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Social Studies (IPS) learning in elementary schools plays an essential role in developing students’ critical thinking skills and civic attitudes as part of 21st-century competencies. However, in practice, IPS learning is still commonly teacher-centered and lacks contextual learning experiences, resulting in low student engagement and limited development of higher-order thinking skills. This study aims to analyze the implementation of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in IPS learning to enhance critical thinking skills and civic attitudes of grade VI students at SDN Prekbun. The research employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with teachers, students, school principals, and parents, as well as documentation of learning activities. Data analysis was conducted using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings indicate that the implementation of PjBL effectively enhances students’ active participation, critical thinking skills in analyzing social issues, and civic attitudes such as responsibility, cooperation, and social awareness. Learning becomes more meaningful as students are directly involved in contextual, collaborative, and problem-based project activities. Despite these positive outcomes, several challenges were identified, including limited learning facilities, time management constraints, and variations in students’ confidence levels. This study implies that PjBL is an effective instructional model for strengthening character education and developing 21st-century skills in elementary social studies learning

This research was motivated by the relatively low level of student learning activities, indicated by limited participation in asking questions, answering, and expressing opinions during the learning process. In addition, some students showed low concentration and attention to the teacher’s explanations. The learning process was still teacher-centered, which reduced student activeness and affected learning outcomes. To address this problem, teachers need to apply learning methods that encourage student participation while improving learning outcomes. One method that can be applied, particularly in social studies subjects, is the Quiz Team learning method. This study aimed to determine the effect of the Quiz Team learning method assisted by Baambozle media on student activity and learning outcomes in social studies at MTsN 6 Tulungagung. The study used a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design, specifically a non-equivalent control group design. Data were collected through questionnaires, tests, and documentation. Questionnaires were used to measure student learning activity, while tests were used to assess learning outcomes. The sample consisted of 32 students in the control class and 32 students in the experimental class selected through purposive sampling. The results showed that the Quiz Team method assisted by Baambozle media significantly affected students’ activity and learning outcomes, indicated by a Sig. (2-tailed) value of 0.000 < 0.05. The findings imply that this method can enhance student activity and consequently improve learning outcomes.

Social Studies (IPS) learning at the elementary school level plays a strategic role in shaping students’ understanding of social, cultural, and economic life, as well as national values. This study aims to analyze the differences between the 2013 Curriculum and the Merdeka Curriculum in IPS learning, including planning, implementation, the use of methods and media, and the assessment of learning outcomes. The research employed a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study, collecting data from curriculum documents, lesson plans (RPP), syllabi, classroom observations, interviews with teachers and school principals, and student questionnaires. The results indicate that the 2013 Curriculum provides a clear learning structure, detailed lesson plans, and systematic material organization that facilitates teachers, but it is less flexible and less contextualized for students. In contrast, the Merdeka Curriculum emphasizes flexibility, relevance of content to the local context, innovative methods such as project-based learning and blended learning, as well as holistic assessment focusing on critical thinking skills, social literacy, and student character. The implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum can enhance students’ learning interest, active participation, understanding of social concepts, and social awareness; however, its effectiveness depends on teacher readiness, school support, facilities, and consistency in assessment. These findings suggest that selecting an appropriate IPS curriculum should consider a balance between structure and flexibility, content relevance, teacher competence, and supporting facilities.

In the era of globalization and rapid technological advancement, Indonesia’s indigenous culture faces various challenges that may gradually erode traditional values within society, particularly among the younger generation. Local cultural diversity represents a vital national asset that must be preserved and sustained through strategic efforts, one of which is education. Social studies education plays an important role in instilling students’ knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of local cultural diversity as an essential component of national identity. This article aims to examine the contribution of social studies education to the development of students’ character through respect for cultural diversity in their surrounding environment, the cultivation of tolerance, and the enhancement of cultural awareness. The study adopts a qualitative descriptive approach using a literature review methodology by analyzing relevant academic sources, including books, journal articles, and previous research findings. The results reveal that integrating local culture and indigenous knowledge into social studies learning can strengthen students’ social awareness, deepen their understanding of cultural values, and foster responsible, empathetic, and tolerant character traits. Moreover, the effectiveness of local culture–based social studies education is strongly influenced by the role of teachers as facilitators, motivators, and role models who provide contextual, relevant, and meaningful learning experiences for students.  

