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Communication is a crucial element in the learning process, particularly in the education of students with special needs who possess diverse characteristics, abilities, and communication requirements. These differences require teachers to implement adaptive communication strategies to ensure that learning messages are effectively conveyed and understood by students. This study aims to analyze the communication at SLB YPAC Medan. The subjects of this study specifically focused on third-grade students with intellectual disabilities (tunagrahita) and slow learners. The. The study adopted a qualitative approach using a case study method. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model, which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that teachers apply communication strategies through a combination of verbal and nonverbal communication. Verbal communication involves the use of simple language, repetition of learning materials, and step-by-step instructions tailored to students’ abilities. Meanwhile, nonverbal communication is expressed through facial expressions, body movements, eye contact, and the use of visual learning media to clarify instructional messages. In addition, interpersonal approaches emphasizing patience, attention, empathy, and emotional closeness were found to enhance the effectiveness of teacher–student interactions. Supporting factors include adequate school facilities, psychological services, and therapy programs, while inhibiting factors involve differences in students’ characteristics and limitations in their communication abilities. This study concludes that adaptive communication strategies that accommodate individual student needs play a significant role in creating an effective, comfortable, and supportive learning environment for students with special needs.

This study is grounded in the observation that online game addiction has emerged among learners at SMP Muhammadiyah Bantul. In the present digital era, playing games through the internet has become tightly woven into adolescents' everyday routines. Easy accessibility together with the broad spectrum of entertainment provided has pushed the popularity of online games upward. However, immoderate engagement may foster addictive patterns that adversely affect students' academic performance, social interaction, physical condition, and mental well-being. Hence, a workable intervention is required to lower the level of dependence. The purpose of this research is to decrease learners' online game addiction by means of group counseling services that draw on the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework combined with cognitive restructuring techniques. A one-group pretest-posttest experimental scheme was adopted in this work. The findings reveal a notable reduction in the students' online game addiction scores, evidenced by the paired sample t-test significance value (two-tailed) of 0.000, which falls below 0.05. It can therefore be inferred that group counseling rooted in the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach with cognitive restructuring techniques is effective for reducing online game addiction in seventh-grade learners at SMP Muhammadiyah Bantul.

The Merdeka Curriculum introduces a paradigm shift in Indonesia's educational assessment system, moving from an outcome-oriented approach toward one that positions evaluation as an integral part of the learning process itself. This article examines how learning evaluation is implemented as an instrument to improve the quality of student learning within the Merdeka Curriculum framework. This study employs a library research method, analyzing relevant policy documents, regulations, and academic literature. The findings indicate that the Merdeka Curriculum shifts the focus of evaluation from mere measurement (assessment of learning) toward assessment as learning and assessment for learning, realized through three main forms of assessment: diagnostic, formative, and summative. Proper implementation of these three forms enables teachers to map students' individual learning needs, provide continuous feedback, and design differentiated instruction that is more relevant to learners' characteristics. However, field implementation still faces several challenges, including uneven teacher understanding, time constraints, and limited technical training in designing authentic assessment instruments. This article recommends strengthening teacher competence, providing practical technical guidance, and offering continuous mentoring as strategic steps to ensure that learning evaluation truly functions as an instrument for improving learning quality, rather than merely an administrative formality.

This paper offers a comparative analysis of character education through the lens of Islamic and secular humanistic paradigms. Recognizing the increasing cultural and religious diversity in contemporary educational settings, the study emphasizes the importance of an integrative approach that respects both spiritual and rational ethical frameworks. Islamic character education centers on virtues derived from divine guidance, fostering a moral compass anchored in faith, while secular humanistic education promotes critical thinking, autonomy, and universal ethical principles grounded in reason and empathy. By synthesizing these approaches, educators can cultivate learners’ moral resilience, empathy, and ethical commitment within pluralistic societies. The paper further highlights the benefits of intercultural dialogue, pedagogical innovation, and cultural competence for teachers, parents, and communities in supporting holistic moral development. Ultimately, the integration of these models enriches character education, preparing students to become ethically responsible and socially engaged citizens in globalized contexts

Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) has become a key objective of English language education; however, its implementation in Indonesia remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates the alignment between ICC expectations in the Kurikulum Merdeka, English textbooks, and classroom practices in Indonesian senior high schools. An exploratory sequential mixed methods design was employed, involving document analysis of four government-issued English textbooks for grades X–XII, classroom observations in 15 schools across three provinces, a survey of 87 English teachers, and in-depth interviews with 18 teachers and 36 students. The findings reveal a three-level gap. First, the curriculum acknowledges ICC but lacks clear and measurable operational guidelines. Second, textbooks predominantly emphasize Anglo-American culture (64.8% of cultural content) while providing limited representation of Indonesian and global cultures. Third, 78.2% of teachers reported not explicitly integrating cultural dimensions into English instruction, resulting in stereotypical and culturally limited classroom practices. To address these issues, the study proposes the Triangulated Cultural Literacy (TCL) framework, integrating reflection on learners’ own culture, balanced exploration of target cultures, and intercultural negotiation. The findings highlight the need to operationalize ICC in the curriculum, improve textbook cultural representation, and strengthen teachers’ intercultural pedagogical competence.

This study investigates the effect of game-based learning through Tic Tac Toe on improving the speaking skills of fifth-grade Thai students at Ban Elerd School. A pre-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test was employed, involving 17 participants. The intervention consisted of three sessions using Tic Tac Toe to enhance vocabulary, fluency, and pronunciation. The findings indicate significant improvements in students’ speaking abilities, particularly in vocabulary and fluency, with mean scores increasing from 3.12 (pre-test) to 3.86 (post-test). However, pronunciation improvement was not statistically significant, suggesting the need for additional targeted instruction. These results underscore the effectiveness of Tic-Tac-Toe as a game-based learning tool, fostering engagement and reducing anxiety in language learning. This study concludes that game-based learning can effectively support language development in elementary school contexts, particularly in vocabulary acquisition and fluency enhancement.

Package C equivalency education is a strategic non-formal education policy designed to provide senior secondary education access for citizens who are not served by the formal schooling system. This study evaluates the implementation of the Package C Equivalency Education Policy at the Non-Formal Education Unit Sanggar Kegiatan Belajar in Batudaa District, Gorontalo Regency, Indonesia. The study addresses the gap between the policy objective of expanding equitable access to secondary education and the practical constraints found in local implementation. Using a qualitative evaluative case study design, the research applies the Context, Input, Process, and Product evaluation model. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and document analysis involving program managers, tutors, learners, parents, alumni, and non-formal education supervisors. The findings show that the policy is contextually relevant to learners who face economic barriers, employment demands, age constraints, and limited access to formal schooling. However, input capacity remains insufficient due to limited tutor availability, inadequate andragogical competence, insufficient learning media, and learning modules that are not yet fully contextualized. The process dimension reveals inconsistent learning schedules, lecture-dominated instruction, weak adult-learning practices, and suboptimal monitoring. Product evaluation indicates positive outcomes in graduation, academic confidence, and access to administrative requirements for work or further study, but practical skills and socio-economic impacts remain limited. The study concludes that Package C policy implementation requires stronger socialization, tutor capacity development, contextual learning resources, flexible learning management, and local policy support to generate sustainable public value.

This study examines contextual discipleship as a strategic approach to Christian education in a multicultural society. It employs a convergent mixed-methods design to obtain a comprehensive understanding of how discipleship contributes to students’ spiritual growth and character formation. Quantitative data were gathered through structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with relevant participants. The findings show that contextual discipleship significantly strengthens students’ understanding of faith, promotes tolerance and respect for diversity, encourages social engagement, and helps students respond wisely to challenges arising from technological development and digital culture. Contextual discipleship becomes effective when it is implemented consistently, supported by relational mentoring, and grounded in the translation of Gospel values into the learners’ real-life social context. The study concludes that contextual discipleship is a strategic and transformative model for developing holistic Christian education that is spiritually formative, socially responsive, and relevant to multicultural realities. Therefore, this approach can strengthen Christian educational practice and equip learners to live faithfully, responsibly, and constructively within diverse contemporary communities amid ongoing social, cultural, and increasingly digital transformation today.

