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Since the launch of the “Bilingual Policy for all schools supported by Yayasan Pendidikan Katolik (YPK) Don Bosco KAM in 2030,” schools have debated its impact. Teachers of non-English subject express concern about adapting, while parents fear their children may struggle with bilingual instruction. This study investigates how students, teachers, parents, and staff at Private Senior High School of Santo Yoseph Medan perceive the Bilingual education policy decided by YPK Don Bosco KAM in 2030. The research explores key concerns: the necessity of the policy, its effect on local languages, feasibility by 2030, budget sufficiency, availability of qualified teachers, and whether non-English subject teachers can teach bilingually. A questionnaire with seven questions was distributed to 40 participants in Indonesian and later translated into English. Results show 60% believe bilingual education is essential, 10% disagree, 25% are uncertain, and 5% have no opinion. While over half support the policy, challenges remain, including limited funding, a shortage of trained bilingual teachers, and the need for more English classes and learning materials. Successful implementation requires the Don Bosco Catholic Education Foundation to increase funding and address these challenges to ensure smooth integration of bilingual education by 2030.

Since the launch of the “Bilingual Policy for all schools supported by Yayasan Pendidikan Katolik (YPK) Don Bosco KAM in 2030,” schools have debated its impact. Teachers of non-English subject express concern about adapting, while parents fear their children may struggle with bilingual instruction. This study investigates how students, teachers, parents, and staff at Private Senior High School of Santo Yoseph Medan perceive the Bilingual education policy decided by YPK Don Bosco KAM in 2030. The research explores key concerns: the necessity of the policy, its effect on local languages, feasibility by 2030, budget sufficiency, availability of qualified teachers, and whether non-English subject teachers can teach bilingually. A questionnaire with seven questions was distributed to 40 participants in Indonesian and later translated into English. Results show 60% believe bilingual education is essential, 10% disagree, 25% are uncertain, and 5% have no opinion. While over half support the policy, challenges remain, including limited funding, a shortage of trained bilingual teachers, and the need for more English classes and learning materials. Successful implementation requires the Don Bosco Catholic Education Foundation to increase funding and address these challenges to ensure smooth integration of bilingual education by 2030.

This paper examines the implementation of translanguaging pedagogies within digital learning environments and their effectiveness in developing multilingual competence among Generation Z learners. Through a mixed-methods study involving 186 students and 14 educators across six higher education institutions, this research investigates how strategic integration of translanguaging practices in digital spaces supports linguistic flexibility, metalinguistic awareness, and cross-cultural competence. Findings reveal that digitally-mediated translanguaging approaches resulted in significant improvements in learners' willingness to communicate across languages (p<.01), metalinguistic awareness (p<.001), and cross-cultural communication efficacy (p<.01) compared to monolingual instructional approaches. The research further identifies five key digital translanguaging strategies that effectively leverage Generation Z's technological aptitude and multimodal literacy. This study contributes to the growing field of multilingual digital pedagogy by demonstrating how translanguaging can be systematically integrated into digital learning environments to foster linguistic repertoire expansion that aligns with the communicative needs of increasingly globalized contexts. The pedagogical framework presented offers practical guidance for educators seeking to implement translanguaging approaches in various digital learning modalities while accommodating Generation Z's learning preferences and multilingual development.

This paper examines the implementation of translanguaging pedagogies within digital learning environments and their effectiveness in developing multilingual competence among Generation Z learners. Through a mixed-methods study involving 186 students and 14 educators across six higher education institutions, this research investigates how strategic integration of translanguaging practices in digital spaces supports linguistic flexibility, metalinguistic awareness, and cross-cultural competence. Findings reveal that digitally-mediated translanguaging approaches resulted in significant improvements in learners' willingness to communicate across languages (p<.01), metalinguistic awareness (p<.001), and cross-cultural communication efficacy (p<.01) compared to monolingual instructional approaches. The research further identifies five key digital translanguaging strategies that effectively leverage Generation Z's technological aptitude and multimodal literacy. This study contributes to the growing field of multilingual digital pedagogy by demonstrating how translanguaging can be systematically integrated into digital learning environments to foster linguistic repertoire expansion that aligns with the communicative needs of increasingly globalized contexts. The pedagogical framework presented offers practical guidance for educators seeking to implement translanguaging approaches in various digital learning modalities while accommodating Generation Z's learning preferences and multilingual development.

