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The quality of Catholic Religious Education learning is an important aspect in shaping students’ faith, character, knowledge, and religious life skills. However, the learning process at SMK Negeri 1 Talibura still faces various challenges, particularly in the areas of spiritual attitudes, social attitudes, Catholic religious knowledge, and religious life skills. This study aims to describe the implementation of the Independent Learning Curriculum (Merdeka Belajar Curriculum) and its contribution to improving the quality of Catholic Religious Education learning at SMK Negeri 1 Talibura. The research employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and documentation involving the principal, Catholic Religious Education teachers, students, and parents. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results show that the implementation of the Independent Learning Curriculum has been carried out effectively through learning planning, learning implementation, learning assessment, and the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5). This implementation has had a positive impact on the learning process, outputs, and outcomes. Students demonstrated improvements in spiritual attitudes, social attitudes, Catholic religious knowledge, and religious life skills, as well as positive behavioral changes in their daily lives. The findings imply that the Independent Learning Curriculum can serve as an effective strategy for improving the quality of Catholic Religious Education learning in a holistic manner.

This research aims to describe the implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5) in shaping student character at SD Negeri 160 Palembang. As a core component of the Independent Curriculum (Kurikulum Merdeka), P5 is designed to reinforce the fundamental values of Pancasila in students.This study employs a qualitative case study method. Data were collected through direct observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving the principal, vice-principal of curriculum, classroom teachers, students, and parents. The results indicate that P5 implementation is carried out through three systematic stages: planning (team formation and theme selection), execution (applying experiential learning that encourages collaboration), and assessment. The three primary values emphasized are faith and morality, respecting differences, and togetherness. Despite challenges such as time constraints, synchronization of materials across subjects, and the need for teacher training, the study concludes that P5 is an effective instrument for character education. To optimize results, it is recommended to enhance program monitoring and align the conceptual understanding of P5 among educators. Overall, SD Negeri 160 Palembang has demonstrated a serious commitment to integrating P5 as a means of positive character building.

21st-century skills are a crucial aspect that students must master, equipping them to face the challenges of modern development. In history learning, the use of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is considered a powerful tool for transforming learning from rote memorization to active, problem-solving-based learning. This study aims to analyze the role of PBL in enhancing 21st-century skills in history learning through the Problem-Based Learning (SLR) approach. The research method used in this study is the SLR with a prism procedure. The data were obtained from a search of scientific articles through Google Scholar using the keywords Problem-Based Learning, 21st-Century Skills, and history learning. From the initial 2,540 articles obtained, after screening based on relevance, quality, and year range, six key articles were obtained. The study results indicate that PBL is effective in enhancing 21st-century skills through discussions, historical source analysis, and contextual problem-solving. This approach is considered appropriate for the curriculum because it encourages student-centered learning, rather than teacher-centered learning. Although PBL still faces several challenges in its implementation, it remains a relevant and effective learning strategy for developing 21st-century skills.

This study discusses the implementation of the Think Pair Share (TPS) strategy in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning in Grade VII of MTs Cerdas Murni, with a focus on its definition, steps, and advantages and disadvantages. This study uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. The data used consist of primary data obtained through interviews and direct observation, as well as secondary data from books and journals. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, and documentation, while data analysis is carried out through data reduction, data presentation, and verification. Data validity is tested using lingering techniques, triangulation, and negative cases. The results show that TPS is an effective cooperative learning strategy to increase student interaction and engagement. The steps in TPS include the stages of think, pair, and share. The advantage of this strategy is that it increases overall student participation, because each student is actively involved. However, the disadvantage is that it requires a relatively longer time to implement. Teachers have implemented TPS effectively, from greetings and prayers to build morals, to explaining prayer etiquette and dhikr, which enhance students' understanding, cooperation, and courage. TPS is suitable for material that requires in-depth understanding but needs to be adapted to the students' circumstances, such as using mixed methods for practical materials. Another advantage is increased student courage and critical thinking, despite challenges related to student readiness and facilities.

The use of the social media platform TikTok as a learning medium in Social Studies (IPS) has emerged as an innovative strategy to enhance students’ learning creativity and engagement in the digital era and within the Merdeka Curriculum framework. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of TikTok in supporting creative learning processes, particularly in helping students understand Social Studies content in a visual, interactive, and easily accessible manner. The research was conducted through an online training seminar involving teachers and students, which included material delivery, demonstrations of TikTok usage, hands-on practice in creating learning content, and trial implementation in classroom learning activities. The analysis focused on three main aspects: (1) the improvement of teachers’ competencies in designing creative TikTok-based learning media, (2) students’ responses and learning experiences when using the platform, and (3) the effectiveness of the media in enhancing students’ understanding of Social Studies concepts. The results indicate that the use of TikTok improves the quality of learning media created by teachers and facilitates students’ independent learning. Pre-test and post-test data show an increase in students’ conceptual understanding, while student responses reveal a high level of learning interest through visual and interactive media. Nevertheless, several challenges related to device availability and internet connectivity were identified among some participants. In conclusion, TikTok is effective as an independent learning medium for Social Studies and contributes positively to improving students’ understanding and learning motivation. The study recommends continuous mentoring for teachers, strengthening ICT infrastructure, and further development of diverse learning media to support learning needs within the Merdeka Curriculum.

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