This study discusses inclusive education in Early Childhood Education from the perspective of Mel Ainscow. Inclusive education is an educational approach that provides equal learning opportunities for all children without discrimination, including those with diverse learning needs. The purpose of this study is to describe the concept of inclusive education according to Mel Ainscow and to analyze its implementation in the development of early childhood education. This research employs a qualitative approach using library research methods. The data were collected from various written sources, including books, scientific journals, research articles, and documents related to inclusive education and early childhood education. Documentation techniques were used for data collection, while the data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings reveal that according to Mel Ainscow, inclusive education is a continuous process aimed at increasing the participation of all learners and reducing barriers to learning within educational environments. In the context of early childhood education, inclusive education can be implemented through flexible learning methods, child-friendly learning environments, and active collaboration between teachers and parents in supporting children’s development. The implementation of inclusive education also contributes positively to children’s social and emotional development, as they learn to respect diversity from an early age. However, several challenges remain, including limited facilities, insufficient teacher competence, and a lack of public understanding regarding inclusive education. Therefore, collaboration among schools, families, and the government is necessary to create an inclusive, equitable, and diversity-respecting early childhood education system.

This study explores Indonesian EFL student teachers’ experiences of learning to write news articles through blogging in a Journalism course. The study was motivated by the need to provide meaningful and genre-based writing practice for EFL student teachers, who often face difficulties in generating ideas, organizing information, meeting genre expectations, and writing for authentic aences. Employing a qualitative case study design, the study involved twenty undergraduate student teachers from a private Islamic university in Tangerang, Indonesia; all participants completed an online quetaire, and five volunteers joined follow-up semi-structured interviews. The questionnaire data were alysed descriptively, while the interview data were examined thematically. The findings indicate that blogging supported regular writing practice, helped students understand news text structure, enouraged clearer organization of headlines, leads, and supporting details, and increased engagement by allowing students to publish and share their work. Blogging also promoted peer interaction and selfevaluation because students could read, compare, and comment on one another’s posts. However, some paticpants eprienced challenges related to technical blogging skills, uncertainty about writing standards, limited peer feedback, and discomfort with public online publication. The study concludes that blogging can serve as a useful platform for EFL news writing when it is supported by explicit istrucion, relevant tasks, clear assessment criteria, structured feedback, and ethical awareness in using digital and AI-driven tools.

Inclusive education aims to provide equal learning opportunities for all students, including those with special needs, within regular educational settings. However, mathematics learning in inclusive classrooms remains challenging because mathematical concepts are often abstract and require logical reasoning that may not be easily accessible to learners with diverse cognitive characteristics. Ethnomathematics has emerged as an alternative approach by integrating cultural practices, local wisdom, and students’ daily experiences into mathematics instruction, creating more meaningful and accessible learning environments. This study aims to analyze the development, implementation patterns, opportunities, and research gaps related to ethnomathematics in inclusive mathematics learning. A literature review method was employed by examining scientific publications from 2020–2025 obtained from Google Scholar, Scopus, ERIC, Springer, and ProQuest databases. Data were analyzed through content analysis involving reduction, classification, interpretation, and synthesis. The findings indicate that ethnomathematics has been implemented through cultural artifacts, digital teaching materials, and project-based contextual learning. The approach supports inclusive learning through multi-representational access, instructional adaptations, scaffolding strategies, and collaborative teaching practices aligned with Universal Design for Learning principles. Furthermore, ethnomathematics enhances students’ motivation, conceptual understanding, mathematical literacy, and cultural identity. Nevertheless, studies focusing on disability-specific adaptations and long-term learning outcomes remain limited and require further investigation.

This article examines the dialogue between John Calvin’s educational thought and the Merdeka Curriculum within the context of Christian Religious Education (PAK) in Indonesia. Employing a qualitative-comparative approach with descriptive analysis, this study traces the points of convergence and tension between Calvin’s educational principles particularly the concept of imago Dei, holistic education, and the God-centered purpose of education and the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum such as flexibility, differentiated learning, and the Profil Pelajar Pancasila (Pancasila Student Profile). The analysis reveals significant convergence in terms of respect for the potential and uniqueness of learners, holistic educational orientation, and the role of teachers as facilitators and character formers. However, fundamental tensions also exist regarding Calvin’s theocentric theological foundation vis-à-vis the secular Pancasila foundation, the concept of discipline and authority versus student freedom, and the ultimate goal of education glorifying God versus forming the Pancasila Student Profile. Based on these findings, this article offers practical recommendations for PAK curriculum design based on the Merdeka Curriculum, a Kingdom of God-nuanced project-based learning approach, holistic assessment, and Christian character formation within the Profil Pelajar Pancasila framework. This research contributes to filling the gap in studies that dialogue the Reformed theological tradition with contemporary Indonesian national education policy.

