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This study looks at how the Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) model is used in Christian Religious Education (CRE) and checks how it helps students develop their critical thinking abilities. In today’s education system, students are not just expected to remember Bible stories, but also to understand what they mean, think about the moral lessons, and use Christian values wisely in their everyday lives. However, past observations show that CRE classes often use a lot of lectures and memorization, which doesn’t give students much chance to think deeply or link what they learn to real-life situations. The CTL model provides a better way for learning by using seven key parts: constructivism, inquiry, questioning, learning community, modeling, reflection, and real-world assessmen. A descriptive qualitative design was employed involving CRE teachers and students selected purposively from classes that have integrated CTL in online and face-to-face settings. Data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and instructional documents. The analysis followed Miles and Huberman’s stages of data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing, supported by triangulation to strengthen credibility. The findings reveal that CTL enhances student engagement, promotes higher-order reasoning, and supports the internalization of Christian values in real-life contexts. Supporting factors include a positive school climate, parental involvement, and teacher readiness, whereas obstacles emerge from limited facilities, large class sizes, and insufficient teacher understanding of CTL. The study underscores the need for context-based and character-oriented instructional designs in CRE.

The development of digital technology has driven the  increasing use of e-modules as interactive learning media that support  independent and collaborative learning. The integration of pedagogical approaches and multimedia technology makes e-modules increasingly adaptive and effective in developing higher-order thinking skills. This study aims to map trends in the development and utilization of e-modules through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR)  of Scopus articles published in 2020–2024. From the selection process, 20 articles were analyzed based on their pedagogical approach, as well as the media and digital platforms used. The study results show that pedagogical approaches such as Problem-Based Learning, STEM, SETS, Discovery Learning, and Guided Inquiry have been consistently proven to improve critical thinking skills, learning outcomes, and 21st-century competencies. From a technological perspective, Android and flipbook platforms are the primary choices due to their flexible access and multimedia support such as video, animation, simulations, and interactive quizzes. These findings emphasize the importance of developing systematic, pedagogically-based e-modules supported by interactive multimedia.  Further research is needed to explore the integration of AR/VR, gamification, and artificial intelligence.   

This Community Service activity reflects university students' social concern for their environment, particularly in elementary education. The activity was conducted at SDN 032 Tarakan to provide students with an understanding of the differences between needs and wants. The method used was face-to-face socialization, interactively designed through simple material delivery, ice-breaking, and an image classification game. The results showed high student enthusiasm and their ability to correctly classify most of the provided images into 'needs' and 'wants'. This activity not only enriched students' knowledge but also trained critical thinking skills in setting priorities. It is hoped that similar activities can be continued to foster economic literacy from an early age among elementary school students.

Effective learning requires teachers to be able to select and apply innovative learning strategies so that the learning process becomes more meaningful for students. Innovation in learning strategies is important because it can increase student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes through approaches that are tailored to their needs and characteristics. This study aims to describe the role of innovation in learning strategies as the key to encouraging improved student learning outcomes. The method used is a qualitative literature study by collecting and analyzing various literature sources in the form of books, journals, and relevant scientific documents. The findings show that innovative learning strategies, such as problem-based, collaborative, contextual learning, and the use of technology, can improve students' critical thinking, creativity, and active participation. In addition, strategies creatively designed by teachers can create a more engaging learning atmosphere and motivate students to achieve learning objectives. This study implies the importance of improving teacher competence in developing innovative learning strategies as an effort to achieve optimal learning outcomes.

This study aims to analyze the integration of the Pancasila Student Profile (PSP) within Civics Education (PPKn) learning in elementary schools through a descriptive qualitative library research approach. The research draws on 15 national journal articles published between 2020 and 2025 that discuss strategies, challenges, and outcomes of implementing the PSP in learning practices. The findings show that PSP values—such as mutual cooperation, independence, critical thinking, creativity, and noble character—are primarily integrated through classroom activities, project-based learning, and habituation programs aligned with the Merdeka Curriculum. However, several challenges persist, including limited teacher understanding, inconsistent school support, inadequate learning media, and insufficient alignment between curriculum expectations and classroom practices. The analysis also reveals that effective implementation requires strong teacher leadership, contextual learning strategies, and sustained school commitment to character development. The study contributes theoretically by deepening understanding of value-based learning and practically by offering recommendations for teachers and schools to optimize character-based PPKn instruction. Overall, the integration of PSP values strengthens students’ character formation and supports the development of a holistic learning environment consistent with Pancasila principles.  

