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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 article reviews the history and transformation of madrasah management in Indonesia. Emerging in the early twentieth century, madrasahs developed as educational institutions that combined the traditional values of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) with the organizational structure of modern schools. This study employs a literature review method to examine the evolution of madrasah governance from the colonial era to the reform era. The findings reveal three major stages in the development of madrasah management. The first stage was the early period, during which madrasahs were independently managed by religious leaders and Islamic organizations with limited government involvement. The second stage was the post-independence integration period, characterized by increasing government intervention in curriculum development, institutional regulation, and legal recognition. The third stage was the modernization era, marked by the issuance of the Joint Decree of the Three Ministers in 1975 and the enactment of the National Education System Law of 2003, which strengthened the position of madrasahs within the national education system and placed them on an equal footing with public schools. These developments encouraged madrasahs to adopt Madrasah-Based Management (MBM) as a strategy to improve educational quality, effectiveness, and competitiveness. Overall, the transformation of madrasah management reflects an adaptive process that enables madrasahs to respond to educational reforms and societal changes while maintaining their distinctive Islamic identity and educational mission.  

Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning management in the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum emphasizes flexibility and creativity in teaching. This curriculum is designed to improve the quality of education, educators must be given the opportunity to develop more innovative and responsive learning methods that suit the needs of students. In this context, PAI learning in the Merdeka Curriculum focuses more on strengthening character education. Therefore, educators are expected to use learning management proportionally through the steps of planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating. This study examines the learning management of Islamic Religious Education in the Merdeka Curriculum at Asa Cendekia Junior High School. This research was conducted using a qualitative method through data collection using interviews, observation, and documentation involving the principal and Islamic Religious Education (PAI) subject teachers. The results showed that the implementation of Islamic Religious Education learning management at Asa Cendekia Junior High School is well structured and integrated. This has a positive impact, not only on academic achievement, but also on the character building of students as noble individuals.

This study's objective is to describe the implementation of teaching modules as a Christian Religious Education learning strategy at Palangka Raya Christian High School. Teaching modules are used as learning tools in the Merdeka Curriculum to help teachers design structured, contextual, and student-centered learning. Seventeen students in the tenth grade served as research subjects for this study, which employed a descriptive qualitative method. Data collection was carried out thru observation of the learning process, analysis of learning documents, and evaluation results of student learning. The study's findings show that the implementation of teaching modules is able to support the systematic implementation of learning, increase students' active participation in discussions and group activities, and help achieve fairly good assessment results. Nevertheless, some constraints were found in the implementation of learning, such as time limitations and supporting facilities. Overall, the implementation of the teaching module has positive implications for improving the quality of the Christian Religious Education learning process and outcomes, and has the potential to be developed sustainably to shape students' character based on Christian values.  

This study discusses the implementation of the Self-Directed Learning Programme by integrating Learning Outcomes (CP), Learning Objectives (TP), and Learning Objective Processes (ATP) to enhance teaching quality and teacher professionalism. Using a library research method, this study analyses relevant scientific literature to understand the relationship between the integration of the three components of the education programme and classroom teaching practices. The research findings indicate that teachers still encounter challenges in understanding and integrating CP, TP, and ATP, particularly in planning, implementing teaching strategies, and conducting authentic assessments. However, when this integration is well executed, the teaching process becomes more purposeful, flexible and responsive to students' needs. Furthermore, integrating CP–TP–ATP has been shown to strengthen teachers' professionalism by enhancing their understanding of the curriculum, their ability to design learning activities, and their capacity to conduct competency-based assessment. This study confirms that the successful implementation of the Free Education Programme depends heavily on teachers' ability to understand the curriculum's structure and to integrate these three components consistently. Therefore, training, supporting, and developing teachers' competencies is an important requirement for the effective and sustainable implementation of the Liberal Education Programme.

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.

Advances in digital technology provide numerous opportunities to improve the quality of education, particularly in Social Studies (IPS) learning at the elementary school level. One important innovation is the use of digital interactive map media that enables students to learn geography in a visual, engaging, and relevant way. However, in practice, IPS learning in elementary schools is still dominated by conventional methods that rely on static printed maps, resulting in low student motivation and suboptimal understanding of geographic concepts, particularly those related to the ASEAN region. This study aims to evaluate the impact of using digital interactive map media on learning motivation and understanding of ASEAN geographic concepts among elementary school students. This study uses a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach following the PRISMA 2020 procedure. The research findings indicate that consistent use of digital interactive map media can improve students' motivation in learning and their understanding of geographic concepts. Interactive visualizations encourage active engagement and enthusiasm, and help students better understand spatial concepts. Therefore, digital interactive maps can be an innovative and effective social studies learning option that aligns with the principles of the Independent Curriculum and the Pancasila Student Profile.

