Role Models Research Articles

Women leadership in higher education: exploring enablers and challenges from middle-level academics’ perspective

The scarcity of literature in higher education addressing the enablers or challenging factors influencing the progression of women academics from middle-level to senior leadership roles is noteworthy. This study aims to explore the factors that enable or impede the advancement of middle-level women academics and identify recommendations for promoting women leadership in higher education institutions. This qualitative study has collected interview data from 17 informants from five Malaysian public universities. The thematic analysis revealed four enablers and three challenges faced by women in academic leadership. The thematic analysis revealed four enabler factors - gender-neutral policies, management of multiple roles, core personal competencies, and the presence of mentors and role models. Conversely, traditional women’s roles, social stigma, and personal factors were identified as factors that hinder women’s leadership in universities. The findings underscore the importance of implementing gender-neutral policies to foster inclusivity, the establishment of formal mentorship programmes, and cultivating multitasking skills among women. Understanding the dynamics from the perspective of middle-level women academics is essential for crafting a more equitable and supportive institutional environment to equip them with the necessary resources and support to transition into senior leadership positions smoothly, ultimately strengthening the leadership pipeline within the institution.

Assessment of health behaviors of primary school teachers based on their nutritional knowledge and physical activity: A cross-sectional study in the Asir Region.

Primary school teachers play a critical role as educators in imparting healthy eating behaviour and the importance of physical activity to prevent health issues. However, the teachers' health behaviors have not been studied much, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Understanding these factors is essential to developing interventions that enhance teachers' well-being and their ability to influence students positively. This study aims to assess nutritional knowledge and physical activity; to determine correlations between health behaviour factors and Body Mass Index (BMI), and evaluate BMI status concerning demographic factors among primary school teachers in the Asir Region, KSA. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 370 primary school teachers. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that covered sociodemographic details, anthropometric measurements, physical activity levels, and nutritional knowledge. Statistical analyses included Pearson's correlation and Chi-square tests, with significance at p < 0.05. Among the participants, 38.6% were overweight, and 33.5% were obese, with 76% of married teachers classified as overweight or obese. Only 9.0% exhibited excellent nutritional knowledge, while 25.0% demonstrated poor knowledge. The majority (84.0%) engaged in low or minimal physical activity. A weak but significant correlation was observed between nutritional knowledge and BMI (p < 0.05), whereas no significant associations were found between physical activity levels and either BMI or nutritional knowledge. The study highlights critical gaps in nutritional knowledge and physical activity among teachers, emphasizing the need for targeted school-based health education programs. Improving teacher health behaviors could enhance their well-being and enable them to act as positive role models for their students.

The US factor in Chinese perceptions of militarized artificial intelligence

Abstract Leading military forces around the world have expressed enormous interest in artificial intelligence (AI) due to its military potential. This policy paper examines Chinese perceptions of the military use of AI by studying Chinese-language scholarly materials. A key finding is that, while the Chinese strategic community has explored the military use of AI across various countries, the United States plays a central and unique role in shaping Chinese perceptions of militarized AI. The US serves as a global near-competitor, providing a benchmark for China to measure its own development and competitiveness. In addition, the US acts as a role model for the Chinese military to emulate in terms of its ideas, policies and practices. Consequently, American success in AI has become a primary source of anxiety among the Chinese strategic community, prompting self-reflection and accelerating the development of ambitious Chinese AI plans. Contrary to the popular narrative in Washington that China has already surpassed the US in the global AI race, Chinese discussions reveal considerable admiration for American AI leadership, with a focus on catching up rather than overtaking the US. This paper suggests that both the US and China need to play their parts in mitigating the risks of a global AI race.

Peran Guru Pendidikan Agama Islam dan Budi Pekerti dalam Membentuk Perilaku Sosial Siswa SMA Negeri 1 Waru

This study explores the role of exemplary Islamic religious education teachers and morals in shaping students’ social behavior at SMA Negeri 1 Waru. Using a qualitative field approach with descriptive-qualitative-phenomenological methods, the findings highlight that teachers significantly influence students' attitudes and behavior by serving as role models. Teachers are not only educators of religious material but also exemplify integrity, noble morals, and responsibility, inspiring students to develop character traits such as integrity, responsibility, and social care. This is evident in vertical interactions with God, such as congregational prayers and dhikr, which enhance students’ spiritual awareness, and in social interactions, characterized by politeness, collaboration, and mutual support, creating a positive learning environment. Supporting factors include teacher integrity, parental involvement, peer influence, and school facilities and regulations that strengthen social behavior development. However, challenges arise from students’ diverse backgrounds and external global influences, requiring concerted efforts to promote exemplification among stakeholders. Ultimately, the role of teachers as role models not only shapes individual student behavior but also fosters a positive school environment and strengthens the school community at SMA Negeri 1 Waru.

