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Creative writing plays an important role in developing students’ imagination, self- expression, and language competence in the digital era. However, many learners still struggle with generating ideas, maintaining motivation, and gaining confidence in writing. This study aims to analyze how the use of Wattpad, viewed through the Social Constructivist framework, can enhance students’ creative writing skills, motivation, and confidence. This research applies a qualitative descriptive approach supported by survey data from 30 high school students who actively use Wattpad. The results show that 95.7% of respondents have used Wattpad before, with most of them using it to read and learn from other writers. A total of 60.9% of respondents stated that reading other writers’ works was the most helpful for improving their writing, while 17.4% highlighted peer comments and feedback as additional support. Despite its benefits, 43.5% of students mentioned difficulty in organizing ideas as their main challenge. Open-ended responses revealed that positive feedback and community interaction on Wattpad helped increase students’ motivation and confidence in writing. The discussion emphasizes that the social interaction and feedback features of Wattpad foster collaborative learning, aligning with Vygotsky’s concepts of scaffolding and the Zone of Proximal Development. These findings suggest that integrating Wattpad into writing instruction can effectively enhance students’ creativity, critical thinking, and confidence in producing literary works.

This quasi-experimental study examines the effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted learning in enhancing critical thinking skills among undergraduate history students. The study involved 60 students divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received AI-supported instruction integrating adaptive learning modules, scaffolded source-analysis prompts, and guided argumentative discussions facilitated by conversational AI tools, while the control group followed conventional lecture-based instruction. Data were collected using a validated critical thinking test, classroom observation protocols, and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired and independent sample t-tests, while qualitative data were examined through Miles and Huberman’s interactive analysis model. Results indicate statistically significant improvements in critical thinking scores in the experimental group compared to the control group. Thematic findings reveal enhanced sourcing, contextualization, corroboration, and evidence-based argumentation skills. However, minor risks of over-reliance on AI highlight the need for instructional scaffolding and ethical guidance. The findings suggest that AI can function as a cognitive scaffold that strengthens historical thinking and metacognitive awareness when implemented within a structured pedagogical framework.

Innovation in biology learning is increasingly necessary, as conventional instructional practices are often dominated by memorization-based methods that limit students’ active engagement and critical thinking development. Along with rapid advances in science and technology, digital applications offer new opportunities to enhance teaching and learning processes. One such application is Canva, a digital design platform that can be utilized as an effective learning media to support teachers and students in biology education. This study aims to describe the implementation of Canva-based learning media through a training program conducted at SMA Islam Terpadu Daarul Rahman and to examine its perceived usefulness for both teachers and students. The training involved teachers in developing biology learning materials using Canva by integrating visual elements, images, and videos to present complex biological concepts more clearly. The results of the training indicate that Canva is considered practical, user-friendly, and efficient by teachers in designing learning materials. Teachers reported that the application helped them present content in a more attractive and structured manner. Furthermore, students benefited from the use of Canva-based materials, as they demonstrated better understanding of the subject matter and increased interest in learning biology. The integration of visual and multimedia elements also supported the development of students’ critical thinking skills by encouraging analysis and interpretation of biological phenomena. Overall, the use of Canva as a learning medium shows potential to enhance the quality of biology learning and foster more meaningful learning experiences.

Constructivism learning theory places learners as active subjects in constructing knowledge through learning experiences, social interactions, and reflection on their surroundings. This approach views learning not as a passive process of receiving information, but as an active process of constructing meaning based on the prior knowledge possessed by learners. This paper aims to comprehensively examine the development and definition of constructivist learning theory, its main principles and characteristics, and its implications in the learning process, particularly in the context of primary education. The writing method used is a literature study by analyzing various literature sources in the form of textbooks, scientific journal articles, and other relevant references related to constructivism theory. The results of the study show that constructivist learning emphasizes learner-centered learning, where knowledge is not transferred directly by the teacher but is constructed through a process of assimilation and accommodation. In this approach, teachers act as facilitators who design a conducive learning environment so that students are able to build understanding independently and through social interaction. The application of constructivist learning has been proven to encourage the development of critical thinking, problem solving, cooperation, and meaningful learning. Therefore, constructivist learning theory is relevant to be applied in modern learning as an effort to improve the quality of the learning process and outcomes of students.