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 research is motivated by the low quality of learning in various educational units, one of the causes of which is the gap between curriculum design and classroom implementation. A good curriculum will not have a significant impact without effective implementation by teachers. Therefore, curriculum implementation plays a strategic role as a link between macro-level education policies and classroom learning practices. This study aims to analyze the impact of curriculum implementation on learning quality, identify supporting and inhibiting factors, and formulate strategies to strengthen learning quality. The method used is descriptive qualitative, using observation, interviews, and documentation techniques with teachers, principals, and elementary school students. The results show that the implementation of a flexible curriculum, such as the Independent Curriculum, encourages a shift from teacher-centered to student-centered learning, which increases student motivation and engagement through project-based learning and authentic assessment. However, teacher preparedness, limited infrastructure, and administrative burdens remain major obstacles. Authentic assessment has been shown to improve students' critical thinking skills and creativity, but requires consistent managerial support. The implication is that improving the quality of learning must be accompanied by strengthening teacher competency, the availability of resources, and adaptive school management so that curriculum transformation has a real impact on the quality of national education

This research is motivated by the low quality of learning in various educational units, one of the causes of which is the gap between curriculum design and classroom implementation. A good curriculum will not have a significant impact without effective implementation by teachers. Therefore, curriculum implementation plays a strategic role as a link between macro-level education policies and classroom learning practices. This study aims to analyze the impact of curriculum implementation on learning quality, identify supporting and inhibiting factors, and formulate strategies to strengthen learning quality. The method used is descriptive qualitative, using observation, interviews, and documentation techniques with teachers, principals, and elementary school students. The results show that the implementation of a flexible curriculum, such as the Independent Curriculum, encourages a shift from teacher-centered to student-centered learning, which increases student motivation and engagement through project-based learning and authentic assessment. However, teacher preparedness, limited infrastructure, and administrative burdens remain major obstacles. Authentic assessment has been shown to improve students' critical thinking skills and creativity, but requires consistent managerial support. The implication is that improving the quality of learning must be accompanied by strengthening teacher competency, the availability of resources, and adaptive school management so that curriculum transformation has a real impact on the quality of national education

Learning evaluation is an important element in the educational process because it allows us to determine the extent to which students have achieved their competencies and helps improve the quality of learning. Objective tests are considered relevant because they can measure students' thinking abilities efficiently and systematically. However, in PAI learning, there are challenges because what is assessed is not only knowledge, but also understanding, attitudes, and actions in religion. This study aims to analyze the application of objective test instruments in evaluating PAI learning at SMA Negeri 1 Jetis Bantul, including how teachers create questions, the difficulties they encounter, and the impact on students. This study uses a qualitative approach with interview, observation, and documentation techniques, then content analysis is used to analyze the results. The findings indicate that teachers have applied HOTS-based questions in accordance with the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum. However, students still have difficulty understanding long narrative questions, and objective instruments are not appropriate for assessing affective aspects. In general, students respond positively, but their learning style tends to be instant, relying solely on question outlines. To achieve holistic educational goals in line with the Pancasila Student Profile, continuous innovation is needed in the development of objective testing instruments that are capable of comprehensively measuring cognitive, affective, and psychomotor aspects.

This study aims to determine the influence of the Independent Learning Independent Campus Program (MBKM) on the soft skills of students of the class of 2021 in the Department of Economic Education, Gorontalo State University. The method used is quantitative with an explanatory approach, which aims to explain the causal relationship between the variables of the MBKM program and students' soft skills. Primary data was obtained through the distribution of questionnaires to 35 respondents who were active students in the batch. Data analysis was performed using simple linear regression with the help of SPSS software version 21. The results of the study show that the MBKM Program has a positive and significant influence on students' soft skills. This means that the higher the level of student involvement in the MBKM program, the better their abilities in terms of communication, teamwork, time management, adaptability, and confidence. The magnitude of the influence of the MBKM program on students' soft skills reached 65.3%, while the remaining 34.7% was influenced by other factors that were not discussed in this study. These findings provide important implications for the development of curriculum and learning strategies in higher education, especially in integrating the MBKM program as an effort to improve the quality of graduates who are ready to face the challenges of the world of work and global society.  

