TEACHER EXEMPLARITY AND THE FORMATION OF STUDENT ADAB: A QUALITATIVE CASE STUDY AT MA ISLAMIYYAH BANDAR SURABAYA

Abstract

This study examines teacher exemplarity and the formation of student adab toward teachers at MA Islamiyyah Bandar Surabaya. The study was motivated by the importance of adab as an ethical dimension of Islamic education and the need to understand how respectful conduct toward teachers is cultivated through everyday educational practices. A qualitative case study design was employed. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation involving Islamic Education teachers and students of Class X.1 at MA Islamiyyah Bandar Surabaya. Data were analyzed descriptively and interpretively by comparing information obtained from observations, interviews, and supporting documentation. The findings indicate that teacher exemplarity constitutes a central element in the formation of student adab. Teachers function not only as transmitters of Islamic knowledge but also as role models, mentors, motivators, and evaluators. The formation of adab is reinforced through habituation, moral advice, motivation, corrective guidance, and the integration of ethical values into classroom learning. Students demonstrated several positive forms of adab, including greeting teachers, shaking hands, speaking politely, listening attentively, asking permission, maintaining discipline, and respecting teachers during learning activities. However, the process remains influenced by external social environments, parental attention, social-media use, individual differences, and family circumstances. The study contributes to Islamic education scholarship by demonstrating that student adab develops through the interaction of teacher exemplarity, repeated practice, moral guidance, and supportive school culture.