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This study aims to examine the contribution of educational psychology in the context of Christian education, particularly for educators, school principals, Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers, Sunday school teachers, pastors, elders, and church servants. This theoretical study shows that educational psychology helps in understanding the characteristics of learners, optimizing teaching methods, building effective teacher-student relationships, and enhancing motivation and involvement in the learning and preaching process. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative approach, collecting data through a review of books, literature, journals, notes, and relevant reports. Educational psychology plays a significant role for all those involved in Christian education and ministry. CRE teachers and Sunday school teachers have a crucial role in instilling faith values in the younger generation by understanding the learning needs of children according to their cognitive and spiritual development stages. This enables them to deliver God's word in an engaging and meaningful way. Meanwhile, pastors, elders, and church servants require an understanding of educational psychology to carry out more wise pastoral ministry. Psychological understanding helps them provide spiritual guidance, counseling, and support for members who are struggling. Educational psychology also equips church servants to lead with empathy, listen with their hearts, and guide the congregation towards true spiritual restoration. The integration of educational psychology with Christian faith significantly impacts the improvement of learning and church ministry, producing individuals who are intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually balanced.

School administration is a fundamental component in ensuring effective and high-quality education in elementary schools. This study aims to describe the concept of effective school administration, the essential administrative components that must be designed and managed, and the factors influencing its success in supporting educational quality improvement. A qualitative approach was employed, focusing on naturally occurring administrative processes within elementary educational institutions. Data were obtained through literature review on the management of curriculum, students, educational staff, finance, facilities, and school–community relations. The findings indicate that effective school administration must be carried out systematically through core management functions, including planning, organizing, implementing, and monitoring. The success of school administration is strongly influenced by the leadership of the principal, the competence of teachers and staff, the utilization of information technology, accountable financial management, adequate facilities, and community participation. Therefore, strengthening school administration becomes a key strategy in creating an orderly, efficient, and student-oriented educational process to improve learning quality in elementary schools.

This study aims to compare the Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesia and the National Curriculum in Japan from both conceptual and practical perspectives. The analysis focuses on the fundamental principles, educational goals, learning approaches, and classroom implementation. Indonesia’s Merdeka Curriculum emphasizes flexibility and autonomy for teachers and students, highlighting competency development, character building, and the Profil Pelajar Pancasila (Pancasila Student Profile). Meanwhile, Japan’s National Curriculum centers on fostering a well-balanced personality through integrated moral, social, and academic education. Conceptually, both curricula share similarities in promoting holistic learning and character education, yet they differ in implementation and assessment systems. In Indonesia, project-based and differentiated learning approaches are key features, whereas Japan emphasizes collaborative learning, discipline, and hands-on experience in daily life. Practically, Indonesia faces challenges in ensuring equal access to resources and teacher readiness, while Japan has established a stable and standardized national education system. This comparative analysis reveals that Indonesia can learn from Japan in terms of consistency, learning culture, and the integration of moral and social values. Thus, the study provides valuable insights for enhancing Indonesia’s curriculum to become more globally responsive while preserving national identity and character.

This article will explain the usage of 21st-century learning for the improvement of historical literacy and students’ character. History class, according to some students, might be considered boring. That is why an entertaining way to teach history is needed to improve students’ historical literacy and make the learning process more engaging and effective. Good historical literacy not only helps students understand the past but also plays a crucial role in shaping their character based on the values embedded in historical subjects. The method used in this article is qualitative, and the analysis is based on various literature sources related to 21st-century learning approaches. The findings highlight how integrating 21st-century learning strategies such as digital tools, interactive activities, and collaborative learning can transform the history learning process. By making history more engaging and interactive, students are not only able to improve their understanding of historical events but also internalize positive character traits, fostering critical thinking, responsibility, and empathy, all of which are essential for their personal development.

This study aims to analyze the transformation of the educational pattern at the Indonesian Naval Academy (AAL) from a four-year to a three-year system and its impact on graduate competencies and operational readiness. This educational system change responds to budget efficiency needs and accelerated officer formation filling, yet raises questions about the new system's ability to maintain the quality of officer education. The research employs a mixed methods approach with a concurrent embedded design, involving 250 respondents comprising graduates from both educational systems, AAL instructors, and unit commanders receiving graduates. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (independent sample t-test and regression), while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews, observations, and document studies analyzed using thematic analysis. Results indicate no significant difference in overall Grade Point Average (GPA) between the two groups (p=0.470), but significant differences in competency patterns emerged: four-year system graduates excelled in theoretical competencies (p=0.001), while three-year system graduates excelled in practical competencies (p=0.003). Operational readiness evaluation shows that four-year system graduates obtained higher scores (82.5) compared to three-year system graduates (78.3), with significant differences (p=0.012), particularly in strategic leadership and complex decision-making aspects. Qualitative analysis identified five major themes: high learning time pressure, orientation shift from comprehensive to pragmatic, gaps in character formation and corps values, concerns about theoretical understanding depth, and need for more intensive post-graduation mentoring programs. This study concludes that educational time compression successfully increased operational efficiency but involved trade-offs in learning depth and professional maturity. To optimize the three-year educational system, a comprehensive approach is required, including curriculum revision with integrated learning methods, utilization of modern learning technology, strengthening of leadership development programs, and development of continuous professional mentoring systems. The recommendations of this research are expected to provide input for AAL and the Indonesian Navy in refining the officer education system to produce officers who are not only technically competent but also mature in leadership and strong in character.

