The Meaning of Teaching by Heart for Teachers and Its Implications for Children's Happiness: A Phenomenological Study in Five Integrated Islamic Early Childhood Education Schools in Indonesia

Warlan Sukandar, Yelva Nofriyanti, Wahyuni Mulia Helmi, Zulfahman, Evi Desmariani, Mardiah Wulandari, Desmawati Roza

2025

Abstract

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is a fundamental stage in shaping children's character, emotions, and happiness. In this context, the Teaching by Heart approach becomes essential as it emphasizes teaching based on empathy, sincerity, and emotional warmth. This study aims to explore the deeper meaning of Teaching by Heart for teachers and examine its implications for children's happiness in five Integrated Islamic Early Childhood Education (PAUD IT) institutions in Indonesia: PAUD IT Pelita Hati Palu (Middle Sulawesi), PAUD IT Insan Mandiri (Middle Papua), TKIT Qurratu Àyun (Lampung), TKIT Lukmanul Hakim (Bandung Kidul), and TKIT Adzkia 1 (Padang, West Sumatra). The research employed a qualitative phenomenological approach, involving ECE teachers who have implemented this approach for at least five years. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, represented observations, and documentation. The findings reveal that teachers perceive Teaching by Heart as an approach that touches the spiritual and emotional aspects of children. Its implementation is evident in individualized attention, warm communication, and the creation of joyful and engaging learning experiences. This approach fosters emotional bonding, creates a safe and comfortable classroom environment, and cultivates positive character development in children. Indicators of children's happiness include cheerful facial expressions, active engagement, and healthy social interactions. Despite challenges such as administrative burdens and diverse child characteristics, teachers remain committed through self-reflection and efforts to maintain mental well-being. In conclusion, Teaching by Heart not only enhances teaching quality but also holistically supports children's happiness in alignment with Islamic values.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Sukandar W., Nofriyanti Y., Helmi W., Zulfahman., Desmariani E., Wulandari M. and Roza D. (2025). The Meaning of Teaching by Heart for Teachers and Its Implications for Children's Happiness: A Phenomenological Study in Five Integrated Islamic Early Childhood Education Schools in Indonesia. In Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Early Childhood Education - Volume 1: ICECE; ISBN 978-989-758-788-7, SciTePress, pages 183-191. DOI: 10.5220/0014070100004935

in Bibtex Style

@conference{icece25,
author={Warlan Sukandar and Yelva Nofriyanti and Wahyuni Mulia Helmi and Zulfahman and Evi Desmariani and Mardiah Wulandari and Desmawati Roza},
title={The Meaning of Teaching by Heart for Teachers and Its Implications for Children's Happiness: A Phenomenological Study in Five Integrated Islamic Early Childhood Education Schools in Indonesia},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Early Childhood Education - Volume 1: ICECE},
year={2025},
pages={183-191},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0014070100004935},
isbn={978-989-758-788-7},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Early Childhood Education - Volume 1: ICECE
TI - The Meaning of Teaching by Heart for Teachers and Its Implications for Children's Happiness: A Phenomenological Study in Five Integrated Islamic Early Childhood Education Schools in Indonesia
SN - 978-989-758-788-7
AU - Sukandar W.
AU - Nofriyanti Y.
AU - Helmi W.
AU - Zulfahman.
AU - Desmariani E.
AU - Wulandari M.
AU - Roza D.
PY - 2025
SP - 183
EP - 191
DO - 10.5220/0014070100004935
PB - SciTePress