Madhhab fanaticism in Islamic education, which appears in fiqh teaching practices that tend to absolutize a single madhhab, restrict dialogical space, and insufficiently appreciate the diversity of scholarly opinions. Such conditions may foster exclusive and intolerant religious attitudes among students. To respond to this problem, the study employs a qualitative approach with a library research design by critically examining books, journal articles, and documents related to fiqh madhhabs, Islamic education, religious moderation, and multicultural education. The data are analyzed using content analysis and descriptive–analytical techniques to map the forms of madhhab fanaticism in the learning process, the stages of transformation in madhhab understanding, and the pedagogical strategies that support the emergence of tolerant attitudes. The findings indicate that the transformation toward a more tolerant understanding of madhhabs is supported by curricula that accommodate comparative fiqh (multi-madhhab), inclusive learning materials, dialogical teaching methods, and teachers’ role modeling of moderate attitudes. Inhibiting factors include deeply rooted madhhab fanaticism, the dominance of conservative curricula, ideological bias in textbooks, and a weak culture of critical thinking. It is concluded that strengthening fiqh instructional design that consciously integrates religious moderation and multicultural education is essential for shifting madhhab understanding from patterns of fanaticism to patterns of tolerance within Islamic educational institutions.

The Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model is a teaching strategy that focuses on students being the main participants in their education by engaging in the resolution of actual problems. This article looks into how PBL is applied in the classroom, its effects on enhancing students' critical thinking abilities, and the primary attributes of this model that aid in developing problem-solving skills. PBL consists of five key phases: identifying a challenge, organizing research efforts, performing both individual and group inquiries, gathering and sharing findings, and reflecting on the process. These phases create a learning experience that promotes teamwork, self-directed research, and thorough analysis of information. Findings from this research reveal that PBL significantly enhances students' critical thinking skills, particularly in areas like analysis, assessment of evidence, solution formulation, and articulating arguments logically. Furthermore, features of PBL, which include prioritizing students, addressing real-world issues, fostering self-directed learning, encouraging group collaboration, and positioning the teacher as a guide, play a crucial role in enhancing problem-solving capabilities. By tackling issues that relate to their daily lives, PBL motivates students to independently build knowledge, foster innovation, and reinforce their autonomy in the learning journey.

In the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, Islamic Religious Education (PAI) must emphasize not only memorizing religious content, but also fostering advanced thinking skills such as analysis, evaluation, and creativity through the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) method. This study aims to describe the implementation of HOTS-oriented Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning at SMAN 2 Banjit, focusing on implementation methods, supporting and inhibiting factors, and their influence on students. This study uses a qualitative descriptive methodology with data collection methods such as observation, interviews, and documentation. The subjects of the study were Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers. Data analysis was carried out by means of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study indicate that Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers at SMAN 2 Banjit have implemented host-based Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teaching methods. HOTS-based learning through discussion methods, advanced question and answer, and problem-based learning, but the implementation has not been evenly distributed across classes. Teachers understand the basic concepts of HOTS, but still face obstacles in preparing HOTS-based learning devices and assessment instruments. Supporting factors for implementation are the support of the principal, technological facilities, and the enthusiasm of some students. Meanwhile, emerging obstacles include a rote-oriented learning culture, unequal distribution of learning facilities, and teacher administrative burdens. The implementation of HOTS has a positive impact on improving students' critical thinking skills and argumentative skills, as well as helping them understand Islamic values ​​more contextually.

The main objective of the Citizenship Education (PKn) course in higher education is to develop students into individuals with nationalist, participatory, and critical characters towards national dynamics. Conventional learning approaches that are still dominant in higher education, such as one-way lectures and memorization of materials, are considered less able to encourage active participation and the development of critical thinking patterns of students in the Citizenship Education (PKn) course. This study aims to identify the effectiveness of the application of innovative learning methods in improving students' activeness and critical thinking skills. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through classroom observations, interviews with lecturers and students, and analysis of lecture documents from three study programs at Merdeka University of Malang. The results of the study showed that the application of learning strategies such as Project Based Learning, role playing, utilization of interactive multimedia, collaborative discussions, and nationality-based simulations were able to significantly increase students' participation and critical understanding. This method is relevant to the needs of learning in the era of globalization that demands digital literacy, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and contextual problem solving. Based on these findings, this study recommends the integration of innovative methods into the Civics curriculum in higher education, pedagogical training for lecturers, and the provision of technological infrastructure that supports the implementation of competency-based learning in the era of globalization.

