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Social Studies (IPS) learning in elementary schools plays an essential role in developing students’ critical thinking skills and civic attitudes as part of 21st-century competencies. However, in practice, IPS learning is still commonly teacher-centered and lacks contextual learning experiences, resulting in low student engagement and limited development of higher-order thinking skills. This study aims to analyze the implementation of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in IPS learning to enhance critical thinking skills and civic attitudes of grade VI students at SDN Prekbun. The research employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with teachers, students, school principals, and parents, as well as documentation of learning activities. Data analysis was conducted using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings indicate that the implementation of PjBL effectively enhances students’ active participation, critical thinking skills in analyzing social issues, and civic attitudes such as responsibility, cooperation, and social awareness. Learning becomes more meaningful as students are directly involved in contextual, collaborative, and problem-based project activities. Despite these positive outcomes, several challenges were identified, including limited learning facilities, time management constraints, and variations in students’ confidence levels. This study implies that PjBL is an effective instructional model for strengthening character education and developing 21st-century skills in elementary social studies learning

A mid the growing complexity of contemporary education, the challenge of integrating intellectual achievement with moral and spiritual development has become increasingly urgent. This study examines educational strategies in the Qur’an through the perspective of tafsir tarbawi, focusing on four core approaches: exemplary conduct, advice, dialogue, and storytelling. The research aims to explore how the Qur’an presents pedagogical methods that not only convey knowledge but also shape character and internalize values in learners. Employing a qualitative library research design with thematic and tafsir tarbawi approaches, this study analyzes relevant Qur’anic verses and supporting scholarly literature. The findings reveal that the Qur’an offers a holistic and dynamic model of education in which exemplary conduct functions as a behavioral model, advice serves as a means of value internalization, dialogue promotes reflective and critical thinking, and storytelling strengthens moral awareness through narrative experience. These strategies are interconnected and operate across cognitive, affective, and behavioral domains. The study concludes that Qur’anic educational strategies remain highly relevant for contemporary Islamic education, particularly in strengthening character formation, reflective learning, and the integration of values in educational practice.

Young people often respond to stress through maladaptive patterns such as self-blame, avoidance, emotional withdrawal, and catastrophic thinking. These responses may provide temporary psychological protection, but they can also weaken emotional regulation, resilience, and interpersonal functioning over time. This study examines how Plato’s concept of eudaimonia and Jung’s analytical psychology can be integrated to interpret and address maladaptive responses in youth. Using a qualitative conceptual design supported by exploratory survey data, the study develops an interpretive framework that connects Jungian self-awareness with Platonic virtue-based self-regulation. The survey findings indicate that self-critical and avoidant tendencies were common among respondents, suggesting that many participants struggled to manage stress in reflective and constructive ways. In response, the article argues that Jung’s emphasis on recognizing hidden emotions and inner conflict can deepen psychological insight, while Plato’s emphasis on reason, virtue, and moral formation can guide individuals toward more balanced coping. The study contributes a humanistic framework for youth stress management that links emotional awareness, ethical self-governance, and personal flourishing. It also offers practical implications for educators, counselors, and families seeking more integrative approaches to youth well-being.

Self-development is a crucial competence for navigating the professional world; however, many individuals face significant barriers in optimizing this potential. This study aims to formulate an integrative model of Quranic Tadabur and bibliotherapy as a professional therapeutic intervention in counseling, addressing gaps in existing literature. Using a library research method with content analysis, the findings indicate that Quranic Tadabur effectively enhances essential self-development skills, including self-awareness, work motivation, problem-solving, time management, emotional regulation, critical and creative thinking, and social collaboration. Within the bibliotherapy framework, the self-development process is structured through stages of motivation, incubation, follow-up, and evaluation. Furthermore, several counseling techniques are proposed, such as self-management, minimal contact, counselor-led management, and directed counseling, to support individual growth. This integrative approach highlights the role of spirituality in fostering holistic personal and professional development. The study contributes theoretically to the advancement of spirituality-based counseling models, particularly in the context of modern career development, and offers a conceptual foundation for future empirical research.