This study aims to examine the development, challenges, and prospects of the Indonesian education system from a historical, regulatory, and curriculum perspective. Using a descriptive qualitative method with a library study approach, this study examines relevant literature, laws and regulations, and previous research findings. The study results indicate that the Indonesian education system is a dynamic entity, influenced by internal and external factors from the Hindu-Buddhist era, the arrival of Islam, colonialism, to the Reformation era and the Independent Curriculum. A strong legal basis through the 1945 Constitution and Law Number 20 of 2003 provides a basic framework for national education, but in practice, challenges still arise in the form of disparities in quality between regions, limited facilities, and educator readiness. The Independent Curriculum is one of the latest innovations that emphasizes flexibility, 21st-century competencies, and the Pancasila student profile, although its implementation faces technical and resource constraints. This research emphasizes the importance of consistent education policies, strengthening teacher competencies, and equalizing access and facilities as strategic steps in realizing the national goal of enlightening the nation's life and preparing a generation with character, innovation, and the ability to compete globally.

This study aims to analyze the representation of character values within the Eight Dimensions of Graduate Profiles aligned with the vision of the Pancasila Student Profile in Amalia Najichah’s poems from the anthology Surat dari Samudera (Letters from the Ocean). The research employs a qualitative approach using content analysis, complemented by stylistic and literary reception theories. The data consist of six poems analyzed based on eight character dimensions: Faith and Piety to God Almighty, Citizenship, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Independence, Health, and Communication. The findings reveal that all poems reflect these character values, with Citizenship and Collaboration as the most dominant dimensions. Stylistic analysis shows that the use of repetition, metaphor, and onomatopoeia not only enhances aesthetic quality but also reinforces moral and social messages. Meanwhile, reception theory analysis indicates that young readers can internalize these values cognitively, affectively, and socially through reflective and contextual reading experiences. The study concludes that youth poetry has strong potential as an effective medium for character education in the Merdeka Curriculum, both in intracurricular and co-curricular contexts. Therefore, Amalia Najichah’s works serve not only as aesthetic expressions of adolescence but also as strategic instruments for shaping a faithful, independent, collaborative, and Pancasila-oriented generation.

The implementation of teaching and learning activities in Indonesia is guided by the Curriculum. The curriculum is developed and refined in line with the rapid development of science and technology and the evolution of society. In the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, major changes have occurred in the world of education, especially in Indonesia, with a shift from direct learning in classrooms to distance education based on digital technology. The aim of this research is to analyze the effect of implementing the Independent Curriculum at SDN 060826 Kec. Medan Area. Through this approach, it is hoped to obtain a clearer picture of the effectiveness of the curriculum in improving the quality of education as well as identifying obstacles and opportunities that arise in its implementation. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method to analyze the effect of implementing the Merdeka Curriculum at SDN 060826 Kec. Medan Area. Research conducted by researchers at SDN 060826 Kec. Medan Area, it can be seen that they always regularly attend training from both the principal and teachers and to strengthen teachers' understanding of the Independent Learning Curriculum, teachers always hold monthly meetings with the Teacher Working Group (KKG) to resolve various problems related to the Independent Learning Curriculum. as well as to increase teacher competence in the process of teaching and learning activities.

The Merdeka Learning - Merdeka Campus (MBKM) policy is a groundbreaking initiative in Indonesia’s higher education system, aiming to create more flexible learning opportunities, connect students with the workforce, and integrate experiential learning. The key strength of this policy lies in its ability to empower students to develop independent learning through extracurricular activities that align with their competencies. At Yudharta Pasuruan University, MBKM has been adopted as an important strategy to enhance the quality of education while preparing graduates to be adaptive and competent in an ever-changing job market. The main aim of this research is to analyze how the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the MBKM program at Yudharta Pasuruan University contribute to improving student independence in learning. The focus of this study includes examining curriculum management, faculty support, and the university's partnerships with external organizations, which are all vital components of the MBKM program. This research uses a qualitative approach, with data collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. The data analysis process involves data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study indicate that Yudharta Pasuruan University has successfully implemented MBKM through clear policy planning, curriculum adjustments, and the strengthening of external partnerships. Students have gained significant benefits, including increased independence in learning, enhanced critical thinking skills, improved adaptability, and valuable real-world experiences in their chosen fields. These outcomes show that the MBKM program at Yudharta Pasuruan University plays a critical role in transforming higher education, making it more relevant, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of both students and the workforce. This research underscores the importance of MBKM in encouraging the development of a more independent and competent generation of graduates.