The development of artificial intelligence has revolutionized higher education by increasing the efficiency and personalization of learning, but it has also posed a major challenge in the form of a decline in students' critical thinking skills due to their dependence on technology. Therefore, an in-depth philosophical study through the post-positivism, critical theory, and constructivism paradigms is needed to understand its impact on cognitive and epistemological processes. This study aims to analyze how these three paradigms guide the development of critical thinking in the context of AI. It uses a descriptive-analytical method based on secondary data from academic literature such as journals and books that have been critically synthesized. The findings show that post-positivism views AI as a tentative critical realism tool for empirical verification. Critical theory critiques power relations, ideology, and the ethics of technological domination. Constructivism emphasizes the construction of social knowledge through human-centered design that supports creativity and collaboration. The positive impacts of AI include instant feedback and content adaptation, while the negative impacts include social isolation, weak digital literacy, and data privacy. Therefore, the implication is the wise use of AI with the assistance of teaching staff to strengthen reflective analysis, ethical literacy, and paradigm adjustments in accordance with the exact or social sciences to create multidimensional learning in the digital era.

This research aims to: (1) identify the variations of joyful learning in digital-based instruction using Interactive Flat Panel (IFP) tvs at SD Islam Nurul Ulum Kandangan, Kediri; and (2) determine the implications of joyful learning within digital-based instruction via IFP tvs at SD Islam Nurul Ulum Kandangan, Kediri. The data for this study were derived from visual records during lessons using IFP tvs and the students of SD Islam Nurul Ulum Kandangan. This study employed a qualitative method. Ata were gathered through observation and documentation. The analysis used a descriptive qualitative technique, presenting the subjects and research findings in a narrative form. The results from several classes utilizing IFP tvs based on joyful learning revealed various engaging learning activities. These include: Student digital literature, Digital learning matches, English language learning, Fine arts stencil printing, Honesty education based on Pancasila values. These activities integrate fun, game-based learning with IFP TV technology. The digitalization of learning through IFP tvs fosters the development of students' critical thinking, agility, accuracy, and precision in their work. Additionally, students become more enthusiastic and do not experience boredom during the learning process.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of artificial intelligence in economics learning within the context of the Merdeka Curriculum and to examine its alignment with deep learning principles. The study employed a qualitative approach using a case study design conducted at SMAN 1 Boyolali. The research participants included economics teachers and eleventh grade students. Data were collected through classroom observations, in depth interviews, and document analysis. Data analysis was carried out interactively through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings indicate that the use of artificial intelligence in economics learning remains limited and has not been systematically integrated into pedagogical design. AI is primarily utilized as a supporting tool for lesson preparation and concept clarification rather than for adaptive learning, data driven assessment, or the enhancement of students’ critical thinking skills. Although students demonstrated positive responses toward AI assisted learning, several constraints were identified, including teachers’ limited pedagogical competence in AI integration, the absence of deep learning based instructional design, and infrastructural challenges. These findings suggest that the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in economics education depends not merely on technological availability, but on the alignment between pedagogy, curriculum policy, and human resource readiness.

The quality of human resources is a fundamental pillar of a country’s development, and education plays a crucial role in shaping this quality. Education not only provides knowledge and skills but also builds attitudes, values, and competencies that enable individuals to contribute effectively to social and economic development. This study aims to examine how education can enhance human growth and improve the overall quality of human resources. The research employs a descriptive quantitative method by distributing questionnaires to thirty members of the general public. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques to identify community perceptions regarding the importance of education in human development. The results show that the majority of respondents strongly believe that education has a significant positive impact on human growth. Education is perceived as an essential tool for improving critical thinking abilities, increasing productivity, and fostering awareness of the importance of active participation in national development processes. Furthermore, respondents indicated that education contributes to the development of discipline, creativity, and adaptability, which are necessary to face global challenges and technological changes. Education also plays an important role in reducing social inequality by providing equal opportunities for individuals to improve their quality of life. Overall, these findings confirm that improving the quality of education should be a top priority in national development strategies. High-quality education is essential to produce competitive, innovative, and superior human resources that can significantly contribute to sustainable national progress.

