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This article examines the dialogue between John Calvin’s educational thought and the Merdeka Curriculum within the context of Christian Religious Education (PAK) in Indonesia. Employing a qualitative-comparative approach with descriptive analysis, this study traces the points of convergence and tension between Calvin’s educational principles particularly the concept of imago Dei, holistic education, and the God-centered purpose of education and the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum such as flexibility, differentiated learning, and the Profil Pelajar Pancasila (Pancasila Student Profile). The analysis reveals significant convergence in terms of respect for the potential and uniqueness of learners, holistic educational orientation, and the role of teachers as facilitators and character formers. However, fundamental tensions also exist regarding Calvin’s theocentric theological foundation vis-à-vis the secular Pancasila foundation, the concept of discipline and authority versus student freedom, and the ultimate goal of education glorifying God versus forming the Pancasila Student Profile. Based on these findings, this article offers practical recommendations for PAK curriculum design based on the Merdeka Curriculum, a Kingdom of God-nuanced project-based learning approach, holistic assessment, and Christian character formation within the Profil Pelajar Pancasila framework. This research contributes to filling the gap in studies that dialogue the Reformed theological tradition with contemporary Indonesian national education policy.

This study aims to examine the influence of principal leadership and school culture on teacher discipline in public junior high schools (SMP Negeri) in Sembawa District, Banyuasin Regency. Teacher discipline is an important factor in supporting the effectiveness of the learning process and achieving educational goals. Therefore, understanding the factors that contribute to teacher discipline is essential for improving school performance. This study employed a quantitative research method with a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires consisting of 66 statement items measured using a five-point Likert scale. The collected data were analyzed using statistical techniques to determine both partial and simultaneous effects of the independent variables on teacher discipline. The results indicate that principal leadership has a positive and significant partial effect on teacher discipline, as evidenced by a t-value of 5.127, which is greater than the t-table value of 1.9809. School culture also has a positive and significant partial effect on teacher discipline, with a t-value of 7.244 exceeding the t-table value of 1.9809. Furthermore, principal leadership and school culture simultaneously have a positive and significant effect on teacher discipline, as indicated by an F-value of 34.152, which is greater than the F-table value of 3.07. These findings suggest that strengthening principal leadership and fostering a positive school culture can significantly improve teacher discipline.

The Merdeka Curriculum, as a new educational policy in Indonesia, emphasizes the cultivation of the Pancasila Student Profile, which is rich in citizenship values. This study aims to analyze the application of citizenship values in Pancasila and Civic Education (PPKn) learning within the framework of the Merdeka Curriculum at the high school level. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method, collecting data through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with PPKn teachers, and analysis of teaching modules and project-based learning documents (P5). The findings indicate that the application of citizenship values is primarily integrated through Project-Based Learning to Strengthen the Pancasila Student Profile (P5). Values such as mutual cooperation (gotong royong), critical reasoning (bernalar kritis), and global diversity (berkebinekaan global) are the most frequently emphasized. However, teachers face challenges, including the need to adapt pedagogical approaches, difficulties in assessing value-based outcomes authentically, and a lack of specific reference materials aligned with the new curriculum. The implication of this research is the urgent need for structured professional development for teachers and the development of comprehensive teaching guides to ensure the effective and standardized implementation of citizenship values in PPKn learning across all educational units.

Quality education is one of the 17 global goals known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4. This goal aims to ensure equitable, inclusive, and quality education for all people. In Indonesia, elementary school teachers play the most important role because they interact directly with students every day. This article comprehensively examines the role of elementary school teachers in supporting SDG 4 from three main perspectives: teachers’ professional competence, innovative teaching methods, and teachers’ involvement within the school community. The method used is a systematic review of 45 selected scientific sources published between 2020 and 2024, including international journals, reports from global institutions, and Indonesian government policy documents.The findings show that competent, creative, and highly dedicated elementary school teachers are closely related to improving learning quality, increasing school participation, and developing positive character in students. However, several major challenges remain unresolved, such as unequal teacher distribution, low welfare, and limited access to technology—especially in remote areas. This article recommends three main actions: strengthening continuous teacher professional development policies, improving the teacher performance evaluation system to make it more comprehensive, and increasing collaboration among the government, universities, and local communities in order to achieve SDG 4 effectively in Indonesia.

