebein et al. , 1993. Bada & Olusegun, 2. However, a critical issue emerging from the data is that not all students adapted equally to the disciplined learning environment. Some participants initially perceived the structured routines as restrictive and One participant commented. AuAt first. I felt overwhelmed because the learning process required strict schedules and continuous reflection, which was different from my previous learning Ay This indicates that although discipline can positively shape self-regulated learning, the transition process may create resistance among students who are accustomed to teacher-centered or passive learning environments. Therefore, discipline should not only be imposed structurally but also accompanied by supportive guidance and gradual adaptation strategies. The findings regarding responsibility further reveal that collaborative project activities foster both moral and academic accountability. Students developed awareness that project success depended on collective commitment and contribution. This aligns with social constructivist theory, which emphasizes shared responsibility in learning processes (Synchez-Garcya & Reyes-de-Cyzar. Al-Qoyyim & Kurniawan, 2. Nevertheless, the findings also reveal a potential limitation of collaborative learning. Several students reported unequal participation among group members, where more active students tended to dominate project activities. As one participant explained. AuSometimes only a few students worked seriously, while others depended on the group. Ay This finding suggests that while PjBL can strengthen responsibility, ineffective group management may also create dependency and unequal workloads. Therefore, lecturersAo monitoring and facilitation remain essential to ensure balanced participation and fair collaboration. Another important finding concerns the role of cooperation rooted in pesantren values such as gotong royong . utual assistanc. and musyawarah . Students demonstrated improved communication skills, teamwork, and social interaction throughout project This supports the argument that culturally responsive pedagogy can strengthen both academic and social competencies (Fahadah & Thomps, 2. However, the study also indicates that cultural values alone are insufficient to guarantee effective collaboration. Some participants experienced difficulties in negotiating differing opinions and adapting to collaborative decision-making processes. This finding highlights the complexity of implementing collaborative learning in higher education contexts, particularly among students who are more familiar with individual learning practices. Consequently, cooperation should be viewed not only as a cultural value but also as a skill that requires continuous training and facilitation. SKYHAWK: Jurnal Aviasi Indonesia Volume. Number. 1, 2026, pp. The integration of manners and respect into the learning process also contributed to the creation of a conducive and ethical academic environment. Observation data showed that students maintained polite communication and respectful interactions with lecturers and peers during discussions and project activities. These findings align with humanistic learning perspectives that emphasize empathy, interpersonal relationships, and ethical interaction in education (Khamrakulova, 2025. Kumari, 2. One participant noted. AuThe learning process taught us to express opinions respectfully, even when we disagreed with others. Ay However, this study critically indicates that respectful behavior was more visible during supervised activities than in informal interactions, suggesting that the sustainability of these values outside structured learning contexts requires further attention. Another significant finding is the integration of spirituality into the learning experience. Students reported that religious practices and reflective activities increased the meaningfulness of project implementation. One participant stated. AuThe projects were not only academic assignments, but also reminded us that learning can become part of worship and self-improvement. Ay This finding supports the concept of holistic education, which emphasizes the integration of intellectual, moral, and spiritual dimensions (Aseery, 2024. Clanton Harpine, 2. However, a critical reflection is necessary regarding the contextual application of spiritual values in diverse educational settings. The effectiveness of spiritually integrated learning may vary depending on studentsAo backgrounds, beliefs, and levels of religious engagement. Therefore, spirituality-based learning should remain contextual and inclusive rather than normative or coercive. The study also confirms that PjBL functions effectively as a medium for translating abstract moral values into concrete practices (Parmentier et al. , 2021. Malin & Rind, 2. Students applied values such as honesty, patience, and responsibility during project planning, implementation, and reporting processes. This finding supports experiential learning theory, which posits that knowledge and values are strengthened through direct experience. Nevertheless, the findings reveal that some students still focused primarily on project completion rather than internalizing the intended values. This suggests that experiential learning alone does not automatically produce character Reflection sessions and guided evaluation are necessary to ensure that students critically connect project experiences with ethical and moral development. Furthermore, the findings reveal a transformation in studentsAo learning orientation from grade-centered learning toward process-oriented learning (Brosseau, 2. Students gradually began to value collaboration, reflection, and personal development more than merely achieving academic scores. However, the transition was not immediate, as some participants initially struggled to adapt because they were accustomed to conventional assessment systems emphasizing examinations and grades. This finding indicates that innovative pedagogical models require institutional support and assessment systems that appreciate learning processes alongside cognitive Finally, the role of lecturers emerged as a determining factor in the successful implementation of the integrative learning model. Lecturers acted not only as instructors but also as facilitators, mentors, and role models who reinforced pesantren values throughout project activities. Observation findings showed that students became more engaged when lecturers actively guided discussions and provided reflective feedback. However, this also implies that the effectiveness of the model heavily depends on lecturersAo pedagogical competence and consistency. Without adequate SKYHAWK: Jurnal Aviasi Indonesia Volume. Number. 1, 2026, pp. facilitation, the integration of cultural values into project-based learning may become superficial and lose its transformative potential. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the integration of pesantren culture and PjBL provides a meaningful and contextual learning model that supports both academic and character At the same time, this study critically reveals that the success of the model is influenced by studentsAo readiness, group dynamics, lecturer facilitation, and institutional support. Therefore, the integration of traditional values and innovative pedagogy should not be viewed as a universally applicable solution, but rather as a dynamic educational approach that requires contextual adaptation and continuous evaluation. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the integration of pesantren cultural values with Project-Based Learning (PjBL) provides a meaningful and holistic educational model that strengthens studentsAo academic competencies, moral identity, spirituality, and character development through authentic and contextual learning experiences. The findings indicate that values such as discipline, responsibility, cooperation, respect, and spirituality are more effectively internalized when embedded within collaborative and experiential learning activities rather than delivered through theoretical instruction alone. Theoretically, this study contributes to the development of culturally responsive and holistic education frameworks by extending constructivist and experiential learning perspectives through the integration of religious-cultural values into contemporary pedagogy. Methodologically, the use of interviews, observations, and documentation combined with thematic categorization offers a richer understanding of how character values are translated into educational practice within higher education contexts. However, the study also reveals that the effectiveness of the model is influenced by studentsAo readiness, collaborative dynamics, lecturer facilitation, and institutional support, indicating that the implementation of culturally integrated PjBL requires adaptive and context-sensitive strategies. Therefore, future research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of pesantren-integrated learning models on studentsAo character sustainability, involve more diverse educational settings and participant backgrounds, and employ longitudinal or mixed-method approaches to examine the broader effectiveness and transferability of this pedagogical model in 21st-century education. REFERENCES