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This Community Partnership Program (PKM) aims to improve the competence of mathematics teachers at Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs) in Lumajang Regency in developing ethnomathematics-based teaching materials integrated with Augmented Reality (AR) technology. This program was initiated due to the minimal use of local culture in mathematics learning and the low ability of teachers to develop innovative teaching materials. The activity was carried out in four main stages: socialization, training, technology application, and mentoring and evaluation. The training included an introduction to the concept of ethnomathematics, the preparation of differentiated teaching materials, and the creation of AR-based learning media using Unity 3D, Blender, Geogebra, and Vuforia. The results of the activity showed an increase in teachers' understanding of the concept of ethnomathematics and their ability to integrate the local cultural values of Lumajang into mathematics learning. In addition, teachers successfully produced contextual AR-based interactive teaching materials in line with the spirit of the Merdeka Curriculum. This activity also strengthened collaboration between lecturers, students, and teachers of the MTs Wilker III Mathematics MGMP and became a model for continuous training in the development of innovative learning media based on local wisdom and digital technology.

This research aims to analyze the adaptive role of a dance teacher in teaching the subject of music art at SMK Asta Mitra Purwodadi, as well as identifying the patterns of collaborative approaches and the implementation of the Deep Learning strategy in the learning process. This phenomenon attracts researchers due to the case of a teacher teaching cross-disciplinary subjects, although still within the domain of the arts. This study employs a qualitative method using observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation techniques. The main subject of this research is Bu Evi, a dance teacher who also serves as the music art instructor. The research results indicate that the non-specialist teacher (with a dance background) successfully overcomes limitations in teaching music by performing a role transformation into a facilitator focusing on expression, rhythm, and performance. The implementation of Deep Learning is realized effectively through a kinesthetic approach, where abstract music concepts (such as tempo and dynamics) are translated through body movement exploration, which is proven to increase student enthusiasm and understanding. Furthermore, the teacher implements a strategic collaborative pattern with the music extracurricular teacher, where responsibilities are divided between aspects of expression/movement and the deepening of theory/vocal technique, ensuring talented students still receive adequate technical development. Assessment focuses on performative aspects (expression, tempo, teamwork, and self-confidence). This research concludes that the teacher's professionalism and pedagogical creativity are the main keys to bridging competency gaps, while simultaneously ensuring the achievement of the goals of the Merdeka Curriculum in shaping student character and 21st-century skills.

This research aims to determine the extent to which interactive quizzes can help improve students' understanding of Economics lessons in the Merdeka Curriculum, which focuses on a Deep Learning approach implemented at SMA Negeri 4 Surakarta. The results show that quite a few students have difficulty grasping economic concepts. The lack of participation and learning motivation, combined with the dominance of the lecture method, makes the learning process tend to be one-way. Conversely, the application of digital technology by educators is still very limited. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach, collecting data thru observation, interviews, and documentation. A total of five students from the eleventh grade were selected based on purposive sampling techniques who had already taken economics lessons. The results show that the quiz format contributes to increasing students' interest, attention, and participation due to the presence of visual elements, screen animation, and a game-like atmosphere. However, obstacles such as slow internet connectivity or a slightly longer completion time than estimated did arise, although they did not hinder overall learning activities. Essentially, implementing this type of quiz aligns with the direction of the Merdeka Curriculum, which emphasizes in-depth conceptual understanding while also encouraging self-study habits, training the ability to reflect on the material, and creating a classroom atmosphere that tends to be more dynamic.

The Merdeka Curriculum demands the development of teaching materials that are adaptive, contextual, and relevant to the demands of 21st-century learning. This article aims to examine the strategy for developing teaching materials based on the Merdeka Curriculum that can support the strengthening of 21st-century competencies, such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy. The method used is a literature review of various studies related to the Merdeka Curriculum, teaching material development, and 21st-century learning. The findings show that effective teaching material development must consider the integration of local context, the use of digital technology, and project- and problem-based approaches. In addition, it is also important to conduct continuous reflection and evaluation in the teaching material development process. With the right strategy, teaching materials based on the Merdeka Curriculum can become a key tool in creating meaningful, flexible learning that aligns with the needs of 21st-century learners. Through the implementation of this strategy, it is hoped that a more effective learning process that aligns with the times can be created.

This study aims to determine the influence of the implementation of the Independent Curriculum management and teacher teaching strategies on improving student character at SMK Negeri 1 Sangatta Utara. This study was field research with a quantitative approach. Data collection techniques used questionnaires, observation, and documentation. The study population was all 230 11th-grade students at SMK Negeri 1 Sangatta Utara, with a sample of 115 respondents drawn using Suharsimi Arikunto's formula. Data analysis used multiple linear regression. The results showed that the implementation of the Independent Curriculum management had a significant effect on improving student character by 60.85%, while teacher teaching strategies had a 15.95% effect. The coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.768 indicates that the two independent variables together contributed 76.8% to student character improvement, while the remaining 23.2% was influenced by factors outside the study. Therefore, it can be concluded that the implementation of the Independent Curriculum management has a more dominant influence than teacher teaching strategies on student character development.

The Merdeka Curriculum represents Indonesia’s national education reform aimed at transforming learning paradigms toward a more contextual, flexible, and student-centered approach aligned with the Pancasila Student Profile. One of its key priorities is fostering critical thinking competence from the elementary level. This article aims to critically analyze the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in developing students’ critical thinking skills in Indonesian elementary schools. Employing a conceptual and literature-based approach, this study examines educational policies, theories of critical thinking, and recent research findings (2020–2025). The analysis reveals that the Merdeka Curriculum holds strong potential to enhance critical thinking through differentiated learning, project-based learning, authentic assessment, and the Pancasila Student Profile projects. Nevertheless, its implementation still encounters challenges, particularly regarding teacher competence, infrastructure readiness, and non-reflective learning culture. Therefore, strengthening teacher capacity, reforming assessment systems, and cultivating critical thinking as a school-wide culture are essential to realizing the goals of the Merdeka Curriculum effectively at the elementary education level.