Publication Search

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 research aims to analyze the adaptive role of a dance teacher in teaching the subject of music art at SMK Asta Mitra Purwodadi, as well as identifying the patterns of collaborative approaches and the implementation of the Deep Learning strategy in the learning process. This phenomenon attracts researchers due to the case of a teacher teaching cross-disciplinary subjects, although still within the domain of the arts. This study employs a qualitative method using observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation techniques. The main subject of this research is Bu Evi, a dance teacher who also serves as the music art instructor. The research results indicate that the non-specialist teacher (with a dance background) successfully overcomes limitations in teaching music by performing a role transformation into a facilitator focusing on expression, rhythm, and performance. The implementation of Deep Learning is realized effectively through a kinesthetic approach, where abstract music concepts (such as tempo and dynamics) are translated through body movement exploration, which is proven to increase student enthusiasm and understanding. Furthermore, the teacher implements a strategic collaborative pattern with the music extracurricular teacher, where responsibilities are divided between aspects of expression/movement and the deepening of theory/vocal technique, ensuring talented students still receive adequate technical development. Assessment focuses on performative aspects (expression, tempo, teamwork, and self-confidence). This research concludes that the teacher's professionalism and pedagogical creativity are the main keys to bridging competency gaps, while simultaneously ensuring the achievement of the goals of the Merdeka Curriculum in shaping student character and 21st-century skills.

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.

In the era of globalization and technological advancement, education must transform to develop students who are adaptive, critical, and have strong character. One innovation introduced by the government is the Merdeka Belajar (Independent Learning) Curriculum, which emphasizes competency, character, and project-based learning. This study aims to determine the effect of implementing the Merdeka Curriculum on the learning outcomes of Pancasila Education for Grade XI students at SMAN 1 Petir in the 2024/2025 academic year. A quantitative method with a survey approach was used, involving 80 student respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires and learning outcome tests, and analyzed using correlation and regression statistical techniques. The results show that the Merdeka Curriculum has a significant and positive effect on students’ PPkN learning outcomes, with a correlation coefficient of 0.766. This means better implementation of the curriculum leads to better student achievement. The curriculum contributes 58.7% to the learning outcomes, while the remaining 41.3% is influenced by other factors. The study concludes that the Merdeka Curriculum effectively enhances learning outcomes, particularly in character and 21st-century skills development.

The Independent Curriculum aims to provide flexible, student-centered learning that is oriented toward strengthening character through the Pancasila Student Profile. However, a literature review indicates that its implementation in elementary schools still faces various obstacles. Teachers' understanding of differentiated learning, the P5 project, and authentic assessment is uneven, while limited infrastructure and the complexity of developing teaching materials also hamper its implementation. Furthermore, student readiness and a supportive learning environment also influence the curriculum's effectiveness. These findings emphasize the need to improve teacher competency, ensure equitable distribution of facilities, and collaborate among stakeholders for optimal implementation of the Independent Curriculum. Furthermore, the disparity in the quality of implementation across schools is also a major challenge, particularly in remote areas with limited facilities. Therefore, supportive policies and intensive mentoring for teachers are needed to ensure that this curriculum is effective and provides maximum benefits for students, optimizing character development and 21st-century skills. Overall, the success of the Independent Curriculum depends heavily on solid collaboration between all relevant parties, including teachers, schools, parents, and education policymakers.

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 community service activity aims to help teachers and education staff manage burnout while improving the ability of the 4Cs (Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration) in the school work environment. The training was held at SMP Muhammadiyah 2 Banjarbaru with the involvement of 11 participants, using a participatory approach that included interactive lectures, group discussions, reflections, and role play simulations. The main objective of this activity is to build the adaptive capacity and psychological well-being of educators through strengthening 21st century skills. The evaluation was carried out by comparing burnout scores before and after the training. The results showed a significant decrease in the average burnout score from 71.6 to 57.4, or by 14.2 points. This decline reflects an improvement in participants' psychological well-being and adaptive ability in the face of work pressure. In addition, training also has a positive impact on improving creative thinking, collaborative, and positive communication skills in the context of school work. These findings show that participatory-based interventions are effective in building a healthier and more productive work environment for educators. This activity recommends replicating similar training in other educational institutions as a preventive and promotive strategy to overcome burnout and strengthen teachers' professional competence in facing contemporary educational challenges.