Effective communication is an important element in the early childhood learning process because it plays a significant role in children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. This study aims to determine the influence of teachers’ roles in developing effective communication among early childhood children aged 4–5 years at TK Damhil, Kota Selatan, Gorontalo Province. The research used a quantitative method with a descriptive research design. The research subjects consisted of 5 children aged 4–5 years selected through purposive sampling techniques. Data collection techniques were carried out through direct observation of children’s communication activities during the learning process. The results showed that the teacher’s role is very important in building effective communication through the use of simple language, responsive attitudes, active listening skills, and the use of verbal and nonverbal communication that is appropriate to children’s developmental characteristics. The implementation of effective communication was proven to improve children’s self-confidence, social interaction skills, and readiness to face formal education. Therefore, effective communication applied by teachers provides a positive contribution to optimizing early childhood development.

Guru di sekolah dasar Tahfidz sering kali menghadapi tantangan besar dalam mengintegrasikan pengajaran Al-Qur’an dengan kemampuan pedagogik modern yang mendukung pembelajaran aktif. Kegiatan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (PKM) ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kompetensi pedagogik dan profesional para guru di SD Tahfidz Ibnu Umar Karawang melalui pelatihan metode pengajaran yang bermakna dan inovatif. Permasalahan utama yang ditemukan di mitra sasaran adalah keterbatasan guru dalam menerapkan pendekatan PAIKEM serta kesulitan dalam menyusun perangkat ajar yang adaptif terhadap prinsip Kurikulum Merdeka. Metode yang digunakan dalam kegiatan ini adalah kombinasi ceramah interaktif, workshop penyusunan modul/RPP, dan praktik langsung melalui sesi microteaching. Pelatihan dilaksanakan dalam tiga sesi utama: (1) pemahaman karakteristik peserta didik usia 7–12 tahun berdasarkan aspek kognitif, sosial-emosional, dan psikomotorik; (2) desain pembelajaran bermakna (meaningful learning); serta (3) strategi pembelajaran aktif seperti Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Discovery Learning, dan pembelajaran kooperatif. Hasil kegiatan menunjukkan adanya peningkatan pemahaman 15 guru peserta dalam menciptakan lingkungan belajar yang berpusat pada siswa (student-centered) serta kemampuan mengintegrasikan teknologi pembelajaran modern (IPTEKS) seperti Canva dan media interaktif dalam proses KBM. Luaran dari program ini mencakup modul pelatihan pedagogik, publikasi artikel ilmiah, dan video diseminasi hasil implementasi metode pembelajaran.

The development of information and communication technology has increased the use of gadgets among high school students. Gadgets provide convenience in the learning process, but also have the potential to affect students' social behavior patterns. This study aims to describe and analyze the influence of gadget use on the social behavior patterns of students at SMA Negeri 3 Salatiga. This study uses a mixed methods approach, which is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative data was obtained through observation, interviews, and documentation, while quantitative data was obtained through the distribution of questionnaires to 72 students in grades XI-5 and XI-7 who were selected using purposive sampling techniques. The results of the study showed that the use of gadgets had an effect on decreasing the intensity of direct social interaction, reduced empathy for the surrounding environment, weakening interpersonal communication with peers and teachers, and low cooperation in group activities. Students tend to focus more on the use of gadgets than active involvement in social activities in the school environment. Therefore, it is necessary for schools, teachers, and parents to supervise and guide the use of gadgets wisely so as not to hinder students' social development.