The development of critical thinking skills is essential for preparing future generations to effectively navigate the challenges posed by rapid technological and scientific advancements. This study examines the effectiveness of STEM-based learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in enhancing critical thinking skills among elementary school students in Indonesia. Using a quasi-experimental method with a pre-test and post-test control group design, this research involved 120 students from three elementary schools in East Java. The experimental group was taught using an integrated STEM approach, while the control group continued with a traditional curriculum. The primary objective was to assess how STEM-based learning impacts students' critical thinking, particularly in areas such as problem-solving, reasoning, and analysis. The results revealed a significant improvement in the critical thinking abilities of students in the STEM group compared to the control group. Students in the experimental group demonstrated enhanced skills in problem-solving and reasoning, with notable improvements in their ability to analyze and evaluate information. Additionally, the STEM group exhibited higher levels of engagement, curiosity, and motivation in their learning, along with a greater ability to apply interdisciplinary knowledge to real-life contexts. These findings suggest that STEM-based learning can play a crucial role in developing critical thinking and other essential skills required in the 21st century. This research underscores the potential benefits of incorporating STEM education into elementary school curricula to foster critical thinking and prepare students for future challenges. The study recommends that policymakers and educators focus on providing the necessary training, resources, and support to effectively implement STEM-based learning in primary education. By doing so, we can ensure that students develop the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.  

Attendance management is an essential component in educational institutions, companies, and organizations to monitor the presence and punctuality of participants. Traditional attendance systems, such as manual signatures or identification cards, are prone to various issues including human error, time inefficiency, and identity fraud. To address these challenges, this study aims to develop a smart attendance system using facial recognition technology based on Python and the OpenCV library. The system is designed to automatically detect and recognize faces in real time using a webcam or camera module. It employs computer vision techniques to capture facial images, extract unique features, and match them against a stored database of registered participants. Once the face is verified, the system records the attendance along with a timestamp, ensuring data accuracy and security. The development process involved several stages, including image acquisition, preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification. OpenCV was utilized for image processing tasks, while Python provided the programming framework to integrate all components. To enhance recognition accuracy, the system applied techniques such as histogram equalization for lighting normalization and Haar Cascade classifiers for initial face detection. An experimental evaluation was conducted under various conditions, including different lighting environments and facial orientations. The results demonstrated that the system achieved an accuracy rate of 96% under normal lighting conditions, with only a small decrease in performance under dim or uneven lighting. These findings indicate that the system is reliable for practical applications, especially in controlled environments. Conclusion: The Python-based facial recognition attendance system offers a more efficient, secure, and accurate alternative to conventional attendance methods. Future improvements may include the integration of deep learning models to enhance recognition robustness in diverse real-world scenarios.

Attendance management is an essential component in educational institutions, companies, and organizations to monitor the presence and punctuality of participants. Traditional attendance systems, such as manual signatures or identification cards, are prone to various issues including human error, time inefficiency, and identity fraud. To address these challenges, this study aims to develop a smart attendance system using facial recognition technology based on Python and the OpenCV library. The system is designed to automatically detect and recognize faces in real time using a webcam or camera module. It employs computer vision techniques to capture facial images, extract unique features, and match them against a stored database of registered participants. Once the face is verified, the system records the attendance along with a timestamp, ensuring data accuracy and security. The development process involved several stages, including image acquisition, preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification. OpenCV was utilized for image processing tasks, while Python provided the programming framework to integrate all components. To enhance recognition accuracy, the system applied techniques such as histogram equalization for lighting normalization and Haar Cascade classifiers for initial face detection. An experimental evaluation was conducted under various conditions, including different lighting environments and facial orientations. The results demonstrated that the system achieved an accuracy rate of 96% under normal lighting conditions, with only a small decrease in performance under dim or uneven lighting. These findings indicate that the system is reliable for practical applications, especially in controlled environments. Conclusion: The Python-based facial recognition attendance system offers a more efficient, secure, and accurate alternative to conventional attendance methods. Future improvements may include the integration of deep learning models to enhance recognition robustness in diverse real-world scenarios.