This study examines the role of the contextual teaching and learning (CTL) model in supporting teachers to create active and meaningful learning experiences. The research highlights the importance of linking instructional content with students’ real-life contexts to strengthen conceptual understanding and improve problem-solving abilities. Through descriptive analysis, this paper outlines the main components of CTL, including constructivism, inquiry, questioning, learning communities, modeling, reflection, and authentic assessment. The findings show that the CTL model enables students to construct knowledge independently, apply concepts to practical situations, and develop critical thinking skills. Furthermore, this study describes challenges faced by teachers across educational levels—such as limited time, students’ low independence, and variations in academic abilities—and proposes practical solutions to address them. The implications of this study emphasize the need for teachers to design engaging learning activities, build supportive classroom environments, and integrate authentic assessment to measure students’ holistic progress. Overall, CTL serves as an effective model for enhancing learning relevance, increasing student participation, and preparing learners to face real-world challenges.

The implications of progressivism in learning serve as an essential foundation for building an educational process that fosters active, creative, adaptive, and innovative students in accordance with 21st-century competency demands. The progressive approach positions students at the center of the learning process through direct experience, deep exploration, collaboration, dialogue, experimentation, and problem-solving relevant to real-life contexts, ensuring that learning is not only focused on content mastery but also on the development of potential, character, independence, and higher-order thinking skills. This study employs a literature review method by examining primary and secondary sources on the principles of progressivism, active learning strategies, and their relation to the Merdeka Curriculum as a foundation for national educational transformation. The findings indicate that progressivism plays a significant role in shaping critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, digital literacy, and initiative through the implementation of learning by doing, project-based learning, simulations, scientific experiments, reflective discussions, and technology integration that strengthens learner autonomy. This experience-based approach effectively supports students in constructing knowledge independently while enhancing confidence, responsibility, social awareness, and cooperative skills. However, its implementation still faces challenges such as passive learning culture, limited teacher competence in active methods, insufficient facilities, overloaded curriculum, psychosocial barriers, academic anxiety, and students’ low confidence in expressing opinions. These findings affirm that progressivism is highly relevant to educational reform in Indonesia; therefore, improving teacher competence, strengthening facilities, reinforcing policies, providing continuous support, and creating safe, democratic, inclusive, and supportive learning environments are essential to help students develop optimally as independent, creative, and innovative learners.

This study focuses on mentoring activities for male and female students of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Khalafiyah Syafi’iyyah Zainul Hasan Genggong related to children’s development during the school period. The main issue identified is the lack of optimal learning motivation and independence among students, which affects their academic achievement and character formation. The purpose of this study is to improve students’ observation skills, creativity, critical thinking, emotional regulation, social interaction, and learning motivation in an integrated manner. This research employed a descriptive qualitative method with observation, interviews, and in-depth documentation as the primary data collection techniques. The findings indicate a significant improvement in students’ concentration, creative expression through drawing, logical thinking, emotional stability, harmonious social interaction, as well as motivation and discipline in learning. The mentoring activities provide a sustainable positive impact on students’ psychological growth and holistic development within the madrasah environment

This study focuses on mentoring activities for male and female students of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Khalafiyah Syafi’iyyah Zainul Hasan Genggong related to children’s development during the school period. The main issue identified is the lack of optimal learning motivation and independence among students, which affects their academic achievement and character formation. The purpose of this study is to improve students’ observation skills, creativity, critical thinking, emotional regulation, social interaction, and learning motivation in an integrated manner. This research employed a descriptive qualitative method with observation, interviews, and in-depth documentation as the primary data collection techniques. The findings indicate a significant improvement in students’ concentration, creative expression through drawing, logical thinking, emotional stability, harmonious social interaction, as well as motivation and discipline in learning. The mentoring activities provide a sustainable positive impact on students’ psychological growth and holistic development within the madrasah environment

The development of information technology has had a major impact on how Generation Z students in Banten obtain information. This situation requires digital literacy skills that are not only technical in nature, but also involve critical thinking and digital ethics. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between digital literacy and understanding of Pancasila values among Generation Z students in Banten, as well as to identify factors that support, hinder, and strategies to strengthen Pancasila-based character in the digital world. The method used in this study is qualitative with a literature study approach supported by observations on campus and interviews with students. The findings show that students' digital literacy is in the good category, but it is not yet fully in line with their understanding of Pancasila values. The impact of negative information, such as hoaxes and hedonistic culture, is a major obstacle to national character. Supporting factors include the role of stakeholders in providing space for learning media ethics. This study highlights the importance of integrating Pancasila values into digital literacy through an adaptable Pancasila Education curriculum, the development of educational content, and collaboration between stakeholders. The implications of this study indicate the need to strengthen students' character so that they can become ethical, responsible digital citizens who reflect the values of Pancasila. 