Student engagement remains a critical determinant of academic success in elementary education, yet traditional instructional approaches often fail to sustain meaningful participation. This narrative literature review synthesizes contemporary evidence (2020–2026) on the strategic planning of Case-Based Learning (CBL) and its impact on multidimensional student engagement in primary schools. Using Google Scholar as the primary database, peer-reviewed studies were screened and thematically analyzed to identify core planning components, engagement outcomes, and contextual implementation factors. The synthesis revealed five essential instructional design elements: developmentally appropriate case selection, structured scaffolding, explicit curriculum alignment, adequate temporal allocation, and authentic assessment. Empirical findings consistently demonstrate that well-planned CBL significantly enhances behavioral participation, cognitive deepening, and affective motivation among elementary learners. However, implementation success is heavily moderated by teacher pedagogical competence, institutional support, and adaptive resource utilization. These findings underscore the necessity of integrating CBL planning frameworks into teacher professional development and curriculum design. Ultimately, strategically designed case-based instruction offers a transformative pathway to reinvigorate elementary classrooms, though sustained adoption requires targeted training, flexible policies, and further longitudinal research on engagement trajectories in primary education.

This research is motivated by the need for interactive digital learning media to increase interest in learning and understanding of multiplication concepts in elementary school students. This study aims to develop interactive Math Space media based on space math adventure games on multiplication material for third-grade students of Mursyidah Elementary School and assess its feasibility based on aspects of validity, response, and effectiveness. The method used is research and development with a 4D model that includes the stages of definition, design, development, and dissemination. Data were collected through expert validation, teacher and student response questionnaires, and learning outcome tests. The results showed that the Math Space media has a very high level of validity with a percentage of 94% from material experts and 95% from media experts. Meanwhile, positive responses from teachers and students were 94.5% which is included in the very good category. Meanwhile, the effectiveness test produced an N-gain value of 0.87 which is in the very effective category, so this media is proven to be able to significantly improve understanding of multiplication concepts. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the interactive Math Space media is valid, has received positive feedback, and is effective for use in learning mathematics, especially multiplication, and has the potential to be developed for other materials and subjects.

This study aims to describe the representation of adolescent conflicts in the film Jumbo directed by Ryan Adriandhy and to analyze its relevance as teaching material for review text learning in vocational high schools. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach using content analysis. The data consisted of dialogues, scenes, character expressions, plot, and cinematic elements representing adolescent conflicts in the film. Data sources included the film Jumbo, interviews with Indonesian language teachers and eleventh-grade students at SMK PGRI 1 Surakarta, and review text learning documents. Data were collected through observation, documentation, and semi-structured interviews, then analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model. Stuart Hall’s representation theory was used as the analytical framework. The findings show that the film represents identity, family, friendship, and social conflicts experienced by adolescents. These conflicts are constructed through dialogues, visuals, character relationships, and plot development. Furthermore, the film is relevant as teaching material for review text learning because it helps students understand story elements, increases learning engagement, and develops analytical, evaluative, and critical thinking skills. However, students still need guidance in distinguishing summaries from evaluations in review texts.

This study aimed to describe the management of Indonesian language learning based on Joyful Learning among eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 1 Kalikotes in the 2025/2026 academic year. This study employed a qualitative approach with a single case study design. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, documentation studies, and open-ended questionnaires. The findings showed that the implementation of Joyful Learning had been conducted systematically through planning, implementation, and evaluation processes integrated with the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum. Teachers applied varied learning methods, interactive activities, and learning media to create an active, communicative, and enjoyable learning atmosphere. Learning evaluation was carried out continuously by emphasizing students’ participation and learning processes. The implementation of Joyful Learning was supported by teacher competence, school support, and adequate facilities, although several obstacles such as differences in students’ characteristics, literacy abilities, and limited learning time were still encountered. Overall, Joyful Learning contributed positively to improving student engagement and the quality of Indonesian language learning.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Project Based Learning (PjBL) model in art education as an effort to enhance the creativity and artistic understanding of Animation Department students at SMK Negeri 2 Palu. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach involving animation students and supervising teachers as research subjects. Data were collected through observation, documentation, and reflective analysis during the teaching assistance program. The learning implementation was carried out through the introduction of traditional, modern, and contemporary art concepts integrated with practice-based creative project activities. The findings indicate that the application of PjBL significantly increased students’ active engagement in the learning process, strengthened their conceptual understanding of visual arts, and improved their ability to express creative ideas through visual works. Furthermore, the establishment of the “Kreasi Animasi Seni Budaya” community provided a collaborative space that supported the sustainable development of students’ creativity and artistic reflection. These findings demonstrate that project-based art learning is effective in optimizing the artistic competencies.

