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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.  

This study is intended to reveal the content of the Pancasila Rahmatan Lil Alamin Student Profile in the Akidah Akhlak textbook for Islamic Junior High Schools based on the Merdeka Curriculum. Through a literature study approach, this research reveals the textbook combines theological, philosophical, and social practice aspects to internalize values ​​such as faith, critical thinking, and harmony in society. The results show that the Akidah Akhlak textbook successfully links spiritual intelligence with skills needed in the 21st century, thus producing students who are intelligent, spiritually strong, and responsible in society. This integration serves as a strong foundation for producing Indonesian students who reflect national identity and universal values ​​in Islam.

Civic Education holds a strategic position within the national education system as the primary instrument for shaping the personality of citizens in alignment with the values of Pancasila. This research is motivated by the phenomenon of moral degradation and the fading spirit of nationalism among the younger generation due to the unfiltered influence of globalization. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the extent of Civic Education's role in the school environment in transforming student character to possess noble morals, broad national insight, and a deep love for the motherland. The research method employed is a literature study with a qualitative approach, where data were collected through the analysis of various curriculum documents, scientific journals, and textbooks relevant to the implementation of the independent curriculum. Research findings indicate that Civic Education is not merely a theoretical transfer of civic knowledge but rather an effective process of value internalization through behavioral habituation within the school environment. The integration of teaching materials with practical applications in school life is proven to increase students' awareness of their rights and obligations as citizens. The analysis also reveals that strengthening moral character and national insight highly depends on teacher creativity in delivering interactive learning that is relevant to the students' social reality. The implications of this research emphasize the importance of revitalizing Civic Education teaching methods to be more adaptive to modern developments without losing national identity. Schools are expected to serve as laboratories of democracy and centers for sowing patriotic values to produce a golden generation that is not only intellectually competent but also possesses strong moral integrity to maintain the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia.

This study aims to develop and implement an artificial intelligence-based reading learning application using Deep Learning technology to enhance the literacy skills of eighth-grade junior high school students. The research employed the Kemmis & McTaggart Classroom Action Research model combined with a mixed-methods approach. Data collection involved pretests and posttests, complemented by observations, interviews, and questionnaires. The findings revealed that the use of this application significantly improved students' reading comprehension, question-answering skills, and overall engagement in the learning process. Key features of the application, such as adaptive learning technology, allowed for real-time adjustments to the difficulty level of the material, which catered to each student’s individual learning pace. Additionally, the provision of instant feedback enhanced the learning experience by helping students understand their progress and areas for improvement. These results suggest that the application is an effective tool in fostering literacy development and aligns with the goals of the Independent Curriculum. Consequently, this Deep Learning-based application offers a promising innovation for improving student literacy skills in the digital age. 

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

Ki Hajar Dewantara is a figure in the world of education who is influential in Indonesia and made the date of his birth, namely May 2, a national education day and the father of education is Ki Hajar Dewantara. In his writings he indicated that with various kinds and ways of expressing ideas in accordance with the time and era and the objects he faced, all of Ki Hajar Dewantara's writings contained enthusiasm and breathed struggle. Thoughts about education have also been used until now, including in this case the existence of an independent campus or independent learning initiated by Nadiem Makarim. The purpose of this study was to find out Ki Hajar Dewantara's thoughts on citizenship education. This study uses a literature review study with the existence of data collection techniques using various books and sources in studying it. While the data analysis uses the critical appraisal method. So from this, researchers produce research on civics education based on structure, curriculum content, teachers and learning models in countries that have met education standards in the world, especially in civics education. The results of the study confirm that in Ki Hajar Dewantara's book there is an important point, namely when it is related to the flow in educational philosophy, namely liberalism that regarding tolerance, in Ki Hajar Dewantara's book can be found in education and teaching that is closely related to a particular stream of life, for example religion, belief Spirituality and others in public schools may only be given as "general knowledge" and in the basic principles which presumably can promote the development of character in general, so as a general ethnic, namely manners and decency.

