Empowering Islamic Religious Education Teachers through Generative AI for Differentiated Learning: An Asset-Based Community Development Approach

Abstract

This community empowerment program aimed to strengthen PAI teachers’ capacity to implement differentiated learning through Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) using an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach. The program involved 36 PAI teachers from 12 senior high schools in Surabaya and was implemented over six months using a modified 5-D empowerment cycle: discovery, dream, design, delivery, and sustainability. Data were collected through pre-tests, post-tests, teaching-module assessments, satisfaction questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using Normalized Gain (N-Gain), while qualitative data were examined thematically. The findings demonstrated substantial improvement in teacher competence, with the mean score increasing from 42.15 to 84.50 and an overall N-Gain of 0.73, categorized as high. Teachers also produced differentiated AI-assisted teaching modules with an average quality score of 87.6%. Partner satisfaction reached 92.4%, indicating very high acceptance. Qualitative findings revealed increased teacher confidence, stronger digital religious-content verification, and enhanced peer collaboration. The program demonstrates that ABCD can support sustainable, ethical, and teacher-centered GenAI integration in Islamic Religious Education.