Group-based learning in the classroom plays a vital role in enhancing social interaction, individual responsibility, as well as students' critical thinking and collaborative skills. However, its implementation often faces challenges such as the dominance of certain members, social loafing, low participation, and interpersonal conflicts that hinder group effectiveness. This study aims to comprehensively examine the dynamics of learning groups by integrating four key aspects: the concept of group dynamics based on the Tuckman model, the characteristics of effective groups in cooperative learning, group formation techniques, and conflict management strategies. The research utilizes a qualitative approach with a literature study method, analyzing 25 sources including nationally accredited journals, academic books, and theses published between 2020 and 2024. Data analysis was conducted through reduction, thematic classification, content analysis, and conceptual synthesis. The results indicate that effective group dynamics can be achieved through the Tuckman stages, the application of the five elements of cooperative learning, the selection of appropriate group formation techniques with risk mitigation, and the implementation of the Thomas-Kilmann conflict management styles.The scientific contribution of this research is the development of an integrative model based on these four aspects, which serves as a conceptual framework to strengthen collaborative learning practices in the classroom. Practical implications include the formation of ideal groups consisting of 4–5 students, the establishment of initial group contracts, the use of dual assessment rubrics (individual and group), and peer evaluation mechanisms to enhance accountability and reflection.

In the current digital era, social media has become an open space filled with streams of information, including invalid ones. Santri, as the future generation of the ummah, are required to have critical thinking skills to filter, analyze, and make wise decisions. Islamic boarding schools as traditional Islamic educational institutions are faced with the challenge to remain relevant amidst technological developments. This study aims to: 1) Find out the strategies of Pondok Pesantren Daruttaqwa III Gresik in improving students’ critical thinking skills toward social media developments, 2) Identify supporting and inhibiting factors in the implementation of the strategy, 3) Understand the role of Pondok Pesantren Daruttaqwa III in integrating traditional values with modern approaches to sharpen students’ critical thinking skills. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis includes data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results show that the strategies include: 1) Integration of digital literacy and critical thinking in the formal education curriculum, 2) Character building and supervision in the dormitory environment as a key strategy, 3) Strengthening through extracurricular activities, awareness campaigns, and limited training. Supporting factors include strong leadership, dedication from teachers and administrators, presence of traditional Islamic values as ethical foundations, and increased student awareness. Obstacles include time limitations, lack of structured materials, varying digital literacy levels, and the rapid evolution of social media. The pesantren has successfully integrated Islamic values such as tabayyun, adab, amanah, and husnudzon with modern approaches.

In the current digital era, social media has become an open space filled with streams of information, including invalid ones. Santri, as the future generation of the ummah, are required to have critical thinking skills to filter, analyze, and make wise decisions. Islamic boarding schools as traditional Islamic educational institutions are faced with the challenge to remain relevant amidst technological developments. This study aims to: 1) Find out the strategies of Pondok Pesantren Daruttaqwa III Gresik in improving students’ critical thinking skills toward social media developments, 2) Identify supporting and inhibiting factors in the implementation of the strategy, 3) Understand the role of Pondok Pesantren Daruttaqwa III in integrating traditional values with modern approaches to sharpen students’ critical thinking skills. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis includes data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results show that the strategies include: 1) Integration of digital literacy and critical thinking in the formal education curriculum, 2) Character building and supervision in the dormitory environment as a key strategy, 3) Strengthening through extracurricular activities, awareness campaigns, and limited training. Supporting factors include strong leadership, dedication from teachers and administrators, presence of traditional Islamic values as ethical foundations, and increased student awareness. Obstacles include time limitations, lack of structured materials, varying digital literacy levels, and the rapid evolution of social media. The pesantren has successfully integrated Islamic values such as tabayyun, adab, amanah, and husnudzon with modern approaches.

