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Critical thinking skills are considered a fundamental skill essential for facing the challenges and complex issues of the 21st century. One teaching strategy considered effective in fostering these skills is the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. This study aims to describe the application of PBL in the teaching and learning process and its impact on strengthening students' critical thinking skills. The approach used in this research is classroom action research (CAR) with descriptive qualitative methods. The study results revealed that the use of PBL can improve students' critical thinking skills, particularly in the aspects of interpretation, analysis, and assessment. In addition, the implementation of PBL also has a positive impact on increasing student activeness, collaboration skills, and independence in the learning process. Obstacles encountered during the learning process can be minimized through the application of appropriate strategies, such as providing scaffolding and optimizing the use of digital-based learning resources. These findings make an important contribution to the development of more effective teaching methods in improving the quality of students' critical thinking in schools, as well as offering practical solutions for teachers to increase student engagement in problem-based learning.

This research is motivated by the low interest and skills of class X students of SMKS PAB 5 Klambir Lima which is caused by less interesting teaching methods and minimal innovation of learning media utilized during teaching and learning activities in the classroom. This study aims to develop comic learning media on negotiation text material for class X students. The research methodology uses research and development with the ADDIE model consisting of five stages, namely analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The population in the study were class X students of SMKS PAB 5 Klambir Lima with a sample size of 28 students. Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews, questionnaires, and documentation, then analyzed using a Likert scale, mean, and the N-Gain formula to obtain valid and accurate results. The results of the study indicate that the comics developed were declared very feasible by media experts 96%, language experts 96%, and material experts 92%. The level of practicality of the comics also obtained very practical results with teacher responses of 4.7 and students 3.30. In addition, the results of the effectiveness of comics show an increase in students' writing skills, with an average N-Gain of 81.35% in the effective category. This study shows that comics can be an alternative teaching material that supports the learning process and learning outcomes experience significant development.

This study examines ethnomathematics in traditional tools of the Malay ethnic group at the North Sumatra Provincial Museum, encompassing ceremonial and livelihood tools. The research employs a qualitative approach using ethnographic methods to explore the mathematical concepts embedded in these objects. Ceremonial tools such as bentan, tiered trays, incense burners, and glass holders were analyzed based on geometric concepts such as circles, cylinders, ratios, and sequences, while livelihood tools such as goat hoofs, horns, sickle, and one-sided fish traps represent spatial geometry, symmetry, and volume concepts. The findings reveal that these traditional objects not only serve practical purposes but also contain mathematical and philosophical values reflecting Malay culture. These tools can be utilized as context-based mathematics learning media, helping students understand mathematics through the lens of local culture. This study emphasizes the significant role of ethnomathematics in integrating education with cultural preservation while strengthening local identity in the era of globalization.

Learning the concepts of Greatest Common Factor (GCF) and Least Common Multiple (LCM) at the elementary school level faces significant challenges due to their abstract and complex nature. This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of innovative learning strategies using the congklak game in enhancing students' understanding of GCF and LCM concepts. The research employed a Research and Development (R&D) methodology with the ADDIE model, involving 14 fifth-grade students from SDS Nahdlatul Ulama Medan as research subjects. The congklak game was developed as an interactive learning tool that integrates traditional game elements with mathematical concepts. Implementation was conducted through structured phases including needs analysis, media design, prototype development, learning implementation, and outcome evaluation. Research findings demonstrate significant improvements in students' conceptual understanding and learning outcomes. The use of congklak media successfully created contextual learning experiences that enabled students to visualize abstract GCF and LCM concepts through manipulation of congklak seeds. This strategy also increased active student engagement, promoted collaborative learning, and created an enjoyable learning atmosphere. Data analysis showed improved average student scores and higher learning mastery rates compared to conventional teaching methods. This study provides practical contributions to the development of mathematics teaching strategies at the elementary school level, particularly in teaching GCF and LCM concepts. The research findings recommend the use of congklak media as an effective alternative for enhancing the quality of meaningful mathematics learning oriented toward conceptual understanding.

The use of practical methods in teaching material on changes in the states of matter is very effective in helping students understand these concepts in more depth. Through practicum, students can directly observe how a substance changes form under certain conditions, such as temperature or pressure, this strengthens theoretical understanding with practical experience. Using practical methods in teaching changes in the states of matter, students not only understand theoretical concepts but also see their application in real life. This can help build a more holistic and in-depth understanding of the material studied. The practicum method encourages students to be more active and participate in the learning process. Class observations showed that 85% of students were more engaged and enthusiastic during practicum sessions compared to conventional learning. They often ask questions, discuss and try to understand the material through direct experiments. Students are trained to make careful and systematic observations of changes in the state of substances. The evaluation results show an increase in these skills by 25% after implementing the practicum method. The application of practicum methods in learning science and material regarding changes in the states of substances in class IV has proven to be effective in improving various aspects of learning. This method succeeded in increasing conceptual understanding, science process skills, student activity and participation, academic performance, and learning motivation. Students involved in practicum activities showed a significant increase in understanding the concept of changes in the states of matter, as shown by an increase in the average score of 30%.

This research aims to examine the physical education curriculum policy at the elementary school level, with a focus on the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum at SD Inpres Kobelete. Using qualitative descriptive methods, data was collected through interviews with PJOK School Principals and Teachers. The research results show that the Merdeka Curriculum provides flexibility for educators to design learning that suits students' needs. Differentiated learning strategies are applied to meet the diversity of students' learning needs, interests and learning profiles. Efforts to increase students' active participation are carried out through various methods, including practical learning, group discussions, and giving appreciation. The main challenge faced is limited learning resources. This research highlights the importance of curriculum adaptation to create an inclusive and effective learning environment in the context of physical education in elementary schools.    

In the era of increasing digitalization, the integration of technology in education is becoming increasingly important. One area that has received a major contribution from technology is mathematics education at the secondary school (SMA) level. The use of mathematics software has become a highly effective tool for teachers and students in understanding complex mathematical concepts, developing computational skills, and solving problems more efficiently and interactively. This article analyzes various literature studies related to the use of mathematics software in high school, with a focus on developing students' computational thinking abilities. Computational thinking (CT) abilities, which were first introduced by Seymour Papert, are important skills that help students in decision making and problem solving. Various studies show that the integration of CT in educational curricula, particularly through teaching programming and the use of mathematical software, can improve students' computing skills. Although there are challenges in implementation, such as lack of infrastructure and teacher training, this study highlights the importance of using technology in mathematics education to create a dynamic, interactive, and relevant learning environment. This research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of literature studies related to the use of mathematics software in high school and its influence on the development of students' computational thinking skills. By understanding the findings from previous studies, it is hoped that this research can make a significant contribution to designing a more effective mathematics curriculum and provide practical guidance for educators in integrating mathematics software in everyday learning. The results of the analysis show that technology-based interactive learning methods, the use of special software such as Matlab and Geogebra, as well as programming training with languages ​​such as Java and Python, all show positive results in improving students' computing skills. However, there is still a need to improve abstract thinking skills and address variations in computational abilities among students.