Building a Culture of Health Through Leader-Inspired Nutrition.

The balance of operational readiness and maintaining a healthy recruitment force presents increasing challenges within the DoD. Chronic preventable diseases, such as overweight and obesity, along with musculoskeletal injuries, are threats to recruitment and retention. Novel approaches are needed and leaders are in a unique position to serve a key role in influencing nutrition readiness. Leader-Inspired Nutrition (LIN) is a proposed framework that equips leaders with strategies for building a culture of health. Leader-Inspired Nutrition provides an approach leaders can leverage within units to improve health and performance. The LIN framework was developed from relevant and evidence-based information through collaboration with key nutrition subject matter experts and leaders. The 7 core pillars of LIN are to integrate nutrition basics, model top-down nutrition behaviors, promote a performance-focused food environment, integrate dietary supplements knowledge, consider economic factors that affect nutrition choices, evaluate Total Force Fitness impact, and promote utilization of DoD wellness resources. Each pillar provides leaders with a practical approach to engaging service members while encouraging nutrition readiness. As leaders engender trust and serve as role models, the adoption of the LIN framework in their units can guide and foster a culture of health within the DoD. Leader-Inspired Nutrition will assist leaders in building shared communities through healthful nutrition and mealtime experiences and serve to shape military nutrition policies that affect readiness within the DoD. This commentary describes the concept of LIN, the elements and principles of LIN, and how leaders can inspire service members to maximize performance to support nutrition readiness.

Impact of Leadership Style on Employee Green Behavior: The Mediating Role of Employee Over-Qualification Perception

This study examines the impact of Leadership Style on Employee Green Behavior and the mediating role of Employee Over-Qualification Perception. The findings reveal that Transformational Leadership significantly enhances Employee Green Behavior, while leadership support reduces Employee Over-Qualification Perception, thereby promoting pro-environmental actions. It is recommended that organizations focus on developing leadership capabilities and creating supportive environments to encourage Employee Green Behavior. The effect of leadership style is more pronounced for employees with high self-efficacy, indicating that companies should design incentive programs tailored to individual employee characteristics. The study also identifies that the influence of leadership style on pro-environmental behavior varies by company size, with larger enterprises needing to adjust strategies to effectively promote green behavior. Continuous training and cultural development are essential for building sustainable green organizations. Companies should establish dynamic evaluation systems to regularly update strategies and ensure the sustainability of pro-environmental behavior. Leaders should act as role models for green behavior, enhancing employees’ sense of belonging and fostering a culture of environmental participation across the organization. Evaluation systems should include multiple indicators to ensure the effectiveness and specificity of strategies. Through diversified training and cultural initiatives, companies can strengthen environmental awareness, maintain the continuity and stability of green behavior, and ultimately achieve harmony between corporate development and environmental sustainability.

Computer science identity development among black and latinx males

ABSTRACT Background The growing importance of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, accompanied by the rapid advancement of computer science (CS), has positioned these domains as cornerstones of modern education and the global workforce. That there is underrepresentation of students of colour in these fields, particularly Black and Latinx males, is well-documented, often resulting from deeply rooted systemic and institutional challenges influenced by historical inequities, structural racism, and institutional practices. This underscores a need for better understanding of the development of STEM/CS identities and career interests among these students, in order to overcome barriers and foster their inclusion in twenty-first-century career pathways. Purpose This study aimed to explore the experiences of Black and Latinx male students in one all-male Exploring Computer Science (ECS) class in the United States of America (USA). The goal was to understand how these students begin to develop their STEM/CS identities and career aspirations within the classroom context. Method The research used a qualitative research methodology involving semi-structured interviews with 12 students enrolled on the ECS course. It focused on identifying the pedagogical, familial, and contextual factors that shape students’ identity formation and career interests in STEM and CS. Findings Analysis of the students’ narratives highlighted the importance of culturally relevant pedagogy, teacher support, peer collaboration, and industry role models in fostering STEM/CS identity development. Student autonomy and exposure to relatable guest speakers were also influential in shaping their perceptions and aspirations within these fields. Conclusions Early exposure to STEM/CS through supportive and affirming educational environments can play a critical role in shaping STEM/CS identities and career interests among Black and Latinx students. Implications for educators and policymakers include promoting inclusive pedagogy, early exposure, and meaningful mentorship to support the development of diverse talent in STEM/CS fields.