This study aims to analyze the basic skills of 21st-century teachers that play a role in creating creative and collaborative learning. Technological developments, changes in student characteristics, and modern educational demands place teachers in the role of facilitators who must master critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and the ability to integrate technology into the learning process. The results of the study show that mastery of these skills can increase student activity, motivation, and interaction, while also encouraging problem-solving and cooperation skills. In addition to pedagogical aspects, teachers' psychological readiness and attitudes toward the use of technology, including artificial intelligence, also influence the effectiveness of its application in the classroom. This study emphasizes the importance of continuous training, the development of relevant learning media, and institutional support so that teachers can adapt to the changes of the digital era. Thus, the basic skills of 21st-century teachers are an important foundation in realizing innovative and relevant learning for the needs of students.  

This study examines the integration of Islamic digital literacy into Islamic Religious Education (PAI) as a preventive effort against the negative impacts of social media on Generation Z. The background of this research arises from the increasing dependence of Gen Z on digital platforms, which significantly influences their religious understanding, behavior, and character development. The study aims to identify the level of students’ digital literacy, explore how PAI teachers integrate Islamic values into digital learning activities, and analyze the implications of this integration for students’ online behavior. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, quantitative data were collected through Likert-scale questionnaires, followed by qualitative data obtained from interviews and documentation. The findings reveal that Gen Z demonstrates high social media engagement but limited critical abilities in verifying online religious information, making them vulnerable to misinformation, moral degradation, and unhealthy digital habits. However, when PAI instruction incorporates Islamic digital literacy—such as tabayyun, ethical communication, and value-based content analysis—students show improved critical thinking, ethical awareness, and responsible social media use. The study concludes that integrating Islamic digital literacy into PAI provides a strategic educational framework to strengthen students' digital ethics, enhance their resilience against harmful online content, and promote a balanced, value-driven engagement with digital media.

The utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace has expanded rapidly, focusing not only on improving efficiency but also on strengthening human resource capacity. This review article aims to analyze the contribution of AI in supporting the development of soft skills and the formation of adaptive professional personalities. The method employed is a literature review of academic publications related to the use of AI in developing nontechnical competencies. The findings indicate that AI has been proven to enhance efficiency and productivity through the automation of routine tasks, faster data analysis, and more precise decision-making support. However, the success of AI implementation does not lie in replacing human roles but rather in harmonizing the functions of machine intelligence with the unique abilities of humans, such as empathy, intuition, creativity, and ethical reasoning. Human–AI collaboration emerges as a key approach to ensuring that technology remains human-centered, enabling digital transformation to proceed ethically, inclusively, and sustainably. Additional findings show that AI is capable of providing personalized learning, real-time feedback, and contextual simulations that effectively train communication, collaboration, problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Human-centered AI integration also supports the development of professional personalities that are adaptive and responsive to change.

The rapid digital transformation occurring in the field of education, particularly through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), has created new opportunities for improving learning efficiency, personalizing instruction, and supporting educators’ workloads. However, these advancements also bring forth significant philosophical challenges, especially the potential for dehumanization within the educational process. This article examines how technology influences the fundamental human dimensions of learning and how the concept of humanization can serve as an ethical framework for designing and implementing educational technologies. AI-based digital learning environments often position learners as data objects, reducing the dialogical, empathetic, and relational aspects that are fundamental to humanistic education. Drawing on philosophical perspectives from existentialism and humanism, this study evaluates the potential threats to student autonomy, critical thinking, and character formation. Furthermore, it explores how the human–technology relationship can be ethically framed through the theory of technological mediation and Paulo Freire’s notion of liberatory education. The analysis indicates that technology can be humanized by emphasizing meaningful interaction, ensuring algorithmic transparency, and strengthening the role of teachers as mediators of values and empathy. Ultimately, the article argues that the benefits of AI in education can only be fully realized when technological development and implementation are guided by an ethical orientation that places human beings at the center. This study contributes to ongoing discussions on the role of technology in education and provides a critical perspective aimed at minimizing the risk of dehumanization in an era increasingly shaped by AI-driven digital learning.

The advancement of knowledge and technology in the 21st century has changed human life patterns and demands a transformation in the world of education to be able to prepare students to face global challenges. 21st-century education emphasizes the mastery of critical, creative, communicative, collaborative skills, and technological literacy needed in the digital era.The purpose of this study is to investigate the idea of 21st-century learning, relevant learning models, and the role of teachers as facilitators, innovators, and agents of change in the modern learning process. This study uses a library research strategy by reviewing numerous scientific materials linked to 21st-century competencies, Learning methods including cooperative Learning, Project Based Learning, Problem Based Learning, and Discovery Learning, as well as the TPACK framework as a basis for technology integration. The study’s findings show that 21st-century learning requires the implementation of a learner-centered approach and the planned use of technology to raise the standard of learning procedures and results. In addition, teachers have a strategic role in guiding to enable pupils to acquire higher order thinking abilities and adapt to changing times. The implications of this study emphasize the importance of strengthening teacher competencies and implementing innovative learning models is an attempt to raise educational standards in the global era.

The rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence, particularly ChatGPT, has significantly influenced educational practices, including the teaching and learning of Islamic education. ChatGPT offers considerable opportunities by providing diverse instructional materials, expediting the preparation of teaching documents, and supporting personalized learning based on students’ abilities and learning preferences. Additionally, it functions as a supplementary learning resource capable of facilitating religious discussions, explaining abstract concepts, and fostering critical thinking skills through fast and adaptive feedback. Nevertheless, the use of ChatGPT in Islamic education also presents noteworthy challenges. The risks of misinformation and hallucination may affect students’ understanding, especially in religious matters that require high accuracy and reliable references. Other challenges include academic integrity concerns, excessive reliance on technology, content bias, and the model’s limited ability to interpret Islamic socio-religious contexts in Indonesia. Furthermore, disparities in digital literacy among teachers and students hinder optimal implementation. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of these impacts and challenges by examining recent literature and empirical studies. The findings indicate that ChatGPT can offer substantial benefits for Islamic education learning when integrated critically and responsibly, supported by enhanced teacher competencies, clear institutional AI policies, and strong emphasis on ethics and source verification. Thus, ChatGPT holds the potential to serve as a strategic innovation for improving the quality of Islamic Religious Education in the digital era.

This study examines how working together in a group affects the critical thinking skills of junior high school students. The reason for this study is because students' critical thinking skills are not very strong, especially because their learning is too dependent on teachers. Collaborative learning is thought to help students be more engaged, talk to each other, and better understand and assess information. This study used a descriptive qualitative method, collecting data through questionnaires given to 27 ninth-grade students. The tools used check things like how active students are in the discussion, how well they can explain their ideas clearly, as well as how often they think about and check the ideas and information they hear. The results showed that most students liked the group learning method and believed that their critical thinking skills had improved after participating in the activity. In addition, students feel more confident in expressing opinions, are more able to listen to the views of their peers, and are more likely to understand the material being discussed. These findings confirm that working together in a group is an effective learning strategy to enhance critical thinking while encouraging students' active participation in the classroom.

Social Studies (IPS) learning in elementary schools has tended to be theoretical and memorization-oriented, resulting in students being less able to connect the material with social and environmental realities. This study aims to examine the implementation of field projects as a contextual learning strategy in understanding the dynamics of humans, places, and the environment at the elementary school level. The research method used is a qualitative approach with literature studies, with data sources in the form of SINTA-indexed national journal articles, reputable international journals, and scientific books published in the last five to ten years. Analysis was carried out through literature selection, content analysis, and synthesis of findings. The results of the study indicate that field projects contribute to improving students' critical thinking skills, spatial understanding, social empathy, and ecological awareness. In addition, direct involvement in observation, interviews, and thematic project creation encourages students to see the relationship between humans, space, and the environment more holistically. The novelty of this study lies in the emphasis on the integration of field projects as an approach to elementary school social studies learning that unites social, geographical, and ecological aspects within the framework of the Independent Curriculum. These findings contribute to the development of project-based social studies learning models as well as practical recommendations for PGSD teachers in integrating field experiences into daily learning.

This abstract discusses the relevance of various 21st-century learning approaches in meeting the needs of students in the era of the digital revolution. The approaches discussed include collaborative learning, project-based learning, problem-based learning, discovery learning, inquiry-based learning, and contextual approaches. Each approach plays a crucial role in enhancing the understanding of academic content and developing much-needed 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, digital literacy, problem-solving, and independent learning. In the context of history learning, the application of these approaches provides opportunities for students to learn actively through various methods, such as digital simulations, virtual history exhibitions, and digital document analysis. Furthermore, these approaches enable students to gain deeper and more contextual learning experiences, which are beneficial not only for understanding historical material but also for honing skills relevant to the demands of the modern world. The results of this study indicate that the integration of 21st-century learning approaches is highly relevant in preparing students to become an adaptive, innovative, and competent generation in facing the challenges faced in a world increasingly filled with technology and information.

Learning is the process of forming behavior or behaviorism and is seen from the cognitive aspect of students, in fact to support the achievement of ideal educational goals with the existing education system in Indonesia. In this research, the author is interested in researching students' cognitive aspects in line with 21st century learning to determine students' critical thinking abilities using the problem based learning model. This type of research is research using a quantitative research approach. The sample in this study was control class VII A students with a total of 13 students and VII B was an experiment with a total of 12 students at Halioam State Middle School, totaling 25 students. Data collection techniques use test questions and documentation, interviews. Data analysis used the independent sample t-test hypothesis test and the N-Gain score test. The results of the research show that the problem based learning model can have an influence on the critical thinking abilities of class VII students at Halioan State Middle School. This is proven by assessing students' critical thinking abilities using a hypothesis test using an independent sample t-test. The result was a 2-tailed sig of 0.000 < 0.05 so that there is an influence of the problem based learning model on Halioan State Middle School students' critical thinking abilitie.