Pengembangan Karakter Sosial Islami Anak Usia Dini dengan Pendekatan Neuro-PAI (Neuroscience Islamic Education)

Abstract

Developing Islamic social character in early childhood is a crucial foundation for shaping a morally grounded generation capable of adapting to contemporary social dynamics. Early childhood (ages 0–6) represents a golden period of brain development, during which approximately 80% of synaptic connections are formed and remain highly responsive to environmental stimulation. This article aims to analyze how the Neuro-PAI (Neuroscience Islamic Education) approach can serve as an effective strategy for internalizing Islamic social values in young children. Using a literature review method, the study examines neuroscientific findings related to learning through positive emotions, the role of mirror neurons in imitation, and synaptic strengthening through habituation. These findings are integrated with core Islamic educational principles such as modeling (uswah hasanah), habituation of good behavior, and nurturing based on compassion. The results indicate that Neuro-PAI optimizes social character formation through five key strategies: emotional-positive stimulation, mirror-neuron-based modeling, habituation of Islamic social practices, Islamic storytelling supported by brain activation patterns, and value-based social play. Together, these strategies strengthen neural pathways responsible for empathy, emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and prosocial behavior. This approach effectively fosters sustainable Islamic social habits in children’s daily lives. The novelty of this study lies in the formulation of the Neuro-PAI framework as an integrated approach that systematically combines neuroscience and Islamic education. It positions Islamic character-building not merely as a normative doctrine but as a biological process shaped through the child’s neural mechanisms. This contribution provides both theoretical and practical insights for Islamic early childhood educators in designing more effective, holistic, and evidence-based learning strategies.