Implementation of the Prophet Muhammad's Teaching Methods in Tarbawi Hadiths: A Study of Islamic Educational Values and Their Relevance to Modern Learning

The teaching methods of Prophet Muhammad SAW, as reflected in tarbawi hadiths, offer universal Islamic educational values that remain relevant across various contexts, including modern learning. This study aims to examine the implementation of the Prophet's teaching methods, highlighting Islamic educational values and their relevance to contemporary education. A qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytic method was employed. Primary data consisted of hadiths from standard collections such as Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, while secondary data included tafsir (Qur'anic exegesis) and sharh (commentary on hadith). Data collection was conducted through literature study, and thematic content analysis was utilised for analysis. The findings identified four main teaching methods of the Prophet: questioning, role modelling, storytelling, and hands-on practice. The questioning method fosters critical and analytical thinking, while role modelling is pertinent to character education. Storytelling facilitates understanding of concepts through narrative techniques, and hands-on practice aligns with experiential learning approaches. The study concludes that the Prophet’s teaching methods are highly relevant to modern learning, including problem-based learning, role modelling, and project-based learning. The study recommends integrating the Prophet’s methods into Islamic education curricula and developing educational technology grounded in Islamic values to support digital learning. Practical implications include educator training and technological innovation to enhance the quality of education in Islamic institutions. Future research is recommended to empirically test the application of these methods to measure their impact on learning quality and character development.

Ethical leadership and public service recovery performance: the roles of thriving at work and moral self-efficacy

PurposeThe study aims to explore the mechanism to strengthen service recovery performance among public sector employees. Delving on the notion that ethical aspects of public leaders could serve as reliable models, the research investigated the role of ethical leadership, thriving at work and moral self-efficacy.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach with two waves of data collection from both supervisors' and subordinates’ perspectives in public organizations was conducted. The final sample size was 331.FindingsEthical leadership has a positive effect on public sector employees' thriving at work. In turn, the state of thriving at work mediates the association between ethical leadership and service recovery performance. Public servants’ moral self-efficacy moderates both the direct relationship between ethical leadership and thriving at work, as well as the indirect effect of ethical leadership on service recovery performance through thriving at work.Originality/valueThe research findings suggest an understanding of how ethical leadership could cultivate public service recovery performance through employees’ thriving. The common values between subordinates and leaders were found to facilitate a better translation of the leaders’ role model into employees’ psychology and behaviors.

Taking action toward racial and economic justice

On November 21, 2024, we had the great honor, privilege, and pleasure to conduct a highly revealing, engaging, and intimate interview with Professor Rebecca L. Toporek about their lifelong investment in social justice and action work. Professor Toporek serves as a faculty member in the Department of Counseling at San Francisco State University. They have been a psychologist and counselor educator for 20 years after serving as a community college counselor and associate dean. Their scholarship has focused on social justice advocacy and activism, backlash, racism, economic justice, and college and career counseling. They have written or co-written over 70 journal articles and book chapters, were co-editor and co-founder of the Journal for Social Action in Counseling and Psychology, co-developer of the American Counseling Association Advocacy Competencies, and co-edited five books on multicultural practice and social justice including Taking Action: Creating Social Change through Strength, Solidarity, Strategy and Sustainability. They co-produced the video, Helping counselors and psychologists as advocates and activists. They are also a daughter, sister, partner, and mother of two awesome 20-somethings. Our interview with Professor Toporek addressed their long-standing experiences that led to their social justice and action work, their role models and mentors, and their challenges and opportunities. Professor Toporek also shared their thoughts on how counseling and psychology have evolved in terms of social justice and action work, and where the fields were heading. Finally, Professor Toporek reflected on the 18-year history of the Journal for Social Action in Counseling and Psychology, and they presented recommendations to strengthen the journal.