This study explores the integration of Creativity Education and Growth Mindset in Catholic Religious Education (CRE) at Senior High Schools and examines its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, focusing on quality and inclusive education. Using a Systematic Literature Review based on the PRISMA 2020 protocol, the study analyzed 1,263 articles from scientific databases, narrowing down to 106 relevant studies. The findings highlight that Creativity Education fosters critical thinking, cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, and the integration of moral and spiritual values. Growth Mindset enhances students’ intrinsic motivation, perseverance, and resilience, creating an adaptive, innovative, and inclusive learning environment. The synthesis led to the development of an integrative learning model, which includes the Creative Reflective Learning Cycle, Faith-Based Project Learning, Creative Growth Dialogue, and Digital Creativity Integration. This model aims to holistically develop students’ cognitive, creative, moral, and spiritual capacities. The study demonstrates that the combination of Creativity Education and Growth Mindset enriches CRE pedagogical practices and supports the development of 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration, digital literacy, and moral literacy. It concludes that project-based learning, digital technology integration, and curriculum adjustments are vital steps in improving learning quality and inclusiveness. The study recommends further empirical research to test the effectiveness of the proposed model.

The development of discipline in children should begin at an early age, particularly in managing time for studying, playing, worship, and resting. Simple time management assistance activities are conducted to help children understand the importance of time regulation and to foster disciplined behavior in their daily activities. These activities include introduction sessions, material delivery, question-and-answer sessions, as well as the distribution of gifts and group photo sessions, all carried out in an interactive and participatory manner. The results indicate that children begin to organize their daily schedules, follow instructions, and demonstrate gradual improvements in discipline. The research method used is Participatory Action Research (PAR), which actively involves children, facilitators, and teachers/ustadzah in the stages of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. This approach enables children to learn by doing, fostering a sense of responsibility, critical thinking skills, and the development of positive habits in a sustainable manner. The activity is also supported by the active participation of teachers/ustadzah and the facilitation team to enhance the effectiveness of the learning process; therefore, simple time management assistance based on the PAR method is effective in fostering discipline and orderliness in children from an early age.

Cultural education plays a vital role in fostering children’s creative thinking skills. Batik, as Indonesia’s cultural heritage, embodies artistic values, symbols, and life meanings that can be utilized as a medium of learning. This study aims to describe the implementation of batik-based cultural education in enhancing the creativity of Indonesian children at Sanggar Bimbingan Al Ikhlas Sungai Penchala, Malaysia. The research method employed is qualitative with a case study design. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings reveal that batik activities improve children’s ability to generate ideas, select colors, and create patterns based on imagination. Moreover, children demonstrate increased confidence in expressing ideas through artwork. Teachers serve as facilitators who guide, motivate, and provide examples during the creative process. The conclusion indicates that batik-based cultural education enhances creativity, self-confidence, and cultural identity awareness among Indonesian children living abroad. This study contributes to the discourse on cultural education by highlighting batik as an effective medium for creative learning and identity development in diaspora contexts.

Furniture is an item needed to complete the needs at home or residence, furniture helps the process of household chores become easier, as a place of storage, and creates comfort for its occupants. In this increasingly environmentally conscious era, product design is here to integrate the principles of sustainability. One of them is waste from industrial HPL (high pressure laminate) which is often thrown away without being utilized, Plywood waste and High Pressure Laminate (HPL) are by-products of the furniture industry that hold potential for reuse through sustainable design practices. This study aims to design a coffee table using plywood and HPL waste by applying the Design Thinking method, which includes the stages of empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. This method enables user needs analysis, idea exploration, and iterative prototype development. The results indicate that waste materials can be transformed into a coffee table that is strong, aesthetically appealing, and functional. The use of HPL enhances surface durability and visual value, while the plywood structure can be reinforced through simple joinery systems. The final product meets ergonomic, stability, and aesthetic criteria. In conclusion, Design Thinking is effective in transforming waste materials into high-value furniture and supports sustainable design practices