Integrated Islamic Early Childhood Education (PAUD IT) Baitul Izzah Bengkulu is an Islamic-based educational institution that integrates a holistic curriculum grounded in Islamic morals with the national curriculum to shape superior, creative, independent, and noble-charactered generations from an early age. Located within the Great Mosque Baitul Izzah complex in Bengkulu City, the institution aims to prosper the mosque as a center for religious learning, introduce children to the mosque environment, and provide high-quality Islamic education amid the growing public demand for Islamic schools. This institution emphasizes the development of religious character, social skills, and cognitive abilities in a balanced manner. Through five core missions fostering love for Allah SWT and Prophet Muhammad SAW in daily learning activities, educating children intelligently and creatively, facilitating children’s potential and talent development, implementing enjoyable and child-centered learning methods, and continuously enhancing the quality of human resources PAUD IT Baitul Izzah actively supports early character building that is consistently aligned with Islamic values and educational goals.

This study examines the relationship between material mastery and draping practice outcomes among students in the Family Welfare Vocational Education (PVKK) Fashion Design Study Program at PGRI Adi Buana University, Surabaya. Draping, as a technique for making patterns directly on a mannequin or the human body, is an important course in fashion design synchronization. This technique allows students to develop creativity, understand the proportions, shapes, and volumes of fabric, and produce unique works that suit the curves of the body. This study used a quantitative approach by collecting data from 60 student respondents from the 2021 and 2022 intakes through questionnaires and documentation. The variables studied were draping material mastery (independent variable) and draping practice outcomes (dependent variable). The analysis results showed a significant and positive relationship between material mastery and draping practice outcomes. The better the material mastery, the better the students' draping practice outcomes. This emphasizes that a strong theoretical understanding is an important foundation for practical skills, and learning theory and practice must be balanced to optimally improve the quality of student work. These findings have important implications for curriculum development and learning methods in the PVKK Fashion Design Study Program. To support the achievement of optimal practical results, teaching strategies are needed that integrate theory and practice in a more interactive and applicable way. For example, the use of video tutorial-based learning media, digital draping simulations, or project-based learning can strengthen students' understanding while improving their technical skills. Furthermore, increasing the intensity of practice with direct feedback from lecturers has also proven effective in accelerating technical mastery. With a holistic and adaptive learning approach, vocational education institutions can produce graduates who are not only technically competent but also competent.

Student interest in becoming a teacher remains a major challenge in preparing prospective professional teachers, especially amidst increasingly complex changes and demands in education. This study aims to analyze the influence of the School Field Introduction (PLP) experience and perceptions of the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) program on student interest in becoming a teacher. This study used a quantitative approach with a multiple linear regression method. The population in this study were all students of the Economics Education Study Program at Surabaya State University, intake 2020–2022, with a sample of 150 students selected purposively. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire instrument distributed online via Google Form. The collected data were analyzed using multiple linear regression tests to examine the partial and simultaneous effects of the independent variables on the dependent variable. The results of the analysis indicate that partially, the PLP experience does not have a significant effect on interest in becoming a teacher. Conversely, student perceptions of the PPG program show a positive and significant effect on interest in becoming a teacher. Simultaneously, the PLP experience and PPG perceptions significantly influence student interest in becoming a teacher. These findings indicate that perceptions of PPG have a more dominant contribution in shaping interest in becoming a teacher than PLP experience. Therefore, it is crucial for educational institutions to improve the understanding and quality of PPG program implementation to encourage students' interest in pursuing a career as teachers. This research provides practical implications for curriculum designers and teacher education program managers to place greater emphasis on students' perceptions and readiness for PPG in order to produce professional and highly motivated teachers.

This study develops Prezi-based audio-visual learning media aimed at improving motivation and economics learning outcomes for Grade X students at SMA X. The primary issue addressed is the low motivation and achievement among students due to the use of monotonous teaching methods and unengaging media. This research distinguishes itself by integrating Prezi’s Zooming User Interface (ZUI) with economics content, aligning with the independent curriculum and the Pancasila student profile. The study follows the Four-D Research and Development (R&D) model, consisting of Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate phases. Data were collected through needs analysis, expert validation, and a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design. Two classes, each consisting of 36 students, participated in the study. The learning media developed integrates various components such as text, images, charts, animations, and audio explanations, creating a comprehensive and interactive learning experience. The media was validated and found to be suitable, practical, and flexible for classroom use. The experimental group using the Prezi-based learning media saw a significant improvement in their learning outcomes. The average score of this group increased from 43.472 to 86, showing a substantial gain. In contrast, the control group, which used traditional methods, showed a smaller increase in average score, from 43.056 to 66.389. These results indicate that Prezi-based media is an effective tool for enhancing students' motivation and learning outcomes. It provides an innovative and engaging alternative for teachers, making economics content more dynamic and accessible. The study suggests that integrating such audio-visual tools can play a crucial role in improving the quality of learning, fostering both student engagement and academic achievement.