This study investigates (1) the impact of the Flipped Classroom model on students’ learning independence in Social Studies, (2) its effect on Social Studies achievement, and (3) its simultaneous influence on both variables among Grade VIII students at SMPN 10 Satap Liukang Tangaya. A quantitative approach was applied using a quasi-experimental method with a Non-Equivalent Control Group Design. The sample comprised 33 students, with 17 assigned to the experimental class and 16 to the control class. Data collection instruments included a learning independence questionnaire, Social Studies achievement tests, observation sheets, and documentation. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, normality and homogeneity tests, paired samples t-tests, independent samples t-tests, and MANOVA using SPSS. The findings reveal that the Flipped Classroom model significantly enhances students’ learning independence, as evidenced by independent samples t-test results (Sig. < 0.05). It also significantly improves Social Studies learning outcomes, indicated by higher posttest scores in the experimental class compared to the control class (Sig. < 0.05). Furthermore, MANOVA results confirm a significant simultaneous effect on both learning independence and achievement (Sig. < 0.05). These results demonstrate that the Flipped Classroom model effectively improves the overall quality of Social Studies instruction for Grade VIII students.

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.

This study aims to: (1) describe the implementation of local wisdom–based learning in the teaching process of Grade VII B at UPT SMP Negeri 4 Kelara Jeneponto; (2) determine the improvement of students’ social awareness after the implementation of local wisdom–based learning; and (3) identify the enhancement of students’ learning culture through the application of this learning model. The research employed a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design using the Kemmis and McTaggart model, conducted in two cycles consisting of planning, action, observation, and reflection. The subjects were 25 seventh-grade students, focusing on two main variables: social awareness and learning culture. Data were collected through observation, questionnaires, and documentation, and analyzed using descriptive quantitative and qualitative techniques. The findings indicate that the integration of Jeneponto cultural values Tabe’ Karaeng, Sipakatau, Sipakalabbiri, Sipakainga, Siri’ na Pacce, Akbulo Sibatang, and empo sipitangari was implemented effectively and became more optimal in Cycle II after improvements were made through Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and the use of more contextual local cases. Students’ social awareness increased from an average of 63.13% in Cycle I (categorized as Fair) to 80.42% in Cycle II (categorized as High). Similarly, students’ learning culture improved from 69.69% (Fair) in Cycle I to 82.66% (High) in Cycle II, meeting the classical mastery criteria. The study concludes that integrating local wisdom into classroom instruction not only strengthens students’ understanding of social studies content but is also effective in shaping their social character and learning habits. This model is recommended for development in other subjects and educational levels.

This study aims to analyze the obstacles in Social Studies (IPS) learning related to global issues influenced by technological advancement through a literature review method. Social Studies plays an essential role in shaping students’ understanding of social, economic, cultural, and political life while fostering global awareness in the digital era. However, in practice, IPS learning often faces various challenges that reduce its effectiveness and attractiveness. One of the main problems is students ’low interestin IPS, as it is often perceived as boring and overly theoretical, combined with the influence of technology that diverts students’ attention toward digital entertainment. Other contributing factors include non-interactive teaching methods, limited learning facilities, unconducive classroom environments, and a lack of parental support. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study found that relevant strategies to overcome these issues include Project-Based Learning, Technology Integration, and Contextual Approaches. These strategies enable students to learn actively, critically, and collaboratively by linking IPS material to global issues and real-world phenomena. The recommended solutions include implementing project-based education, utilizing interactive digital media, and fostering intercultural dialogue within the learning process. The results of this study are expected to provide theoretical contributions to the development of adaptive IPS learning models in response to technological progress, as well as practical benefits for teachers, schools, and policymakers in creating Social Studies learning that is engaging, meaningful, and relevant to the global challenges of the 21st century.

This study aims to analyze various obstacles in Social Sciences (IPS) learning related to global issues that are increasingly influenced by technological advances, through literature study methods. Social studies has a strategic role in shaping students' understanding of social, economic, cultural, and political aspects, as well as fostering global awareness in the digital era. However, the effectiveness of social studies learning still faces a number of obstacles, especially low student interest because the material is considered boring, too theoretical, and less interesting than digital entertainment. In addition, less interactive learning methods, limited facilities, unconducive classroom environment, and lack of parental support also worsen the quality of learning. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study identifies several relevant learning strategies to overcome these constraints, including ProjectBased Learning, technology integration, and contextual approaches. These three strategies allow students to learn actively, critically, and collaboratively by relating social studies materials to global issues and real phenomena. This research provides theoretical contributions to the development of social studies learning models that are adaptive to technological developments, as well as practical benefits for teachers, schools, and policymakers in creating social studies learning that is more interesting, meaningful, and relevant to the global challenges of the 21st century.

