Creative Laboratory Assistance in Sustainable Biology Practicums within Islamic Higher Education

Abstract

This qualitative study uses a grounded theory approach to investigate the mentoring strategies of biology laboratory assistants at the State Islamic University (UIN) Ponorogo, where laboratory practices integrate scientific inquiry with Islamic values. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with six purposively selected assistants and analyzed iteratively using ATLAS.ti software through open, axial, and selective coding stages. The findings culminated in a theoretical model of "Creative and Sustainable Islamic Laboratory Mentoring." The study revealed that assistants implemented "controlled creativity," operationalized through four main strategies: pedagogical creativity, creative methodological adaptation, supervised scientific autonomy, and sustainability practices. These strategies are fundamentally underpinned by Islamic values, particularly amanah (trust), shura (consultation), and khalifah (stewardship). This model demonstrates how laboratory mentoring can simultaneously achieve pedagogical effectiveness, ecological sustainability, and spiritual meaning, offering a significant framework for science education in Islamic higher education.