This study discusses the practice of morning prayer as a form of lived religion within the school culture of a public elementary school. Morning prayer is understood not only as a formal religious activity, but also as a daily ritual that shapes students’ emotional experiences, religious habits, and social interactions. This study aims to explain the empirical practice of morning prayer, the social relationships formed through it, and its implications for religious education and school culture. The research employs a qualitative approach using school ethnography methods. Data were collected through observations, interviews with the principal, Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers, classroom teachers, and students, as well as documentation of the school’s religious activities. The findings show that students participate in morning prayer routinely every day before lessons begin, followed by the collective recitation of short surahs from Juz 30. The daily practice of morning prayer gradually becomes a habit for students in starting their learning activities, both at school and at home. Teachers perceive morning prayer as an opening activity for learning, as well as a means of fostering emotional calmness, discipline, and students’ religious character. Students also reported feeling calmer, happier, and more prepared to learn after praying. In addition, the presence of Juz Amma books, Asmaul Husna texts, the school prayer room (mushola), and the habituation of congregational dhuha prayer indicate the institutionalization of a religious culture within the school, even though these practices are not yet fully included in the official schedule. The findings indicate that morning prayer has become part of students’ daily school experience. Through routine collective prayer activities, students gradually develop emotional readiness, discipline, and religious habits before learning begins.

This study aims to explain students' learning activities in Natural and Social Sciences (IPAS) subjects using a volcanic eruption simulation through the Project Based Learning (PjBL) model. The background of this study is the low student engagement caused by the teacher-oriented learning method, so that students tend to be passive. The method used in this study is descriptive qualitative, with data collection techniques in the form of observation, interviews, and documentation. The subjects of this study were fifth-grade elementary school students. The learning process was carried out through the PjBL stages, which include project planning, project implementation, and presentation of project results. In addition, this learning also contributes to improving the ability to work together, think critically, be creative, and solve problems. Contextual and experience-based learning helps students understand the material better and increases their motivation and curiosity. Thus, the PjBL model has proven effective in increasing student learning activities in science learning at the elementary school level.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the madrasah quality paradigm from the perspective of the Qur'an at MIS Al-Hunafa Palangka Raya. The study used a qualitative field research approach with observation, interview, and documentation techniques. Data analysis used the Miles and Huberman model. The results of the study indicate that: 1) the quality paradigm is understood not only to be oriented towards academics, but also to the formation of character and spiritual values ​​of students; 2) the implementation of the quality paradigm is carried out through the integration of Qur'anic values ​​such as amanah, itqan, ihsan, discipline, and responsibility in madrasah culture, learning, and religious activities; and 3) the implementation of quality still faces obstacles in the form of limited infrastructure, variations in teacher competencies, and technological demands, so that the madrasah carries out strengthening through teacher training, facility optimization, and the development of a quality culture based on Qur'anic values. Thus, the implementation of the quality paradigm at MIS Al-Hunafa has been running quite well and is carried out sustainably.

This study aims to describe the intrinsic structure and analyze the psychological aspects of the main characters in the three short stories based on Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory. The research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. Data sources are texts from three satua cutet in the Nimbang Rasa anthology: I Kucil by I Komang Tri Nanda Defhayana, Idup Lara by Ni Wayan Esa Juliantini, and Pajalan Keneh by Ni Putu Ayu Ari Astiti. Results show that the intrinsic structure of all three stories employs a linear plot, with themes of diligence, perseverance, and courage. Psychological analysis based on Freud's id, ego, and superego theory reveals that I Kucil is dominated by id impulses in the form of aggressive emotion due to injustice; Ani demonstrates a strong ego in withstanding social pressure and a firm superego in upholding moral values; while Gékyu shows a balance between ego and superego when facing abuse from a teacher. This research is expected to serve as a reference in Balinese literary studies, particularly in the field of literary psychology.