Social Studies instruction at the elementary school level plays a strategic role in instilling civic values in students, thereby preparing them to behave as good citizens within the social environment. This study employed a Research and Development (R&D) method conducted in Grade IV at SDN Kebumen 02 using the ADDIE development model, which includes the stages of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The findings indicate that the Senada song–based learning media developed using Articulate Storyline 3, which contains material on the diversity of ethnic groups and nations in Indonesia, was designed in accordance with instructional needs, received a “very feasible” rating from both content and media experts, and was proven effective as a supporting medium for Social Studies learning in improving the learning outcomes of Grade IV students, as evidenced by the results of paired t-tests and N-Gain analyses conducted in both small and large groups. This media has also proven effective in improving student learning outcomes, as tested using paired t-tests and N-Gain tests in small and large groups. These results indicate that song-based media can improve student motivation and learning outcomes in social studies.

This study aims to identify and describe the teaching process of Social Studies (IPS) in third-grade elementary school through direct observation. The method used involved an observation sheet designed in accordance with the research objectives to collect information on teacher and student activities, the teaching approach applied, and the use of teaching materials. The research findings revealed that although students were less actively involved, the lecture technique was still the main method in teaching Social Studies in third-grade elementary school. However, the practice of interactive instructional strategies, such as group discussions, the effective use of suitable instructional media is believed to enhance learners’ participation and foster greater motivation in the learning process. Furthermore, a harmonious interaction between educators and students also plays a role in establishing a supportive and comfortable learning atmosphere. The main obstacles include limited teaching materials and limited learning time. This study concludes that teaching Social Studies at the elementary school level needs to utilize a variety of interesting techniques and teaching materials to increase learning efficiency and foster student interest. These results provide useful empirical data as a basis for evaluating and improving Social Studies teaching in third-grade elementary school, so that it is more appropriate to the characteristics and needs of students.

This study aims to explore and improve the quality of Social Studies (IPS) instruction at SD Negeri 04 Palembang by integrating interactive learning media and collaborative teaching strategies, especially in the “Map Layout” topic for fifth-grade students. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the researchers gathered data through document analysis, conversations with teachers and students, as well as direct observation of learning activities. The findings show that the use of visual learning tools, cooperative group work, and contextual tasks related to students’ everyday environments helps make Social Studies lessons more engaging and meaningful. Simple interactive materials such as illustrated school layouts were shown to increase students’ participation and strengthen their understanding of spatial concepts. Overall, the integration of interactive media with collaborative learning approaches contributes to a more dynamic classroom atmosphere, supports deeper conceptual comprehension, and enhances students’ motivation to learn. This approach demonstrates strong potential for improving IPS learning outcomes in elementary education.  

This study aims to determine the effect of library facilities on students' interest in reading books in economics for grades 10, 11, and 12, majoring in social studies at SMA Negeri 1 Kabila, Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province. This study used a quantitative approach. Data collection methods used in this study were observation, documentation, and questionnaires. Based on the description above, the population in this study was 489 students in grades 10, 11, and 12 majoring in social studies at SMA Negeri 1 Kabila. The sample in this study was grades 10, 11, and 12. The analytical method used was simple linear regression. The results showed an effect. The results obtained a R-squared coefficient of 0.258. This value means that 25.8% of the variability in the variable of interest in reading economics textbooks for grades 10, 11, and 12 majoring in social studies at SMA Negeri 1 Kabila, Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province can be explained by library facilities, while the remaining 74.2% is influenced by other variables not examined in this study.

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.

Social Studies (IPS) learning in elementary schools has tended to be theoretical and memorization-oriented, resulting in students being less able to connect the material with social and environmental realities. This study aims to examine the implementation of field projects as a contextual learning strategy in understanding the dynamics of humans, places, and the environment at the elementary school level. The research method used is a qualitative approach with literature studies, with data sources in the form of SINTA-indexed national journal articles, reputable international journals, and scientific books published in the last five to ten years. Analysis was carried out through literature selection, content analysis, and synthesis of findings. The results of the study indicate that field projects contribute to improving students' critical thinking skills, spatial understanding, social empathy, and ecological awareness. In addition, direct involvement in observation, interviews, and thematic project creation encourages students to see the relationship between humans, space, and the environment more holistically. The novelty of this study lies in the emphasis on the integration of field projects as an approach to elementary school social studies learning that unites social, geographical, and ecological aspects within the framework of the Independent Curriculum. These findings contribute to the development of project-based social studies learning models as well as practical recommendations for PGSD teachers in integrating field experiences into daily learning.