This study aims to describe the implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5) through the entrepreneurship theme at SMP Negeri 5 Kota Bengkulu and to identify its supporting and inhibiting factors. P5 is a program within the Merdeka Curriculum that emphasizes project-based learning to foster 21st-century skills and character, which include the dimensions of faith, global diversity, cooperation, independence, critical thinking, and creativity. This research employed a descriptive qualitative method with data collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The findings reveal that the implementation of P5 was systematically carried out in planning, implementation, and evaluation stages. In the entrepreneurship theme, students were engaged in designing, producing, and marketing cassava chips. These activities enhanced entrepreneurial skills while also promoting independence, creativity, collaboration, and responsibility. The main supporting factors included strong leadership commitment, teacher creativity, availability of simple facilities, and involvement of parents and the local community. On the other hand, inhibiting factors identified were limited teacher training, a short project duration, minimal production resources, and the absence of standardized evaluation instruments. Overall, the implementation of P5 through the entrepreneurship theme successfully provided meaningful learning experiences that not only strengthened students’ understanding of entrepreneurship but also integrated Pancasila values into daily practice. The results of this study may serve as a reference for other schools in developing contextual P5 projects oriented toward character building.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a student-centered teaching approach, where the learning process begins with a real-life problem relevant to everyday life. PBL encourages students to actively seek information, analyze data, and formulate solutions through group work and discussion. This approach not only develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills but also increases students' independence and responsibility for their own learning process. This article aims to examine how PBL is implemented in two main curricula in Indonesia: the 2013 Curriculum (K13) and the Independent Curriculum. In the 2013 Curriculum, PBL is integrated through a scientific approach and project-based activities, where students are invited to explore concepts and theories through investigative activities. Meanwhile, the Independent Curriculum provides more space for teachers and students to design contextual and personalized learning activities, making the implementation of PBL more flexible and adaptive to local needs and student characteristics. The literature review results indicate that both curricula effectively utilize PBL principles to enhance students' cognitive and metacognitive skills. The Independent Curriculum, in particular, places greater emphasis on independent learning, self-reflection, and the development of student interests through differentiated learning. Thus, the application of PBL within the context of the Independent Curriculum has proven to be more adaptive to the dynamics of 21st-century learning. In conclusion, the use of Problem-Based Learning in both curricula has significant potential to enhance students' learning abilities, as long as the approach is tailored to school conditions, student characteristics, and is supported by competent teachers and training in implementing this method effectively.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Preparatory 4 (MAPN 4) Medan implemented curriculum adjustments in preparation for the preservation of the Independent Curriculum. Data were collected through interviews with teacher representatives, activity documentation, and analysis of interview transcript themes and mentoring materials using qualitative descriptive methodology. Based on these findings, MAPN 4 Medan has adopted curriculum modifications progressively and methodically, starting with the School Level Curriculum (KTSP), continuing to the 2013 Curriculum, and ending with the Independent Curriculum. The role of teachers is very central to the successful implementation of this curriculum, both as learning facilitators, developers of open modules, and implementers of formative evaluations. Despite facing various challenges such as understanding learning concepts and time constraints, most teachers showed high enthusiasm and readiness to adapt, supported by internal training and support. Meanwhile, students showed active involvement in project-based and thematic learning, although there were still errors in adaptability. Overall, this study concludes that the implementation of the Independent Curriculum at MAPN 4 Medan reflects the institution's readiness to incorporate 21st-century skills and character values into the educational process, in line with strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile.