Self-determination theory and teachers’ motivations to perform emotional labor and emotion work: qualitative study of narratives about coping with students’ discipline problems

This qualitative study investigated teachers’ motivation to perform emotion management (i.e., emotional labor and emotion work) in coping with students’ discipline problems. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 Israeli teachers. Findings indicate that teachers experienced emotional distress when confronted with discipline problems. The study also found that teachers mentioned motivation to perform emotional management related to emotional labor and emotion work to manage their negative emotions. Role modeling, professional standards, preservation of status and authority, and effectiveness were the main introjected and external motivations associated with emotional labor; moral compass and authentic emotional discourse were the main integrated and identified motivations associated with emotion work. Reference to emotional labor aspects was more frequently made by secondary school teachers than among primary school teachers. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Moral competence of dental students: an explanatory mixed-methods study

AimThe present study aimed to investigate the level of four components of moral skills, including moral sensitivity, moral reasoning, moral motivation, and moral courage, among dental students and explore the factors affecting their engagement in moral behavior.MethodThis is an explanatory mixed-method study conducted in two quantitative and qualitative phases. Participants included undergraduate students in clerkship courses in Dentistry schools (n = 180). In the quantitative phase, the moral skills of students were assessed by a 40-question Moral Skill Inventory. The data were summarized using mean, standard deviation, and frequency (percentage), one sample t-test, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The students’ experiences were explored through semi-structured interviews in the qualitative phase. Data were analyzed using a conventional content analysis approach, which Graneheim and Lundman introduced.ResultsThe mean score of students was reported 43.61 (6.25). The highest scores were reported in the domain of moral reasoning, and the lowest scores were reported in the domain of moral motivation. The participants’ experiences were explained in the theme “morality as a neglected element in dentistry.” This theme includes two categories: “Disregarding professionalism as a professional responsibility” and “unsupportive behaviors of clinical teachers in a moral dilemma.”ConclusionThe results showed a gap between the current and desirable status of dental students' moral skills. Both individual challenges (e.g., prioritizing personal interests) and systemic issues (e.g., lack of constructive feedback and negative role modeling by clinical teachers) were identified as significant barriers to moral behavior. Therefore, the development of students' moral skills requires planning for personal and system factors.

Preschool Educators’ Perceptions on Value Education

This systematic review examines preschool educators’ perceptions and implementation of Values Education (VE), emphasizing its critical role in moral and ethical development during early childhood. Following PRISMA guidelines, the review synthesizes findings from Scopus, ERIC ProQuest, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, covering studies published between 2000 and 2024. While educators recognize the importance of VE in shaping children’s character and promoting ethical behavior, several inconsistencies exist in its application. Successful VE programs often include explicit curriculum integration, teacher role modeling, and structured classroom activities. This review underscores the need for professional development initiatives to equip teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver VE effectively, and emphasizes fostering a supportive preschool environment to enhance VE practices. Furthermore, the review emphasizes that a systematic approach to VE can positively impact children’s intellectual, emotional, and social development, fostering ethically responsible individuals ready to engage actively in society.

Using peer narrative support to promote return to work for cancer survivors: a protocol study of action research

BackgroundChinese cancer survivors are not doing well in returning to work. Peer support, as an external coping resource to help cancer survivors return to work, brings together members of the lay community with similar stressors or problems for mutual support. Peer volunteers have not received systematic training, so inappropriate language in the support process can often cause secondary damage to both the peer and the cancer survivor. High-quality narrative support can help both parties gain positive meaning in communication. Therefore, we draw on narrative-related theoretical techniques to construct a model of peer narrative support to facilitate cancer survivors’ return to work.MethodsThis study is a participatory action research, including three phases: (i) Construction: Construct a peer narrative support model through literature review, theoretical research, and expert meetings. A peer narrative competence training program and a peer narrative support implementation program are constructed on this basis. (ii) Intervention: Firstly, two rounds of training actions will be carried out for 8 weeks. Second, after the peers have passed the training assessment, cancer survivors will be recruited to carry out two rounds of peer narrative support for six months. The model framework will be revised in conjunction with observation and reflection during the action. (iii) Evaluation: A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods will be used to assess the feasibility and scientific validity of the peer narrative support model and to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. The research methods used include theoretical research, literature review, expert meeting method, participatory observation method, interview method, and questionnaire survey method.DiscussionChina currently has cancer rehabilitation associations in most provinces, cities, and counties, and peer volunteers in these organisations use their personal experience to help other cancer patients. Currently, the content of their help is mostly limited to disease recovery and financial condolences, and there is a lack of scientific training for peer volunteers. This study aims to help patients cope with their suffering and eventually return to work by narrating the stories of role models. The narrative support covers three aspects: focusing on recovery, rebuilding effectiveness, and adjusting planning. In addition, this study relies on the methodology of action research to develop a peer narrative support model, training program, and implementation plan, which are more applicable to the national context of peer support for cancer patients in China. This will provide scientific guidance for the Chinese Cancer Rehabilitation Association to develop peer narrative support and guide cancer survivors back to work.Trial registrationThis study has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number ChiCTR2300068403) on Feb 17, 2023. (Retrospectively registered) https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=183766.