Education is a fundamental right that must be fought for by every child in the nation, and throughout its development, it continues to undergo innovations and evaluations toward better quality. One educational model that is growing in Indonesia is the boarding school system, which has its own characteristics, advantages, and challenges. This study aims to describe the social studies (IPS) teachers’ strategies in boarding school–based learning, the implementation of IPS learning within the boarding school environment, and the obstacles faced by IPS teachers at MTs Darul Hikmah. This research employs a qualitative approach with a case study design. The study was conducted at Pondok Modern Darul Hikmah Tulungagung, with seventh-grade students as research subjects. Data collection techniques included observation, interviews, and documentation. The results show several factors that influence the low effectiveness of IPS learning in boarding schools, including the dense institutional activity schedule that reduces students’ learning focus, teachers’ limited mastery of the subject matter and classroom management, and the dual curriculum implemented simultaneously within the institution. Efforts to improve IPS learning effectiveness include enhancing teacher discipline when entering and leaving the classroom, utilizing audio-visual learning media, and connecting learning materials with current issues to make the lessons more relevant and engaging. Furthermore, the study reveals several advantages of boarding school–based education, such as fostering students’ independence, developing social awareness, providing deeper religious instruction, and integrating both general and religious education. Thus, IPS learning in boarding schools has the potential to develop more optimally with the support of appropriate learning strategies and more structured institutional management.

This research was motivated by the findings of dishonest behavior among SMPN 2 Kalidawir students, such as cheating during exams and dishonesty in daily social interactions. This condition shows that the value of honesty has not developed optimally. Therefore, this study aims to analyze social studies teachers' strategies in instilling honesty in grade VIII students and identify supporting and inhibiting factors in the process. The focus of the research includes two things: (1) teachers' strategies in instilling honesty through social studies learning, especially materials related to social interaction and students' daily lives; and (2) factors that affect the success of teachers in shaping the character of students' honesty. The approach used is descriptive qualitative research with data collection through observation, interviews, and documentation. This method allows researchers to gain an in-depth understanding based on the interpretation of phenomena found in the field. The results of the study show that the strategy of instilling honesty values is carried out in an integrated manner through the example of teachers, habituating honest behavior, and providing positive motivation during the learning process. Teachers also integrate the value of honesty into relevant social studies materials and provide real examples in daily life. Supporting factors for the success of this strategy include consistent teacher examples, a conducive school environment, and targeted and collaborative student program support. However, there are inhibiting factors such as the influence of the environment outside the school, academic pressure, and diverse socioeconomic conditions of students. This research makes an important contribution to strengthening character education through social studies learning at the junior high school level.

Social studies learning as one of the progmatic components in the school curriculum is actually expected to support the achievement of the ideal goals of education. Through social studies education, students are fostered and developed their intellectual mental abilities to become citizens who are skilled and socially concerned and responsible in accordance with the values contained in Pancasila. Social studies learning contained in the educational curriculum is a simplification of learning materials from social science knowledge or concepts. The method in this study is research using a quantitative research approach. This research is descriptive. The sample in this study was 30 students of grade VIIIA (control) and VIIIB (experiment) of SMP Kristen Taaba District. Data collection techniques using test questions and documentation. Based on the results of research and discussion, and data analysis carried out, it can be concluded that the mind mapping learning model can affect the learning outcomes of social studies class VIII SMP Kristen Taaba District. Indicators of the assessment of learning outcomes can be seen from the students' posttest scores have increased. Based on the research objectives with the t-test hypothesis, an sg (2 – Tailed) value of < 0.05 is obtained which is 0.000 so that H0 is rejected meaning that there is an influence of the mind mapping learning model on the learning outcomes of social studies class VIII SMP Kristen Taaba District. In other words, the mind mapping learning model affects learning outcomes with categories that are quite effective.

This study aims to increase student interest in Social Studies (IPS) through the use of varied learning media in third-grade students at SD Pembangunan Laboratorium UNP. The typically boring nature of Social Studies learning can be addressed by presenting engaging media tailored to student characteristics. Varied learning media, such as educational videos, images, interactive games, and props, are expected to engage students, engage them, and enhance their understanding of the material. This study used a qualitative approach through observation and interviews to determine students' responses to the use of these media. The results showed that the use of diverse learning media increased student motivation and interest in Social Studies lessons. Students appeared more enthusiastic in discussions, asking questions, and completing assigned assignments. Thus, the use of varied media not only increased student interest but also strengthened their understanding of the material presented. This study recommends that educators at SD Pembangunan Laboratorium UNP optimize the use of varied learning media to improve the quality of Social Studies learning, thereby making the teaching and learning process more enjoyable and effective.

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