Student engagement remains a critical determinant of academic success in elementary education, yet traditional instructional approaches often fail to sustain meaningful participation. This narrative literature review synthesizes contemporary evidence (2020–2026) on the strategic planning of Case-Based Learning (CBL) and its impact on multidimensional student engagement in primary schools. Using Google Scholar as the primary database, peer-reviewed studies were screened and thematically analyzed to identify core planning components, engagement outcomes, and contextual implementation factors. The synthesis revealed five essential instructional design elements: developmentally appropriate case selection, structured scaffolding, explicit curriculum alignment, adequate temporal allocation, and authentic assessment. Empirical findings consistently demonstrate that well-planned CBL significantly enhances behavioral participation, cognitive deepening, and affective motivation among elementary learners. However, implementation success is heavily moderated by teacher pedagogical competence, institutional support, and adaptive resource utilization. These findings underscore the necessity of integrating CBL planning frameworks into teacher professional development and curriculum design. Ultimately, strategically designed case-based instruction offers a transformative pathway to reinvigorate elementary classrooms, though sustained adoption requires targeted training, flexible policies, and further longitudinal research on engagement trajectories in primary education.

This study endeavors to elucidate the application of educational videos pertaining to Heroes' Day in fostering the social communication competencies of early childhood learners at Kindergarten 001 Bunguran Timur Laut. Social communication skills are essential for young children as they support language development, social interaction, emotional expression, and the ability to build positive relationships with others. Therefore, educators are encouraged to utilize innovative and engaging learning media that can effectively stimulate children's communication abilities. The methodological framework employed in this investigation was qualitative in nature, utilizing a descriptive approach. The participant cohort comprised 15 children from Group B, aged between 5–6 years. Data were gathered through systematic observation, structured interviews, and comprehensive documentation to obtain a thorough understanding of the learning process and its outcomes. The findings revealed that the integration of educational videos concerning Heroes' Day facilitated the development of social communication skills among children, including verbal expression, responsive inquiry, collaborative engagement, and interactive discourse with peers and educators. The participants demonstrated heightened enthusiasm, greater confidence in expressing their opinions, and increased active participation throughout the instructional sequence. Moreover, the visual and auditory elements of the videos helped children better understand the learning material and encouraged meaningful discussions. Consequently, educational videos pertaining to Heroes' Day may serve as an effective pedagogical medium for nurturing the social communication competencies of early childhood learners at Kindergarten 001 Bunguran Timur Laut.

The rapid development of globalization has significantly influenced modern education systems, requiring not only the advancement of knowledge but also the strengthening of moral and spiritual values. This study aims to analyze the integration of Islamic values within modern education systems in the era of globalization. The research employs a qualitative approach with a library research method, utilizing various academic sources such as books, journals, and relevant documents. Data are collected through documentation techniques and analyzed using content analysis to interpret and synthesize existing theories and findings. The results indicate that the integration of Islamic values can be effectively implemented through curriculum development, teaching methods, digital technology utilization, and the role of educators as value transmitters. Furthermore, the study reveals that a holistic and systematic integration approach is essential to balance intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development in learners. The implications of this research highlight the importance of developing an integrative education model that aligns Islamic principles with modern scientific and technological advancements, in order to produce individuals who are not only academically competent but also possess strong moral character in facing global challenges.

The ability to describe graphs accurately in English is an essential academic skill for EFL learners, particularly in higher education contexts where students are required to interpret and communicate visual data. However, many learners still experience difficulties in producing grammatically accurate graph descriptions. This study aims to investigate the level of grammatical accuracy demonstrated by EFL learners in graph description tasks and identify the grammatical aspects that require further improvement. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, the research analyzed 30 samples of students’ written graph descriptions produced by undergraduate learners. The analysis focused on several grammatical aspects, including subject–verb agreement, tense consistency, article usage, sentence structure, prepositions, and punctuation. The findings reveal that students frequently struggle with subject–verb agreement and article usage, while punctuation errors occurred less frequently. The study highlights that grammatical accuracy remains an important challenge for EFL learners in academic writing tasks involving data interpretation. Therefore, it is recommended that grammar instruction be integrated more intensively into graph description activities in English classes. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of more effective teaching strategies in academic writing instruction for EFL learners.