Picky eating is a prevalent issue among preschool children, often leading to nutritional deficiencies, disrupted growth, and increased parental stress. This systematic literature review aims to explore the management of picky eating through complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) and compares these findings with contemporary interventions. Picky eating behaviors can significantly affect children’s eating patterns, leading to challenges in maintaining a balanced diet. Although traditional medical interventions focus on behavioral modification and nutritional counseling, many parents are seeking alternative approaches to manage these behaviors in a more holistic and natural manner. This review encompasses studies published between 2015 and 2025, sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as "Alternative Therapy," "Picky Eating," and "Preschool Children." The review population consists of 20 articles, and the sample includes 5 selected studies that meet the criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of complementary and alternative therapies in managing picky eating behaviors. Data analysis utilized thematic analysis, with the findings analyzed thematically to draw conclusions regarding the efficacy of CAT. The results indicated that mindfulness practices, dietary practices, Tuina massage as a traditional therapy, taste exposure, sensory learning, and nutrition education were all effective in reducing picky eating behavior among children aged 1 to 5 years. These approaches not only helped to improve children’s acceptance of a wider variety of foods but also contributed to the reduction of stress for both children and parents. The findings suggest that integrating these alternative therapies into conventional practices can provide a comprehensive and effective strategy to address picky eating in preschool children. Future research is needed to further explore the long-term impacts of these therapies and to identify the most suitable combinations for different individual needs.

Gross motor and fine motor development are critical aspects of early childhood growth, yet a significant proportion of infants and toddlers continue to experience delays in these areas. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016, approximately 20–40% of infants aged 0–2 years face delays in developmental processes, with 5–25% experiencing gross and fine motor disorders. Delays in gross motor skills can reduce adaptability and creativity during the adaptation period, while delays in fine motor skills may hinder a child’s learning process. Beyond adequate nutrition provided by the mother, stimulation is an essential strategy to optimize growth and development. One promising approach is the combination of baby massage and lavender essential oil, which may offer both physical stimulation and relaxation benefits that support motor skill advancement. This study aims to determine the effect of combined baby massage stimulation and lavender essential oil application on the improvement of gross and fine motor skills in infants aged 3–12 months. A pre-experimental quantitative design with one-group pretest–posttest was applied to a sample of 40 infants. Data analysis employed the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to assess changes in motor development scores before and after the intervention. Results indicated a probability value (p-value) of 0.02 (<0.05), suggesting a statistically significant improvement in both gross and fine motor skills following the intervention. These findings highlight the potential of integrating tactile and aromatherapy-based stimulation into infant care routines to enhance motor development. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended to validate these results and explore the underlying mechanisms of action.

The development of critical thinking skills is essential for preparing future generations to effectively navigate the challenges posed by rapid technological and scientific advancements. This study examines the effectiveness of STEM-based learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in enhancing critical thinking skills among elementary school students in Indonesia. Using a quasi-experimental method with a pre-test and post-test control group design, this research involved 120 students from three elementary schools in East Java. The experimental group was taught using an integrated STEM approach, while the control group continued with a traditional curriculum. The primary objective was to assess how STEM-based learning impacts students' critical thinking, particularly in areas such as problem-solving, reasoning, and analysis. The results revealed a significant improvement in the critical thinking abilities of students in the STEM group compared to the control group. Students in the experimental group demonstrated enhanced skills in problem-solving and reasoning, with notable improvements in their ability to analyze and evaluate information. Additionally, the STEM group exhibited higher levels of engagement, curiosity, and motivation in their learning, along with a greater ability to apply interdisciplinary knowledge to real-life contexts. These findings suggest that STEM-based learning can play a crucial role in developing critical thinking and other essential skills required in the 21st century. This research underscores the potential benefits of incorporating STEM education into elementary school curricula to foster critical thinking and prepare students for future challenges. The study recommends that policymakers and educators focus on providing the necessary training, resources, and support to effectively implement STEM-based learning in primary education. By doing so, we can ensure that students develop the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.  

Gross motor and fine motor development are critical aspects of early childhood growth, yet a significant proportion of infants and toddlers continue to experience delays in these areas. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016, approximately 20–40% of infants aged 0–2 years face delays in developmental processes, with 5–25% experiencing gross and fine motor disorders. Delays in gross motor skills can reduce adaptability and creativity during the adaptation period, while delays in fine motor skills may hinder a child’s learning process. Beyond adequate nutrition provided by the mother, stimulation is an essential strategy to optimize growth and development. One promising approach is the combination of baby massage and lavender essential oil, which may offer both physical stimulation and relaxation benefits that support motor skill advancement. This study aims to determine the effect of combined baby massage stimulation and lavender essential oil application on the improvement of gross and fine motor skills in infants aged 3–12 months. A pre-experimental quantitative design with one-group pretest–posttest was applied to a sample of 40 infants. Data analysis employed the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to assess changes in motor development scores before and after the intervention. Results indicated a probability value (p-value) of 0.02 (<0.05), suggesting a statistically significant improvement in both gross and fine motor skills following the intervention. These findings highlight the potential of integrating tactile and aromatherapy-based stimulation into infant care routines to enhance motor development. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended to validate these results and explore the underlying mechanisms of action.