This study aims to analyze the history of Islamic education management in Indonesia during the Dutch colonial period, identify colonial policies that restricted Islamic education development, and describe the adaptive and resistant responses of Muslim scholars and educational institutions. The study also aims to explain the roles of pesantren and madrasah as institutions that not only survived but underwent significant transformation due to colonial pressures, and to reveal the historical contribution of colonial-era Islamic education management as a foundation for post-independence Islamic education. Using a qualitative literature review method with sources primarily published between 2021 and 2026, this study finds that colonial pressures through the Teacher Ordinance and Wild Schools Ordinance paradoxically spurred innovations in the form of modern madrasahs integrating religious and general knowledge. Organizations such as Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama strengthened this educational transformation, making Islamic education not merely a vehicle for religious learning but an instrument of cultural resistance, national consciousness-building, and evidence of Muslim resilience in facing historical challenges.

The transition toward Society 5.0 has transformed the educational landscape by requiring teachers to integrate digital technology into learning while maintaining a human-centered approach. However, preliminary observations at SMK Paramitha Bukittinggi revealed that many teachers still experienced difficulties in using digital technologies effectively, indicating challenges related to leadership support, digital competence, and self-efficacy. This study aims to analyze the influence of transformational leadership, digital competence, and self-efficacy on teacher performance in the Society 5.0 era. The research employed a quantitative approach with a causal associative design. The population consisted of all 35 teachers at SMK Paramitha Bukittinggi, and total sampling was applied so that the entire population served as research respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires using a five-point Likert scale and analyzed using multiple linear regression with the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method through SPSS version 25. The findings revealed that transformational leadership had a positive and significant effect on teacher performance (t = 2.407; p = 0.016), digital competence also had a positive and significant effect (t = 2.277; p = 0.027), and self-efficacy showed the strongest positive and significant effect (t = 15.658; p = 0.000). Simultaneously, the three independent variables significantly influenced teacher performance (F = 378.268; p = 0.000), with an adjusted R² value of 0.859, indicating that 85.9% of the variation in teacher performance could be explained by the model. The study concludes that transformational leadership, digital competence, and self-efficacy are critical determinants of teacher performance in the Society 5.0 era. Strengthening these factors can significantly enhance teachers' ability to adapt to technological advances and improve the quality of learning processes.

For every child to receive an equal education, inclusive education at the early childhood education (PAUD) level is a strategic step. The purpose of this study is to thoroughly study the basic concepts of inclusive education in early childhood, identify various types of specific challenges for Children with Special Needs (ABK) in regular classes, and evaluate how effective the use of inclusive learning methods is in optimizing child development. This study uses a literature review with a descriptive qualitative approach. Secondary data were analyzed using content analysis. According to the study, teachers in regular classes face multidimensional characteristics of ABK. These obstacles include visual impairment, deafness, mental retardation, physical disability, emotional retardation/ADHD, autism, and exceptional intelligence. To overcome these problems, it has been proven that the use of assistive technology, a more flexible curriculum, individualized learning programs (IPC) based on initial assessment, varied teaching methods, and a friendly environment can be helpful. This study shows that teachers are not the only key to the success of inclusive education. This requires strong multi-stakeholder collaboration between the government, schools, special education teachers (GPK), professionals, and parents to address facility challenges and eliminate existing stigma in the field.

The observation of guidance and counseling activities was conducted at SDN 2 Pasaleman, located in Pasaleman Village, Kresna Street, Dusun Pon. This study aimed to identify the problems faced by students and to examine the role of teachers in implementing guidance and counseling services at the elementary school level. Data were collected through direct observation in the school environment and interviews with homeroom teachers. The results indicated several student-related issues, including verbal bullying such as teasing, low learning motivation, fighting behavior among lower-grade students, and a tendency to skip school among upper-grade students. These issues were influenced by peer environments, limited supervision, and low awareness of the importance of education. Teachers have made various efforts, including providing guidance, applying individual approaches, and maintaining communication with parents. Additionally, character values are integrated into daily learning activities. In general, guidance and counseling services have been implemented, but further improvement in more systematic strategies and broader support is still required.