This study aims to examine in-depth the cultural, social, and religious values ​​embodied in the traditional Jaipong dance and their relevance to cultural development in Islamic Religious Education (PAI). The approach used was a qualitative study based on literature review with an ethnopedagogical perspective, which views local culture as a source of learning. The results indicate that Jaipong Dance not only possesses aesthetic elements as part of artistic expression, but also contains moral, social, and spiritual values ​​that reflect the character of the Sundanese people. These values ​​include discipline, creativity, cooperation, courtesy, self-confidence, and a spirit of togetherness and nationalism. All of these values ​​align with the principles of Islamic education, which emphasize noble morals, respect for culture, and the development of student character. Therefore, the integration of local arts and culture, such as Jaipong, into Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning, can enrich educational methods, provide contextual learning, and foster students' love for Islamic values ​​that are more humanistic, inclusive, and applicable in everyday life.

This research aims to analyze the challenges and solutions of Islamic education in the digital era in an effort to maintain religious values in the midst of the rapid flow of modernization and technological development. This research uses the library research method by examining various relevant literature sources, such as books, journals, and previous research results. The results of the study show that technological advances have a great influence on students' learning patterns, behaviors, and moral values. However, with the right strategy, technology can also be used as a means of da'wah and strengthening Islamic character. Efforts that need to be made include the integration of Islamic values in digital-based learning, improving teachers' competence in technological literacy, and collaboration between schools, families, and communities. This research emphasizes that Islamic education must be adaptive to the development of the times, but still adhere to religious values in order to produce a generation of Muslims who are intelligent, faithful, and noble. In addition, curriculum innovation that is responsive to the needs of the times and the use of safe and directed digital media is needed to support the formation of students' character comprehensively.

This study aims to identify and analyze effective learning strategies for improving Qur’an reading and writing skills among elementary school students. The ability to read and write the Qur’an serves as an essential foundation for students’ spiritual, moral, and cognitive development, shaping their Islamic character from an early age. This research employs a descriptive approach using a literature study method that reviews various sources, including books, journals, and previous studies related to Qur’an learning at the elementary school level. The findings indicate that a combination of several innovative strategies proves to be highly effective in enhancing Qur’an literacy skills. These strategies include the use of engaging and interactive digital learning media, the application of contextual learning approaches that connect Qur’anic teachings to students’ daily lives, and the implementation of the Problem-Based Learning model to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, strengthening students’ intrinsic motivation through a supportive and religious learning environment plays a crucial role in maintaining learning interest and discipline. The integrated implementation of these strategies not only improves students’ technical ability to read and write the Qur’an but also reinforces their character, responsibility, and spiritual awareness in the context of Islamic education at the elementary level.

Social Studies (IPS) learning in elementary schools plays a crucial role in fostering students’ social awareness, which includes understanding social values, developing empathy, and participating responsibly in community life. However, in practice, Social Studies learning often remains theoretical and textbook-centered, making students’ learning experiences less meaningful and disconnected from real-life contexts. To address this issue, utilizing the surrounding environment as a learning resource offers an effective alternative by bringing real social situations into the learning process. This study aims to analyze the concepts, implementation, and impact of environmental utilization on enhancing elementary students’ social awareness. The research employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method by reviewing relevant scholarly articles obtained from national and international databases such as Garuda, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, using the keywords “environment as a learning resource in Social Studies” and “students’ social awareness.” The findings reveal that the use of the surrounding environment as a learning resource promotes students’ critical thinking, empathy, and social concern through contextual and participatory learning experiences. Moreover, teachers play a pivotal role in designing project-based and field-observation activities that strengthen the internalization of social values. Therefore, Social Studies learning that integrates environmental resources is proven to be effective in shaping students’ social character from an early age and supports the realization of holistic, active, and life-oriented education.  