This community service activity aims to optimize the understanding and skills of elementary school (SD) teachers in Tarik District in implementing innovative learning based on deep learning. The concept of deep learning in the context of education does not solely refer to the use of technology, but also includes a deep, reflective, and meaningful learning approach. Through this approach, teachers are expected to be able to create a learning environment that encourages students to think critically, creatively, and be able to collaborate effectively. This activity was attended by 34 elementary school teachers from eight schools in the Tarik District area. In addition to providing training related to deep learning concepts and strategies, such as project-based learning and problem-based learning, this activity also introduced the use of OLabs (Online Labs), which is a virtual laboratory platform that can be accessed for free and is specifically designed to support the implementation of online experimental learning. The use of OLabs provides an efficient and flexible alternative, especially for educational units that have limited laboratory facilities. Based on the results of the evaluation, there was a significant increase in teachers' understanding of innovative learning principles, as well as a commitment to implement the approach in an adaptive manner and in accordance with the context of each school. This activity is expected to be the starting point in efforts to strengthen the pedagogic capacity of teachers, in order to support the implementation of the Independent Curriculum and answer the challenges of 21st century education.

Educational transformation through the use of interactive technology is an integral part of the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum, especially in Mathematics learning in Elementary Schools (SD). This curriculum emphasizes a contextual, student-centered, and adaptive learning approach to the challenges of the digital era. This study aims to analyze the role of interactive technology in improving the effectiveness of Mathematics learning and developing 21st-century skills in elementary school students. Various digital media such as GeoGebra, gamification applications, and visual simulations are used to help students understand abstract concepts in a concrete and enjoyable way. The results show that technology integration supports the achievement of the Pancasila Student Profile by increasing creativity, independence, and critical thinking skills. Challenges such as limited infrastructure and teacher competency can be overcome through continuous training and development of relevant local content.

This article aims to examine the role of digital learning media in supporting mathematics learning that is aligned with the spirit of the Merdeka Curriculum. The research was conducted using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method on twenty scientific articles that discuss the use of digital media in learning mathematics at various levels of education. The results of the study show that digital learning media such as the Canva application, Wordwall, digital comics, animated videos, and educational games can significantly improve concept understanding, learning motivation, and student engagement. Digital media also supports the differentiated and contextual learning approach that is the main characteristic of Merdeka Curriculum. This study concludes that digital media is not only effective in conveying abstract material visually and interactively, but also encourages the development of students' 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, independence, and creativity. The findings are expected to be a reference for teachers, researchers, and policy makers in designing innovative and adaptive mathematics learning strategies in the digital era.

This article aims to examine the role of digital learning media in supporting mathematics learning that is aligned with the spirit of the Merdeka Curriculum. The research was conducted using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method on twenty scientific articles that discuss the use of digital media in learning mathematics at various levels of education. The results of the study show that digital learning media such as the Canva application, Wordwall, digital comics, animated videos, and educational games can significantly improve concept understanding, learning motivation, and student engagement. Digital media also supports the differentiated and contextual learning approach that is the main characteristic of Merdeka Curriculum. This study concludes that digital media is not only effective in conveying abstract material visually and interactively, but also encourages the development of students' 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, independence, and creativity. The findings are expected to be a reference for teachers, researchers, and policy makers in designing innovative and adaptive mathematics learning strategies in the digital era.

This study examines the preparedness of elementary school teachers in Indonesia to navigate the digital age and implement the Merdeka Curriculum.  Findings reveal significant challenges in digital literacy, adequate teacher training, and sufficient school infrastructure. While student interest in technology is high, teachers struggle to effectively integrate technology into teaching and manage dynamic classrooms. The research underscores the urgent need for enhanced digital competency development among teachers, improved access to technology, and the development of teaching strategies responsive to technological advancements and the needs of 21st-century learners.

