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This study aims to examine the application of a modified direct learning strategy combined with the demonstration method to improve students' cognitive abilities. The direct learning strategy is an approach that emphasizes the systematic and gradual delivery of material, so that students can understand concepts in a more structured manner. However, in practice, this strategy needs to be modified to be more engaging and appropriate to the characteristics of students. The demonstration method is used as a form of reinforcement in the learning process, where students not only receive information verbally but also directly observe the processes, events, or concepts being studied. This allows students to gain a more concrete and meaningful learning experience. Modifications to the learning strategy are carried out through adjustments to models, methods, media, and learning facilities and infrastructure to optimally support the achievement of learning objectives. Students' cognitive abilities are the main focus of this study, which include aspects of knowledge, understanding, application, analysis, evaluation, and creation according to Bloom's taxonomy. With the implementation of appropriate learning strategies, students are expected to be able to develop more active and critical thinking skills. The results of the study indicate that a modified direct learning strategy with the demonstration method has the potential to significantly improve students' cognitive abilities. Therefore, this approach can be used as an alternative, effective learning strategy to create a more interactive, engaging, and meaningful learning process.

The rapid advancement of digital technology, the increasing demand for educational quality, and the adoption of sustainability principles have significantly reshaped institutional management in modern education systems. Within this context, benchmarking and digital innovation emerge as crucial strategies to enhance governance effectiveness, strengthen institutional competitiveness, and foster sustainable educational transformation. This study systematically reviews recent research published between 2023 and 2025 to identify emerging trends in educational innovation, institutional governance, and sustainability strategies. Using a systematic literature review approach, relevant articles were retrieved from Google Scholar and Publish or Perish with keywords such Educational Benchmarking, Quality Management, Institutional Innovation, Adaptive Learning, Digital Transformation. Out of 35 articles identified, seven were selected for in-depth analysis based on thematic relevance and validity. The findings highlight five dominant themes: fundamental concepts of benchmarking in education, benchmarking as a strategy for quality improvement, benchmarking and institutional competitiveness, implementation challenges, and practical implications with future research directions. The synthesis suggests that the effectiveness of benchmarking depends on the synergy between leadership transformation, knowledge management, and digital benchmarking systems. This study concludes by recommending further exploration of benchmarking integration with green education and data-driven governance as a strategic pathway to advance sustainable education in the future.

This article discusses the Direct Instruction strategy, a teacher-centered learning approach that emphasizes systematic and structured delivery of material. The purpose of this study is to address the following research questions: (1) What is meant by direct instruction strategy? (2) What are the characteristics of the direct instruction strategy? (3) What are its strengths and weaknesses? and (4) How is the direct instruction strategy applied in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) subjects? This article uses a library research method by examining various relevant theoretical sources. The findings indicate that direct instruction is an effective approach for delivering factual and procedural knowledge, particularly when learning objectives focus on mastering basic skills and understanding concepts in stages. This strategy is characterized by clear teacher guidance, structured learning steps, and continuous assessment. Its advantages include time efficiency and ease of classroom control, while its drawbacks involve limited student participation and less development of critical thinking skills. In the context of PAI learning, this strategy can be effectively applied to memorization materials, basic conceptual understanding, and character formation through concrete examples and teacher modeling.