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

This study aims to systematically analyze the implementation of formative and summative assessments in Grade IV Islamic Religious Education (PAI) at SDN 2 Konda within the framework of the Merdeka Curriculum. The research employs a qualitative approach with a case study design to obtain an in-depth and contextual understanding of classroom assessment practices. Data were collected through classroom observations, in-depth interviews with teachers, the principal, and parents, as well as an analysis of curriculum documents and various assessment instruments used throughout the learning process. The data were analyzed using thematic coding techniques supported by NVivo software, guided by the Formative Summative Continuum framework to examine the alignment and integration between both assessment types. The findings indicate that teachers have regularly implemented formative assessment through digital quizzes, direct observation, reflective discussions, and continuous feedback, which have increased student participation and strengthened competency mastery. Meanwhile, summative assessment was conducted at the end of the semester through written tests and project-based assignments; however, it still primarily emphasizes cognitive aspects and has not fully integrated formative assessment evidence. The study also identifies limitations in the use of multidimensional rubrics, continuous portfolio management, and meaningful parental involvement in the overall evaluation process.

In the Independent Curriculum implemented in schools starting the 2024/2025 academic year, there are Learning Outcomes (CP) that read "Students are able to modify/deconstruct literary works for creative economic purposes" and "Students are able to translate one text into another for creative economic purposes". In reality, in schools, there are still few teachers who connect literary works with economic issues, many teachers are still unfamiliar with the concept of translation, not many teachers have participated in translation training, and there is no guidebook for translating literary texts into non-literary texts or vice versa. This also applies to high school Indonesian Language teachers in Rembang Regency. Combining these two Learning Outcomes and connecting them to conditions in society, this community service conducted training on translating literary works into advertising texts for high school Indonesian Language teachers in Rembang Regency. The training was carried out with the first stage providing material on translation and advertising and the second stage providing mentoring to teachers to practice translating literary works into advertising.

The development of the digital era demands that youth possess practical and applicable information technology (IT) skills to enhance competitiveness in the workforce and entrepreneurship. However, the gap between theoretical knowledge and basic technical skills—such as computer assembly, installation, and troubleshooting—remains a real challenge among youth, particularly in community settings such as the Patitech Academy in Pati Regency. The training program was implemented using experiential learning methods and a participatory approach over three days. A total of 25 participants engaged in a series of activities, including socialization, technical training, intensive mentoring, and evaluation. Measurement instruments included written pre- and post-tests, practical performance observation, and satisfaction questionnaires. Data analysis showed a significant improvement in participant competencies. The average post-test score increased by 40.2% compared to the pre-test, with 85% of participants demonstrating mastery in assembling computers, installing operating systems, and performing basic troubleshooting independently. The troubleshooting aspect recorded the highest increase (45%). The success of the program was supported by direct learning methods, an ideal participant-instructor ratio, and a curriculum relevant to industry needs. Hands-on training proved effective in significantly improving youth technical IT competencies. The program not only built hard skills but also increased participants' self-confidence and independence. For sustainability, it is recommended to develop advanced modules, strengthen industry networking, and establish a digital alumni forum. The findings of this study can serve as a model for developing youth empowerment programs based on digital skills in other communities.

This study was motivated by the important role of the school community in supporting the successful implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile as part of the Merdeka Curriculum. The purpose of this study was to analyze how principals, teachers, students, parents, and school committees contribute to the development of the six dimensions of the Pancasila Student Profile. The research used a qualitative approach with a case study design, involving in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation studies conducted at a secondary school during the period from August to October 2025. The results showed that the development of all dimensions of the Pancasila Student Profile was greatly influenced by the quality of collaboration within the school community. The principal plays a role in strengthening school policies and culture, teachers become facilitators in project-based learning, students take an active role as drivers of collaborative activities, while parents and committees provide moral support and program facilities. These findings imply that the success of strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile does not only depend on the curriculum structure, but also on the synergy of the school ecosystem that is created in a sustainable manner.

This study discusses the opportunities for the development of Islamic education from the perspective of solutions offered by the philosophy of science in the era of technological advancement. Islamic educational institutions are confronted with complex problems that cannot always be resolved independently. The philosophy of science offers several solutions on how to address the challenges commonly faced by educational institutions. Often, educational institutions focus excessively on analyzing the challenges or problems they encounter, whereas there are other aspects that can be utilized as supporting factors for the development of Islamic education, namely by examining existing opportunities and implementing them effectively. This research employs a literature review method with a qualitative approach, complemented by case study analysis across various educational institutions. Many Islamic educational institutions, both formal and non-formal, have utilized opportunities as a primary strategy for developing Islamic education. Various solutions are proposed, including curriculum integration, strengthening institutional organizational structures, improving human resources as well as facilities and infrastructure, and presenting innovative ideas implemented by institutions in developing Islamic education.