The rapid transformation of education driven by globalization and technological advancement demands adaptive learning approaches that align with the characteristics of Generation Z learners. This generation is known for its curiosity, independence in thinking, and openness to diverse perspectives, yet it is also vulnerable to misinformation and negative online influences. Within the context of Islamic education, learning is not solely oriented toward cognitive development but also emphasizes the cultivation of moral values, particularly tolerance. This study aims to explore how contextual teaching methods can contribute to fostering tolerant attitudes among Generation Z students in Islamic educational settings. The research employs a qualitative approach through library research, utilizing a descriptive-analytical framework. Data were collected from various sources, including academic journals, books, and previous studies related to contextual learning, multicultural education, and Generation Z characteristics. The data collection technique involved document analysis, followed by content analysis procedures such as data reduction, categorization, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that contextual learning effectively promotes tolerance by engaging students in discussion, problem-solving, reflection, and real-life experiences. The integration of multicultural values and the role of teachers as facilitators and role models further strengthen this process. However, challenges remain, including limited teacher understanding, the persistence of conventional methods, inadequate supporting facilities, and the influence of social media. Overall, contextual learning presents a relevant strategy for developing open-minded, balanced, and socially adaptive Generation Z learners.

This study starts from the observation that Christian education is still often delivered in a one-way, top-down manner. As a result, learners are less actively engaged in understanding their faith and social lives. Paulo Freire’s ideas on critical education offer an approach that emphasizes dialogue, participation, and social change. This study aims to examine Christian educational theology through Freire’s perspective and to explore how his ideas can be applied in learning processes. A qualitative approach was used, employing library research methods—reading, note-taking, and analyzing written sources related to Freire’s thought and Christian educational theology. The findings indicate that Freire’s approach can shift education from teacher-centered to learner-centered. Learning becomes more dialogical, encouraging critical thinking and deeper understanding of reality. Christian education then focuses not only on knowledge of faith but also on character development and spiritual life. Consequently, Christian education should be developed to be more open, participatory, and dialogical through activities such as group discussions, open Q&A sessions, and faith reflection. This enables learners to grow in faith while developing stronger social awareness. Future research is recommended to study the direct application of Freire’s ideas in Christian educational institutions.

The development of globalization and digital culture has given rise to an epistemological crisis that shifts the authority of truth from revelation to social construction, so that the authority of the Bible in Christian education is increasingly marginalized. This condition has an impact on the low internalization of the value of faith, where students understand the Bible cognitively but do not live it in daily practice. This research aims to reconstruct the authority of the Bible in Christian education through an integrative and contextual approach in the midst of global cultural fragmentation. This research uses a qualitative approach with a library research method that integrates theological, pedagogical, and digital cultural contexts. Data were obtained from theological literature, educational theory, and relevant journal articles, which were analyzed using content analysis techniques and theological-constructive reflection. The results show that the crisis of biblical authority is influenced by epistemic shifts, the dominance of post-truth culture, low internalization of values, and non-contextual pedagogical approaches. This research creates a model of reconstruction of biblical authority that integrates the epistemological, pedagogical, and bruxistic dimensions in a transformational manner. In conclusion, this reconstruction does not change the theological substance of the Bible but updates the approach to learning to be more dialogical, reflective, and contextual, so that the authority of the Bible remains relevant in shaping the faith and character of learners in the global era.  

Children with physical disabilities in public primary schools often face unique psychological challenges, particularly regarding the development of their self-esteem. The study investigated the effects of counseling services on the growth of self-esteem in children with physical disabilities within public primary schools in Anambra State. Utilizing a descriptive survey research design, data were collected from a purposive sample of 100 respondents using a structured 4-point Likert questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted via SPSS, employing Pearson correlation, simple regression, and hierarchical multiple regression. A significant positive relationship was found between counseling services and self-esteem development, where r equals 0.506 and p equals 0.000. Regression analysis confirmed counseling services significantly predicted self-esteem, accounting for 25.6 percent of its development, with R squared at 0.256, F at 33.740, and p at 0.000. Demographic factors did not significantly moderate this relationship, as gender showed p at 0.359, age showed p at 0.549, and class level showed p at 0.675. Counseling services are crucial for increasing self-esteem among physically disabled children, independent of demographic factors. Consequently, schools should intensify counseling programs to enhance the mental health of these learners.