Picky eating is a prevalent issue among preschool children, often leading to nutritional deficiencies, disrupted growth, and increased parental stress. This systematic literature review aims to explore the management of picky eating through complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) and compares these findings with contemporary interventions. Picky eating behaviors can significantly affect children’s eating patterns, leading to challenges in maintaining a balanced diet. Although traditional medical interventions focus on behavioral modification and nutritional counseling, many parents are seeking alternative approaches to manage these behaviors in a more holistic and natural manner. This review encompasses studies published between 2015 and 2025, sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as "Alternative Therapy," "Picky Eating," and "Preschool Children." The review population consists of 20 articles, and the sample includes 5 selected studies that meet the criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of complementary and alternative therapies in managing picky eating behaviors. Data analysis utilized thematic analysis, with the findings analyzed thematically to draw conclusions regarding the efficacy of CAT. The results indicated that mindfulness practices, dietary practices, Tuina massage as a traditional therapy, taste exposure, sensory learning, and nutrition education were all effective in reducing picky eating behavior among children aged 1 to 5 years. These approaches not only helped to improve children’s acceptance of a wider variety of foods but also contributed to the reduction of stress for both children and parents. The findings suggest that integrating these alternative therapies into conventional practices can provide a comprehensive and effective strategy to address picky eating in preschool children. Future research is needed to further explore the long-term impacts of these therapies and to identify the most suitable combinations for different individual needs.

The adoption of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has enabled real-time monitoring of machinery, leading to increased efficiency and reduced downtime. This paper presents an AI-driven predictive maintenance system that utilizes machine learning algorithms to detect potential failures before they occur. Using historical sensor data, the proposed model achieves high accuracy in predicting equipment malfunctions, allowing timely intervention. The study demonstrates the potential of AI in optimizing industrial processes and reducing operational costs.

The adoption of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has enabled real-time monitoring of machinery, leading to increased efficiency and reduced downtime. This paper presents an AI-driven predictive maintenance system that utilizes machine learning algorithms to detect potential failures before they occur. Using historical sensor data, the proposed model achieves high accuracy in predicting equipment malfunctions, allowing timely intervention. The study demonstrates the potential of AI in optimizing industrial processes and reducing operational costs.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping education by enabling personalized learning experiences tailored to individual students' needs. This paper examines the application of AI-driven systems in adaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring, and automated assessments. It highlights how AI enhances student engagement, provides real-time feedback, and improves learning outcomes. The study concludes that AI-driven education fosters better student performance and learning efficiency.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping education by enabling personalized learning experiences tailored to individual students' needs. This paper examines the application of AI-driven systems in adaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring, and automated assessments. It highlights how AI enhances student engagement, provides real-time feedback, and improves learning outcomes. The study concludes that AI-driven education fosters better student performance and learning efficiency.

Gamification—the use of game mechanics in non-gaming contexts—has proven to be an effective tool for enhancing children's learning experiences. This paper examines how gamified learning platforms influence early childhood education by improving motivation, attention span, and knowledge retention. The study evaluates the effectiveness of various educational games and proposes best practices for implementing gamification in preschool and primary education.

Gamification—the use of game mechanics in non-gaming contexts—has proven to be an effective tool for enhancing children's learning experiences. This paper examines how gamified learning platforms influence early childhood education by improving motivation, attention span, and knowledge retention. The study evaluates the effectiveness of various educational games and proposes best practices for implementing gamification in preschool and primary education.

The integration of robotics in education is transforming the way students engage with STEM subjects. This paper explores the effectiveness of robotics in developing problem-solving, programming, and critical thinking skills in young learners. Case studies from various educational institutions demonstrate the positive impact of robotics-based learning in fostering innovation and creativity among children.

The integration of robotics in education is transforming the way students engage with STEM subjects. This paper explores the effectiveness of robotics in developing problem-solving, programming, and critical thinking skills in young learners. Case studies from various educational institutions demonstrate the positive impact of robotics-based learning in fostering innovation and creativity among children.