This research aims to optimize the use of interactive flipbooks as a literacy learning media in elementary schools. Interactive flipbook media offers an innovative approach in the learning process, combining engaging visualization, interactivity, and digital accessibility that meets the needs of 21st-century students. The method used in this research is a literature review involving the collection, analysis, and synthesis of various literature related to the use of interactive flipbooks in the context of primary education. The results indicate that interactive flipbooks can enhance reading interest, literacy skills, and student comprehension through a combination of text, images, audio, and animation. This media also allows students to learn independently and collaboratively by utilizing interactive features. In addition, interactive flipbooks have proven effective in supporting thematic and integrative learning, which is often implemented in elementary schools. This study recommends the development of curriculum-based interactive flipbooks, teacher training in their use, and the integration of this media into teaching strategies. With proper optimization, interactive flipbooks can become an innovative solution to improve the literacy quality of elementary school students.

This research aims to optimize the use of interactive flipbooks as a literacy learning media in elementary schools. Interactive flipbook media offers an innovative approach in the learning process, combining engaging visualization, interactivity, and digital accessibility that meets the needs of 21st-century students. The method used in this research is a literature review involving the collection, analysis, and synthesis of various literature related to the use of interactive flipbooks in the context of primary education. The results indicate that interactive flipbooks can enhance reading interest, literacy skills, and student comprehension through a combination of text, images, audio, and animation. This media also allows students to learn independently and collaboratively by utilizing interactive features. In addition, interactive flipbooks have proven effective in supporting thematic and integrative learning, which is often implemented in elementary schools. This study recommends the development of curriculum-based interactive flipbooks, teacher training in their use, and the integration of this media into teaching strategies. With proper optimization, interactive flipbooks can become an innovative solution to improve the literacy quality of elementary school students.

Education in the era of globalization demands the development of students' social skills, including collaboration, to prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century. One effective method to train these skills is small group discussions, which encourage students to share ideas, listen to other perspectives, and reach consensus. This study aims to identify effective strategies in guiding small group discussions to improve student collaboration, focusing on the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. The research method used is qualitative descriptive with a case study design in one of the high schools that implements the Merdeka Curriculum. Data were collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and student collaboration questionnaires. The results of the study indicate that effective strategies include the use of open-ended questions, providing constructive feedback, and dividing roles in groups. In addition, the dynamics of small group discussions can be improved with good conflict management by teachers. This study also found that small group discussions can improve students' collaboration skills, which are reflected in communication, individual responsibility, and group decision making. Implications for the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum show the importance of teacher training to improve the ability to guide small group discussions effectively. This study provides practical and theoretical contributions to the development of collaboration-based learning in Indonesia.

This study examines the implementation of the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model through a miniature ecosystem project to enhance the creativity of fifth-grade students at SD Negeri Winajaya III. The research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test group. The results revealed a significant improvement in students' creativity after implementing the PjBL model. Students demonstrated increased abilities in designing, developing, and evaluating projects. Additionally, PjBL facilitated collaborative and independent learning. These findings highlight the relevance of PjBL to the Merdeka Curriculum, which emphasizes project-based learning to foster 21st-century skills.

The application of the philosophy of progressive education within the Merdeka Curriculum aims to create a more student-centered education system that encourages active and contextual learning. Progressivism emphasizes the importance of hands-on experiences and the development of critical thinking skills through real projects and discussions. In the context of the Merdeka Curriculum, this approach allows students to explore their interests and talents more independently, with teachers acting as facilitators guiding the learning process. Through project-based learning, collaboration, and authentic assessment, the Merdeka Curriculum provides students with the opportunity to explore their interests and talents. This research identifies various strategies that educators can adopt to integrate the principles of progressivism, such as using active learning methods and allowing freedom in choosing learning materials. The implementation of the progressive philosophy presents several challenges, including teachers' readiness to adopt new roles, the need to adjust the curriculum to local contexts, and the availability of adequate resources. However, this application also offers significant opportunities to enhance the quality of education by producing graduates who are more adaptive, creative, and capable of solving complex problems. This study highlights how the application of progressive philosophy in the Merdeka Curriculum can increase student motivation, develop 21st-century skills, and prepare them for future challenges. Therefore, it is essential to continuously evaluate and develop this approach to align with the evolving times and national educational needs.