This study aims to examine the effects of applying a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method combined with PhET simulation tools on enhancing critical thinking skills among eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 4 Singaraja when learning vibration and wave topics. It adopted a quasi-experimental approach with a Pretest-Posttest setup and non-equivalent control group design. The participant cohort comprised 75 students distributed across two groups: the treatment group (n=38) who engaged in learning activities using PBL supplemented by PhET simulation, and the comparison group (n=37) who received PBL instruction without PhET simulation support. Data collection was conducted through essay-type assessment instruments containing 7 questions designed to evaluate critical thinking competencies based on Ennis' theoretical framework. Data processing employed descriptive statistical analysis, N-Gain Score computation and ANCOVA testing were conducted at a 0.05 significance level. Results showed the treatment group's average Posttest score at 84, compared to 66 for the control group. The ANCOVA produced an F-value of 103.701 (p < 0.001), confirming a statistically significant difference in critical thinking skills between the groups. The adjusted mean Posttest scores were 83.99 for the treatment group and 66.01 for the comparison group, reflecting a differential of 17.99 points. Consequently, the findings substantiate that the integration of PBL with PhET simulation demonstrates greater effectiveness in fostering students' critical thinking skills in comparison to conventional PBL implementation without technology-enhanced simulation assistance.

This research purposes to improve the critical thinking skills of fifth-grade students at UPT SDN 274 Gresik regarding local culture for the 2024/2025 academic year. The methodology used is classroom action research. Data collection techniques were conducted through tests to assess students’ critical thinking skills and observations to assess student and teacher activities. The data analysis used included calculating the average scores from the tests and the results of the observations. The sample used in this research comprised of fifth-grade students at UPT SDN 274 Gresik during the 2024/2025 academic year. The results of the research indicate that the average score on the critical thinking skills test increased from 50.36 in the pre-action phase to 67.14 in Cycle I, and reached 86.43 in Cycle II. The findings of the teacher activity observations displayed an increase from 3.89 in Cycle I to 4.00 in Cycle II. The average results of student activity observations also increased from 68.21 in Cycle I to 86.43 in Cycle II. These results lead to the conclusion that the contextual approach proved effective in improving students’ critical thinking skills regarding local cultural material.

Mathematics learning at the elementary school level plays an important role in shaping students' logical thinking. However, understanding multiplication concepts remains a challenge for some students, mainly due to the learning process which tends to be monotonous and lacks active participation. This study aims to describe the implementation of context-based educational games "Seblak Prasmanan" and to examine their impact on students' activity and understanding in multiplication material. The study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with 21 third-grade students at MI Miftahul Ulum 02 Honggosoco as subjects. Data collection techniques were conducted through direct observation and documentation with the help of observation sheets containing indicators of student involvement and understanding. The results of the study show that the implementation of educational games can encourage students to participate more actively in learning. In addition, students find it easier to understand the concept of multiplication as repeated addition through contextual learning experiences. A more enjoyable learning atmosphere also impacts the increase in students' interest and motivation to learn. Thus, the use of educational games based on everyday life contexts can be an alternative learning strategy to effectively improve the quality of mathematics learning in elementary schools.

The era of digital disruption has brought significant moral and spiritual challenges for young people in their use of social media. This study aims to analyze the implementation of Christian ethics education in social media use among youth at the GWI Wesleyan Methodist Congregation of Tanjung Selamat as an effort to develop digital character grounded in Christian values. The study employed a community service approach using participatory methods through pre-tests, post-tests, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), reflective discussions, and digital literacy practices. The theological foundation of this study is based on Wesleyan social ethics, which emphasizes the integration of personal holiness and social holiness in digital life. The educational program also integrated the four pillars of digital literacy, digital skills, digital culture, digital ethics, and digital safety, into a contextual Christian Religious Education framework. The findings indicate a significant improvement in digital literacy understanding, ethical awareness, critical thinking toward digital information, and behavioral transformation in the responsible and value-based use of social media according to Christian principles. This transformation was reflected in increased awareness of digital footprints, stronger personal account security, the removal of negative content, and participants’ initiatives to create spiritual and educational content on social media. The study concludes that Christian ethics education based on digital literacy can serve as an effective means of moral and social transformation for young people while highlighting the strategic role of the church in shaping a humane, peaceful, and Kingdom of God-oriented digital character in the digital era.