This community service activity was implemented at SDN 3 Tangkiling to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among elementary school students by integrating financial literacy and exploring creative professions. The program emphasized enhancing students' comprehension of fundamental financial principles through socialization activities and rudimentary buying and selling simulations using play money. The “Mini Shop” activity was implemented to facilitate students' learning about the value of money, the distinction between needs and wants, and the importance of saving. This activity was designed using an active and contextual learning approach, which aligns with the characteristics of elementary school students and the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum, emphasizing character building, independence, and creativity. Additionally, the exploration of creative professions was undertaken through the implementation of role-playing and interactive discussions, thereby introducing a variety of occupations and cultivating an interest in entrepreneurship from an early age. The outcomes of the activity indicated that students exhibited increased enthusiasm and comprehension of fundamental financial concepts and demonstrated an interest in elementary entrepreneurial activities. It is anticipated that this program will evolve into an inspirational learning model for instilling financial literacy and entrepreneurial spirit at the elementary school level.

This community service activity was implemented at SDN 3 Tangkiling to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among elementary school students by integrating financial literacy and exploring creative professions. The program emphasized enhancing students' comprehension of fundamental financial principles through socialization activities and rudimentary buying and selling simulations using play money. The “Mini Shop” activity was implemented to facilitate students' learning about the value of money, the distinction between needs and wants, and the importance of saving. This activity was designed using an active and contextual learning approach, which aligns with the characteristics of elementary school students and the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum, emphasizing character building, independence, and creativity. Additionally, the exploration of creative professions was undertaken through the implementation of role-playing and interactive discussions, thereby introducing a variety of occupations and cultivating an interest in entrepreneurship from an early age. The outcomes of the activity indicated that students exhibited increased enthusiasm and comprehension of fundamental financial concepts and demonstrated an interest in elementary entrepreneurial activities. It is anticipated that this program will evolve into an inspirational learning model for instilling financial literacy and entrepreneurial spirit at the elementary school level.

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

This research aims to determine the extent to which interactive quizzes can help improve students' understanding of Economics lessons in the Merdeka Curriculum, which focuses on a Deep Learning approach implemented at SMA Negeri 4 Surakarta. The results show that quite a few students have difficulty grasping economic concepts. The lack of participation and learning motivation, combined with the dominance of the lecture method, makes the learning process tend to be one-way. Conversely, the application of digital technology by educators is still very limited. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach, collecting data thru observation, interviews, and documentation. A total of five students from the eleventh grade were selected based on purposive sampling techniques who had already taken economics lessons. The results show that the quiz format contributes to increasing students' interest, attention, and participation due to the presence of visual elements, screen animation, and a game-like atmosphere. However, obstacles such as slow internet connectivity or a slightly longer completion time than estimated did arise, although they did not hinder overall learning activities. Essentially, implementing this type of quiz aligns with the direction of the Merdeka Curriculum, which emphasizes in-depth conceptual understanding while also encouraging self-study habits, training the ability to reflect on the material, and creating a classroom atmosphere that tends to be more dynamic.

This study aims to determine the influence of the implementation of the Independent Curriculum management and teacher teaching strategies on improving student character at SMK Negeri 1 Sangatta Utara. This study was field research with a quantitative approach. Data collection techniques used questionnaires, observation, and documentation. The study population was all 230 11th-grade students at SMK Negeri 1 Sangatta Utara, with a sample of 115 respondents drawn using Suharsimi Arikunto's formula. Data analysis used multiple linear regression. The results showed that the implementation of the Independent Curriculum management had a significant effect on improving student character by 60.85%, while teacher teaching strategies had a 15.95% effect. The coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.768 indicates that the two independent variables together contributed 76.8% to student character improvement, while the remaining 23.2% was influenced by factors outside the study. Therefore, it can be concluded that the implementation of the Independent Curriculum management has a more dominant influence than teacher teaching strategies on student character development.

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

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.