Emotional resources and knowledge management: a gender perspective on human-centric innovation amidst crises

Purpose This paper aims to advocate for a paradigm shift that prioritizes a human-centered approach in the pursuit of innovation during crises, urging a departure from the prevailing dominance of the technology-centric approach. The incorporation of emotional capabilities as a dynamic capability is posited as a pivotal contribution, in harmony with the tenets of Society 5.0 and imperative for establishing a robust knowledge management foundation. This research underscores the significance of the human-centered approach, portraying women as exemplars in a novel paradigm of innovation development amid crises. Design/methodology/approach This research uses the framework of knowledge management for innovation to focus on the challenges presented by complex crises, now considered the new normal. The study employs a distinct, human centric approach to explore the nexus of gender, opportunities and innovation, during crises, with an emphasis on the founders’ emotional capabilities and resources as catalysts for innovation development. Findings This research utilizes mixed methods; qualitative findings driven from AI analyses reveal women’s positive approach toward innovation development in adversity, showcasing the influence of their emotional resources in their innovation pursuits. The subsequent quantitative findings, derived from a sample of 464 tech-founders navigating complex crises, emphasize the role of emotional capabilities as activators of opportunity exploitation for enhancing innovation development during crises, particularly among female founders. Social implications The potential for future research lies in exploring diverse emotional dimensions, employing various measures and methodologies. Envisioning upcoming studies that extend our findings across institutional, national and crisis contexts, emotional capabilities and skills may emerge as critical assets relevant to all entrepreneurs, transcending gender boundaries. This paper’s framework sets the stage for promising avenues at the nexus of gender and emotional capabilities in the innovation pursuits, shaping entrepreneurial performance in both challenging and stable conditions. Originality/value This research contributes significantly in several key areas. Firstly, it explores innovation development and knowledge management within Society 5.0 during a polycrisis, emphasizing the crucial role of emotional capabilities in activating opportunity exploitation. Secondly, it champions a human-centric premise in innovation, highlighting women as role models for innovation during crises and introducing pathways to tap into external resources, ultimately enriching knowledge management. Thirdly, the innovative methodological approach using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to construct synthetic personas is groundbreaking. Finally, it advances effectuation, bricolage and dynamic capabilities frameworks, enriching their theoretical foundations and affirming their relevance for innovation development amid instability.

Redefining Masculinities for Boys: Beyond Male Role Modelling in Cultivating Healthy Identities

ABSTRACT In the wake of the Australian Royal Commission into Family Violence, the imperative to prevent gendered violence has gained significant attention in policy and research. The National Plan (2022-2032) highlights positive male role modelling as pivotal in addressing problematic gender drivers, promoting healthy masculinitiesand gender equality. However, while male role modelling is widely accepted as crucial for instilling healthy masculinities in boys, its effectiveness lacks empirical evidence. This article presents qualitative study findings derived from nine semi-structured interviews with predominantly male-identifying individuals reflecting on boyhood experiences free from rigid gender norms. We propose that boyhoods free from gender constraints benefit boys by promoting emotional well-being and steering them away from problematic masculine behaviours. Participants emphasised their perceptions of gender were shaped by a blend of prevailing ideas, values, and familial practices, rather than merely mirroring others’ actions. Notably, they underscored the influential role of feminist mothers in shaping understandings of non-normative masculinity practices and embracing pro-feminist beliefs. This challenges the notion that boys’ comprehension of masculinities solely stems from mimicking gender norms and behaviours. Instead, gender evolves through multifaceted social interactions and contexts, where the pivotal contribution of women in nurturing non-normative masculinity practices in boys is often overlooked.