This study examines the role of mathematics learning in improving logical thinking skills in early childhood. The background of this study is based on the importance of logical thinking skills as a foundation for children's cognitive development, which can begin at an early age through appropriate mathematics learning. The purpose of this study is to analyze how mathematics learning can stimulate the development of logical thinking in early childhood and explore effective learning strategies. The methods used are library research and observation of several models of mathematics learning for early childhood in early childhood education institutions. The findings indicate that fun and concrete activity-based mathematics learning can improve children's abilities in critical thinking, constructing patterns, drawing conclusions, and solving simple problems. The implications of this study emphasize the need for the application of creative and interactive mathematics learning methods to support the development of logical thinking from an early age, while also encouraging educators to integrate mathematics into children's daily activities. This study also recommends the development of learning media appropriate to children's developmental stages for optimal results.

Islamic character education faces dual challenges: declining moral values among students and conventional teaching methods inadequate for developing higher-order thinking skills. This study examines the implementation of a smart learning environment (SLE) model to enhance metacognitive understanding in Aqidah Akhlak (Islamic Creed and Ethics) instruction among eighth-grade students at MTs Salafiyah Merakurak. Employing a mixed-methods action research design, involved 16 eighth-grade students divided into two groups. Data collection utilized classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and learning documentation. The SLE model integrated Google Classroom, interactive video content, WhatsApp Group discussions, and Google Forms assessments to create a technology-enhanced learning ecosystem. Findings revealed substantial improvements in students' metacognitive capacities: planning skills increased from 25% to 75%, monitoring abilities rose from 31% to 81%, and evaluation competencies grew from 19% to 69%. Students demonstrated enhanced learning autonomy, active participation in collaborative discussions, and improved self-reflection on content comprehension. The SLE approach successfully fostered engaging learning experiences while facilitating deeper internalization of Islamic ethical values. However, implementation encountered constraints including limited technological infrastructure and varied digital literacy levels among students. This research underscores the critical need for developing teachers' digital competencies and strengthening madrasah technological infrastructure to optimize technology-integrated Islamic education.

Contemporary developments in science, technology, and socio-cultural dynamics have given rise to various new fiqh issues (masailul al-fiqhiyyah al-mu‘ashirah) that were not explicitly discussed in classical Islamic jurisprudence. These contemporary fiqh issues demand contextual ijtihad that is responsive to current realities while remaining grounded in Islamic legal principles. This study aims to analyze contemporary fiqh issues and examine their implications for the moral formation of students in Islamic education. This research employs a qualitative library research approach by analyzing classical fiqh literature, contemporary fiqh studies, and relevant educational theories. The findings indicate that contemporary fiqh issues such as digital ethics, biomedical technology, and socio-economic practices carry significant moral dimensions that directly influence students’ attitudes and behavior. Integrating contemporary fiqh discourse into Islamic education encourages critical thinking, moral reasoning, and ethical awareness among learners. Therefore, contemporary fiqh learning not only functions as a legal reference but also as a strategic instrument for strengthening students’ moral character in accordance with Islamic values. The study implies that Islamic education institutions should contextualize fiqh instruction to address contemporary moral challenges faced by students.

General education at Islamic Religious Higher Education Institutions (PTKI) plays an important role in developing students’ critical thinking skills so they can analyze religious and social issues reflectively and contextually. However, learning practices in PTKI are still dominated by teacher-centered approaches and low cognitive achievement, which limits the development of analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving abilities. Meanwhile, studies show that integrating digital media, particularly video, can improve conceptual understanding, motivation, and cognitive engagement, yet a digital video-based meaningful learning model specifically designed for the PTKI context remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to formulate a Digital Video-Based Meaningful Learning Model (MPBBVD) to enhance students’ critical thinking skills. This research employed a literature review method by analyzing books, scientific articles, research reports, and digital sources related to meaningful learning, constructivism, multimedia learning, digital video use, and critical thinking development. Data were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively to identify the theoretical foundations, learning syntax, and design principles of the model. The findings indicate that MPBBVD integrates Ausubel’s Meaningful Learning theory, constructivist perspectives from Piaget, Vygotsky, and Bruner, Mayer’s Multimedia Learning theory, and the critical thinking framework of Facione and Ennis. The model uses digital video as the main learning medium and applies the ACTIVE stages (Attend, Connect, Think, Interpret, Verify, Evaluate) to promote contextual and interactive learning. Integrating pre-, during-, and post-video activities supports knowledge construction, reduces cognitive load, and increases student engagement, contributing theoretically and practically to improving critical thinking in PTKI in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 era.