Children in Tambak Osowilangun Village have high access to digital technology, but their digital financial literacy remains very low. Technology is generally used only for entertainment and social media without an understanding of its economic value. This condition is exacerbated by limited supervision from parents, the majority of whom work in the industrial sector, leaving children vulnerable to uncontrolled consumer behavior online. This community service activity aims to equip children in Tambak Osowilangun Village with a basic understanding of modern economics. The main focus is to improve their ability to manage their finances wisely, introduce the concept of digital savings, and develop critical thinking skills so they can distinguish between needs and wants in the technology era. The program uses the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method, which involves the active participation of children through a spiral of stages: planning, action, observation, and reflection. Data was collected through participant observation to monitor the learning dynamics of participants during the educational sessions. The implementation of the activity showed a significant increase in participants' financial understanding. Children became more aware of the risks of digital fraud and began to understand how financial applications work. Through interactive discussion sessions, high enthusiasm was generated, shifting the children's mindset from mere entertainment users to financially savvy technology users. The synergy between students and the community has succeeded in fostering a disciplined and responsible economic character in the young generation in the village.

This study aims to understand the psychological dynamics of bilih fish traders at Lake Singkarak in facing periods of scarcity, including psychological processes, survival strategies, and the impacts experienced. This research employs a qualitative approach using the Miles and Huberman data analysis model, which includes data collection, data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The results show that the traders possess strong psychological resilience in dealing with economic and environmental pressures. Cognitively, they demonstrate adaptive thinking and maintain optimism; affectively, they are able to manage negative emotions such as anxiety and stress; and conatively, they remain active in making efforts to sustain their businesses. The adaptive strategies implemented include business diversification, restructuring of capital management, and strengthening social networks with fishermen and other business actors. These dynamics are influenced by internal factors such as experience, religious values, and social responsibility, as well as external factors such as environmental conditions and market competition. Overall, psychological resilience, social values, and spirituality are key factors in maintaining business sustainability during periods of scarcity. Therefore, support from the government is needed in the form of training, financial assistance, and policies that favor local business actors.

This study aims to describe the implementation of the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model in creative dance learning. It also analyzes the results of creative dance projects produced by grade XI students of SMA Negeri 14 Semarang. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques including observation, interviews, and documentation. The research subjects consist of one Cultural Arts teacher and students of grade XI. Data analysis employs the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results show that the implementation of PjBL is conducted through seven systematic stages: project determination, planning, scheduling, exploration and movement creation, monitoring, project presentation, and reflection. Students demonstrate active involvement in group discussions, movement exploration, and collaboration. Each group successfully produces creative dance work with diverse themes, reflecting the development of creativity and critical thinking skills. This study highlights students creative processes at each stage of the project, which has not been widely explored in previous studies.

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought significant changes to higher education, particularly in the way students think and learn. AI no longer functions merely as a learning support tool but also influences students’ cognitive processes, including critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. This study aims to examine the impact of AI usage on the thinking patterns of university students. The research method employed is a literature review, analyzing various accredited national journals and relevant conference proceedings. The findings indicate that AI offers several positive impacts, such as improving learning efficiency, expanding access to information, and supporting the development of creative ideas. However, excessive reliance on AI may also lead to negative effects, including a decline in critical thinking skills and an increased tendency for students to depend on AI-generated outputs without in-depth analysis. Therefore, the role of educators is crucial in guiding students to use AI wisely and responsibly. AI should be utilized as a supportive tool in the learning process rather than a replacement for human thinking. This study is expected to contribute to the development of effective and ethical strategies for integrating AI in higher education.

Abstract: Lesson Study is a collaborative process where teachers identify learning problems, plan improvements, implement instruction with one teacher teaching and others observing, evaluate, revise, re-teach, re-evaluate, and disseminate results. This method serves as a reference for HOTS-based classroom instruction aimed at enhancing learning motivation, student achievement, and critical thinking. The community service was conducted at the Tadris Social Sciences Study Program, FTIK, UIN Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah, and MI Podorejo, Sumber Gempol, Tulungagung, through planning, implementation, and reflection stages. This study employed a descriptive qualitative method with a sequential design covering preparation, micro-teaching training, school mentoring, Lesson Study implementation, and comprehensive final evaluation. Observations from this Lesson Study revealed that students demonstrated critical thinking and active participation in learning. This activity is expected to foster synergy among lecturers, teachers, and pre-service teachers in designing, implementing, and evaluating teaching-learning activities, making instructional methods more creative, innovative, and adaptive to technological advancements.