Se moquer de la philosophie est vraiment philosopher: Plato, Aristotle and the pedagogy of irony and play in Pascal’s Pensées

ABSTRACT Plato and Aristotle, as Pascal illustrates in fragment Sellier 457 of Pensées, possess insight into the flaws of human social interactions and adeptly navigate them through intelligent dissimulation similar to Socratic irony and the pedagogy of play when dealing with authority. As honnêtes hommes, avant la lettre, they are virtuous individuals ahead of their time, recognizing the limitations of philosophy and not taking philosophical discourse too seriously in their pensée de derrière. Besides emphasizing the futility of social life as part of the human condition, not so much interested in Plato and Aristotle as historical role models, Pascal portrays the two philosophers’ character traits as consisting of a miscellaneous mixture of Socrates, Pyrrhonians, and honnêtes hommes, and claims the inadequacy and inefficacy of pagan philosophy without God wholesale in altering human behaviours. For Pascal, Plato and Aristotle, like honnêtes hommes and philosophers of other schools, are susceptible to criticism for indulging in self-love inherent to human nature, a flaw only Christianity can fully explain through the doctrine of the Fall and offer a meaningful remedy.

The expanded theory of planned behavior for energy saving among academics in Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Slovakia

Given the escalating global energy consumption and the concurrent economic and energy crises, energy-saving behaviour must be adopted on a large scale. Universities that are energy-intensive institutions should be one of the institutions where energy-saving behaviour is widely adopted. Academics devote a substantial portion of their time to their offices, which leads to increased energy usage. However, no study has investigated academics’ energy-saving behaviours in the literature. Most studies focus on students or employees in various organizations. Our study tries to cover the gap by examining the energy-saving behaviour of academics in four countries (Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Slovakia) based on the expanded Theory of Planned Behaviour. A questionnaire was distributed to 228 academics from the four countries to gather data. The research hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The findings show that individual factors (attitude and perceived behaviour control) influence the energy-saving intention of academics but not the organisational factors due to the weak identification with their universities. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers seeking to promote energy-saving programs in academic institutions. The academics can be seen as role models for their students which emphasizes the need to study more their sustainable behaviours.

Management Supervision Strategy to Encourage the Implementation of Religious Moderation Values in the Digital Era

Purpose of the study: This study aims to determine the supervision of Madrasah management in instilling the values of Religious Moderation in MAN 2 Bengkulu City. Methodology: The method used in this study is qualitative descriptive with a phenomenological approach. The research data sources are primary and secondary, and data collection techniques are conducted through observations, interviews, and documentation. The location of the research is in MAN 2, Bengkulu City. Main Findings: The study results show that the researcher found that the curriculum used already contains the values of religious moderation. The material is already content about tolerance and pluralism in line with the emphasis on character education in the curriculum, including tolerance, pluralism, and national values, at every level of education. Parents actively participate because parental involvement is essential in supporting the teaching of tolerance and pluralism in schools. Parents act as role models for children in instilling the values of tolerance, mutual respect, and appreciation for differences. Novelty/Originality of this study: Development of an information technology-based management supervision model to monitor the implementation of religious moderation values. The concept of "Digital Moderation" is a new approach to facing the challenges of the digital era, integrating the value of religious moderation with the principles of artificial intelligence. This research makes an academic contribution and offers concrete solutions to the challenges Islamic educational institutions face in building a moderate and competitive generation in the digital era.

The Relevance of Religious Knowledge in the Digital Age: A Quranic Guide for the Modern Generation

The modern generation, which is closely related to digitalization, needs guidance in using various social media. By delving deeper into the relevance of religious knowledge in the digital era through the guidance of the Qur'an, the modern generation can build ethics in communicating and socializing to create a healthy digital space. The descriptive qualitative research method is used to explore information through a library research approach so that the information obtained is more in-depth. The study of Surah Al-Hujurat verse 11 on communication ethics implies that communication is a crucial aspect of community life that must be carried out by upholding moral and ethical values. It should emphasize the importance of maintaining manners in communicating, such as not mocking, criticizing, using bad titles, having negative prejudices, finding fault, or talking about other people's bad points. The noble values ​​contained in this verse, such as mutual respect, tolerance, good intentions, and monotheism, are the main foundations in building harmonious social interactions, both directly and in digital spaces. In the modern era, applying these principles is a strategic solution to overcome communication challenges in the digital era, including phenomena such as cyberbullying, by encouraging the creation a more positive and respectful digital environment. Moral education based on Islamic teachings plays a significant role in instilling noble behavior so that society can face the development of the times, always adhere to the values ​​of the Qur'an, and make the Prophet Muhammad SAW the primary role model.