The implementation of the eighth-grade Christian Religious Education teaching module on the topic "Love as the Foundation of a Believer's Life" was carried out as an effort to provide an active, reflective, and contextual learning process in accordance with the principles of the Independent Curriculum. Learning is designed through an interactive approach with discussion activities, analysis of biblical texts, case studies, problem-solving, and personal reflection that provide opportunities for students to construct understanding independently. Through these activities, students are guided to understand the concept of agape love as sincere love, giving without expecting anything in return, and is manifested in concrete actions towards others. The implementation results show that this teaching module is able to improve students' conceptual understanding of the meaning of love from a biblical perspective and its relevance in modern life. Students appear to be increasingly confident in expressing opinions, are able to work together in groups, and are actively involved in learning activities. In addition, the emergence of attitudes of empathy, tolerance, and habits of helping each other are indicators that the value of love is not only understood cognitively, but also internalized in behavior. This teaching module also contributes to improving students' critical thinking skills and spirituality through reflection activities that invite them to evaluate acts of love in daily life at school, family, and society.

This study aims to explore the philosophy of Islamic education grounded in tolerance by revisiting the influential ideas of Gus Dur and assessing their significance for the younger generation in contemporary society. Adopting a qualitative descriptive approach through document analysis, in-depth interviews, and thematic interpretation, the research highlights that values such as tolerance, humanism, intellectual freedom, and respect for diversity are essential foundations for shaping modern Islamic education. The findings indicate that incorporating these principles into educational curricula not only enriches the learning experience but also strengthens inclusive and participatory teaching practices, fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue, mutual understanding, and moderation. Furthermore, the study emphasizes that systematic integration of Gus Dur’s educational philosophy can contribute to the development of students’ critical thinking, ethical awareness, and social responsibility, ensuring that Islamic education remains relevant and responsive to contemporary societal challenges. Overall, the research concludes that implementing these values consistently is crucial for advancing a modern, tolerant, and pluralistic approach to Islamic education that benefits both individuals and society as a whole.

This qualitative study, using a phenomenological approach, aims to uncover, study, and deeply understand students' perspectives regarding the curriculum transformation for 21st-century learning they experience in elementary schools. The phenomenological approach was used to explore students' direct experiences as the primary subjects in the learning process, thus gaining a comprehensive understanding of the meaning of curriculum change from their perspectives. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews with upper-grade students in elementary schools in Jambi City. The results indicate that the curriculum transformation has a significant impact on students' learning styles, particularly through the implementation of project-based learning that integrates the use of digital technology. This learning model encourages students to be more active, creative, and collaborative in completing learning tasks. Furthermore, student-centered learning makes them the primary actors in the learning process, while teachers act as facilitators. This curriculum transformation also helps develop 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and digital literacy in elementary school students.

This research examines the implementation of the Deep Learning approach in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning at SMAN 61 Jakarta and its contribution to the development of students' critical thinking skills. This study was conducted due to the need for a learning model that encourages students to understand religious concepts through active, reflective, and meaningful learning experiences. The purpose of this research is to describe the implementation of Deep Learning in PAI learning and its influence on the development of students' critical thinking skills. This study employs a qualitative method with a descriptive research design, using interviews, classroom observations, and documentation as data collection techniques. The findings indicate that the Deep Learning approach supports students in participating more actively in discussions, analyzing religious issues related to real-life situations, and constructing arguments based on their own understanding. Students also demonstrate improvement in evaluating information, considering diverse perspectives, and providing more reflective responses to classroom problems. The study further identifies several challenges, including limited digital facilities, varying levels of student participation, and teachers’ readiness in managing diverse learning strategies and media. These findings suggest that Deep Learning has strong potential to enhance students’ critical thinking skills when applied systematically and designed to foster active participation and meaningful exploration during the learning process.