Educational evaluation is crucial for assessing student success and the effectiveness of educational programs. Formative and summative evaluations have distinct objectives. Formative evaluation focuses on the ongoing learning process, while summative evaluation aims to assess the final learning outcomes. The Scriven model combines both types of evaluation to improve student learning outcomes. This article discusses the application of the Scriven model to improve Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning outcomes at Ngrukeman Elementary School, Bantul. This study emphasizes the importance of evaluation in shaping students' character, developing their thinking, and enhancing social awareness. Educational evaluation aims to assess not only cognitive aspects but also affective and psychomotor aspects. With effective evaluation, teachers can identify students' strengths and weaknesses and design better learning. This contributes to improved student achievement and the overall quality of education. In this way, educational evaluation becomes a highly effective tool for improving and optimizing the learning process, ultimately supporting the achievement of comprehensive educational goals.

This study is motivated by the declining interest of children in traditional games due to the rapid development of digital technology. Traditional games, however, hold great potential as a medium for character education, particularly in fostering values of cooperation, responsibility, and social interaction. The purpose of this study is to analyze the character value of cooperation that emerges through the implementation of traditional games among students and to evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing social interaction within the school environment. The study employs a descriptive quantitative approach involving 23 students from SMPK Santo Don Bosco Lewoleba. Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire comprising five indicators of cooperation: active participation, polite communication, care and support, acceptance of decisions, and responsibility and honesty. Data analysis was conducted by calculating the mean score for each indicator and converting it into qualitative categories. The findings reveal that the implementation of traditional games develops students’ cooperation values at a very good level, with an average score of 3.55. This indicates that traditional games contribute positively to students’ character formation, particularly in fostering teamwork, respect for peers, and harmonious social relationships. The study implies that traditional games can serve as an effective and enjoyable contextual learning medium to strengthen character education in primary and secondary schools.

The Molodhen tradition is one of the ways to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW, which is still preserved by the Madurese community to this day. This tradition is not only rich in religious meaning but also contains several crucial Islamic educational values for shaping the character of the community. This study aims to examine the Islamic educational values found in the Molodhen tradition, including values of cooperation, empathy and social care, creativity and aesthetics, as well as educational values. The results of the analysis show that the value of cooperation is evident in the community's togetherness during event preparations, the values of empathy and social care appear through the habit of helping each other and sharing sustenance, the values of creativity and aesthetics can be seen from the beauty of decorations and showcased art, and the educational value is reflected in instilling religious attitudes, a sense of responsibility, and togetherness among the younger generation.  Thus, the Molodhen tradition plays a significant role as a tool for social and spiritual learning that reinforces Islamic values in the life of the Madurese community.

This study aims to describe the implementation of 21st-century skills oriented toward the Merdeka Curriculum through the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5) at SMAN 1 Rejotangan. A qualitative research approach was employed, with data collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and triangulation. The research subjects included Grade X students, homeroom teachers, and the vice principal of curriculum affairs. The findings reveal that the implementation of 21st-century skills—critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and digital literacy—has been effectively integrated into the P5 project under the theme Sustainable Lifestyle. The project activities fostered students’ environmental awareness, independence, creativity, and social responsibility. The planning, implementation, and evaluation stages were conducted systematically, with teachers serving as facilitators and students as active participants. Optimization efforts were carried out through teacher capacity building, technology integration, and collaboration with external partners. The study concludes that implementing the Merdeka Curriculum through P5 effectively cultivates adaptive, innovative, and character-driven learners based on the values of Pancasila

Guidance and counseling is assistance provided to students, either individually or in groups, so they can become more independent and develop optimally in various areas such as personal relationships, social relationships, learning, and careers. This assistance is provided through several types of services and activities in accordance with applicable regulations. Observation and interviews are among the methods used by guidance and counseling teachers to gather information in carrying out their duties at school. Guidance and counseling services at SMPN 2 Telukjambe Timur run smoothly. Guidance and counseling teachers play a creative, innovative, interactive, and communicative role in carrying out their duties. In addition, guidance and counseling teachers are also supported by the presence of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers. The partnership between guidance and counseling teachers is very good and very important, because both have the same goal: to shape good character in students at school.

Strengthening 21st century character and skill education is an important demand in today's learning transformation. Game-Based Learning (GBL)-based approaches such as Ludo are believed to present a learning process that is meaningful, fun, while forming positive values. This study aims to review and compare the results of previous studies on the application of GBL in the development of character and skills in the 21st century, especially in Arabic language learning. The method used is a simple systematic literature review of 12 scientific articles published in 2015–2025 obtained from selected scientific databases. The analysis was conducted based on three main dimensions: the game medium, the focus of learning (characters, 4Cs, vocabulary), and the method approach. The results of the study show that GBL is generally effective in improving vocabulary mastery and fostering collaboration, communication, and character values of students. Ludo media in particular has proven to be relevant as a means of value-based learning and interaction. However, studies that explicitly integrate Ludo-based GBL in Arabic language learning are still limited. This research is expected to be a conceptual basis for the development of innovative learning media that is integrative and in accordance with the challenges of 21st century education.

Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) as Islamic educational institutions face modernization challenges in developing effective learning methods. Action learning as an experience and reflection-based learning approach emerges as a relevant alternative. This article aims to conduct a systematic literature review on the implementation of action learning and experiential learning in Indonesian Islamic boarding school education. The research method uses a systematic literature review approach by analyzing 15 indexed journal articles from the 2018-2025 period. Inclusion criteria include articles in Indonesian and English, published in accredited journals, and discussing action learning or experiential learning in Islamic boarding schools. Analysis results reveal three main findings: (1) action research has been implemented to address specific problems such as student mental health with humanistic and participatory approaches, (2) experiential learning is applied through hadith learning, entrepreneurship programs, and life skills development that enhance cognitive abilities, communication, and student adaptation, (3) integration of action learning with pesantren values creates a distinctive learning model combining tradition and innovation. Identified research gaps include minimal longitudinal studies, lack of long-term impact measurement, and limited comparative analysis among pesantren. This study recommends developing a theoretical framework for action learning contextual to pesantren characteristics and further research with more comprehensive methodologies.

This study aims to describe the role of guidance and counseling (BK) services in supporting the development of students at SMAN 1 Lemahabang Karawang. The focus of the study includes four main areas: academic development, personal development, social development, and the development of students' potential. This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach with data collection techniques through observation and semi-structured interviews involving BK teachers and two twelfth-grade students. The results of the study show that BK services provide an important contribution to increasing learning motivation, discipline, and students' career planning. In addition, BK services also play a role in shaping character and social skills through an empathetic approach and collaboration with Islamic Religious Education teachers in the implementation of religious activities and moral guidance. Although there are still some students who have a less positive view of the guidance and counseling services, in general, they assess that the implementation of guidance and counseling services at SMAN 1 Lemahabang has been effective and has a positive impact on students' personal development.

This study aims to explore the role of digital storytelling (DST) as a 21st-century learning strategy in strengthening character education. The rapid development of digital technology and the growing emphasis on student-centered learning have made DST a relevant pedagogical approach that integrates creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication with values-based education. Using a simple systematic literature review (SLR) approach, this study analyzed eight peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2020 and 2024, obtained from international academic databases Scopus. Thematic content analysis was used to synthesize findings and map the contribution of DST to 21st-century learning competencies and character development. The results identified eight key themes: increased student engagement, improved collaboration and communication, enhanced critical thinking and decision-making, creativity and multimodal expression, self-reflection and identity building, empathy and social awareness, interdisciplinary and authentic learning, and the formation of moral values. These findings support constructivist and experiential learning theories and suggest that DST not only enhances cognitive skills but also facilitates affective and ethical development. The study concludes that DST can be a transformative instructional tool in modern education. Practical implications include integrating DST into curricula across disciplines and levels, and equipping educators with training in digital pedagogy and reflective teaching design. Further research is recommended to explore DST implementation in primary and secondary schools and to evaluate its impact using mixed methods.

Folklore is a cultural artifact that stores local wisdom and timeless character education value. One of the folk tales from the Malay coast of Bengkalis that is full of meaning is Merbau Bersiram Blood, a legend about betrayal, slander and a fight for honor between two royal commanders. Using a qualitative-descriptive approach, this article traces the story as a representation of moral education in the construction of Malay culture. Narrative analysis of story line, characters, and symbolism shows how values ​​such as honesty, loyalty, and the consequences of injustice are subtly but powerfully embedded in the structure of the story. This story not only tells of a bloody tragedy, but also reflects the social mechanisms of Malay society in responding to betrayal and cultivating ethics. By re-exploring this story, this article raises the urgency of revitalizing oral traditions as a contextual and meaningful character learning medium, especially in local culture-based education ecosystems. Blood-Drenched Merbau is not just a legend, but a moral voice that echoes from the past for the future generation of Malays.  

This study aims to systematically review various studies that discuss the role of entrepreneurship education in developing students’ entrepreneurial spirit at the Senior High School (SMA) and Vocational High School (SMK) levels. The method used is the Systematic Literature Review (SLR), guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The reviewed articles cover publications from 2019 to 2025. Based on the selection of 20 scientific articles, the findings indicate that entrepreneurship education plays an important role in enhancing students’ creativity, innovation, self-confidence, and independence. The most effective learning strategies include project-based learning, business simulations, and collaboration with the industrial sector. In addition, teachers play a crucial role as facilitators in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. The challenges identified include limited resources, insufficient teacher training, and suboptimal school policy support. Overall, entrepreneurship education has been proven to make a significant contribution to shaping entrepreneurial character and preparing students to face the challenges of the workforce.