The ability to speak English is an essential skill for students, yet many face challenges in this area, particularly due to low self-confidence and limited vocabulary. This research aims to analyze the influence of self-confidence and vocabulary mastery on the speaking skills of Class D students in the English Language Education program, Stambuk 2023, Medan State University. The research method employed is qualitative descriptive with data collection techniques through a questionnaire completed by 15 respondents. The research results indicate that students with high self-confidence and good vocabulary mastery are more fluent in speaking, while students who lack confidence or have limited vocabulary tend to experience difficulties in expressing ideas. These findings emphasize that enhancing self-confidence and enriching vocabulary can improve students' speaking skills. Therefore, a communication-based learning approach and more interactive speaking practice are recommended to enhance students' speaking abilities.

Black rice (Oryza sativa L.) contains nutrients and bioactive compounds with potential application in health, including antimicrobial properties. To date, the application of fermentation to black rice to enhance its bioactivity, particularly as an antimicrobial, remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of solid fermented black rice against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi. Black rice was fermented using Saccharomyces cerevisiae under solid-state conditions. Extraction was carried out by maceration using 96% ethanol. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the well diffusion test method, agar dilution, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fermented black rice extract showed antimicrobial activity against all tested microbes. The minimum inhibitory value obtained was 20% against all microbes, but the minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) could not be determined. The SEM analysis showed morphological changes in microbes exposed to fermented black rice extract, including cell shrinkage, elongation, and lysis in Bacillus cereus, fragmentation and irregular cell shape in Escherichia coli, cell size reduction in Staphylococcus aureus, and bleb formation in Candida albicans. These changes indicate the mechanism of microbial growth inhibition. We found that fermented black rice (EFBR) extracts produce different effects from unfermented black rice extracts (EUBR), which tend to induce biofilm formation. We propose that EFBR functions as an antimicrobial by rupturing cell walls, preventing cell division and DNA synthesis. This research provides new insights into natural antimicrobial mechanisms at the cellular level and offers a potential alternative for addressing antimicrobial resistance. Solid fermented black rice may serve as a valuable source of antimicrobial compounds for developing health products or natural preservatives.

Nonformal education was implemented by Pelita Hati Foundation to empower community, particularly in rural areas. This study seeks to provide a detailed and comprehensive description of the situation and experiences of the community in the implementation of the Pelita Hati Foundation’s nonformal education program, from the perspective of rural communities in Sumenep. Using a qualitative descriptive methodology, the research aims to offer an in-depth understanding of the Pelita Hati Foundation’s nonformal education program in rural areas. The results indicate that the Foundation plays a multidimensional role in both education and community development. It manages various educational institutions, catering to both formal and nonformal education needs. The nonformal education programs run by the Foundation have proven effective in empowering local communities. Furthermore, the collaboration between the Foundation and the community has significantly enhanced local enthusiasm for corn cultivation. With the assurance of reliable buyers offering competitive prices and the potential for multiple harvests per year, corn farming has become a lucrative and attractive economic activity for the community. The Pelita Hati Foundation has successfully implemented an effective nonformal education program that has had a positive impact on the community, particularly in improving their economy and overall well-being. This research contributes valuable insights into the role of nonformal education in community empowerment in rural areas. It also underscores that collaboration between educational institutions and local communities can lead to significant positive impacts on the progress and welfare of the community.

Character education is very important for building a generation of the nation's successors who have noble character and positive behavior, especially amidst the increasingly complex challenges of the times. This article discusses the definition of character education, its objectives, and the benefits of implementing it in schools. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach, and the literature study method was employed to investigate various references related to the subject. The study results indicate that educational character is very important in shaping students' personalities, preventing bad behavior among teenagers, preparing a responsible generation, providing the tools for living in society, and supporting students' academic achievements. To achieve this, educational character must be integrated into the curriculum through practice, exemplary behavior, and collaboration between schools, families, and communities. Therefore, educational character is very important for building a generation of successors who are virtuous and behave positively. Especially in the face of increasingly complex challenges of the times, educational character can produce a generation that is not only cognitively intelligent but also possesses strong character.

Understanding geometric concepts is an essential part of the mathematics learning process in elementary school. However, many fifth-grade students face challenges in grasping these concepts due to monotonous and less interactive learning media. These difficulties contribute to students' low comprehension of geometric concepts. The purpose of this study is to analyze the contribution of interactive media in strengthening students' understanding of geometric concepts in elementary school. The research employs a qualitative approach, with data collected through observations, interviews with teachers and students, and documentation. The findings reveal that less interactive teaching methods, the lack of concrete learning media, and an unconducive learning environment are the main factors hindering students' understanding. Increasing student participation and facilitating their comprehension of geometric concepts can be achieved by implementing interactive media such as digital simulations, animated videos, and educational games. Thus, interactive media can enhance students' learning motivation and create a more enjoyable learning atmosphere. By integrating interactive media into the mathematics learning process, students are expected to become more actively engaged, focused, and able to understand geometric concepts more effectively.

Student engagement with intercultural societal challenges is investigated for academic programs as the globalizing trend requires students to interact effectively in multicultural settings, yet not all students are capable of doing this. Through explanatory sequential mixed methods, with quantitative data using questionnaires and qualitative data using semi-structured interviews, this study aims to investigate the interplay between cultural awareness and participation in the programs and to findout the challenges. The respondents were seventy-three students who ever followed this program in face-to-face or online meetings. To complete the qualitative data, semi-structured interviews with four students were used. The study revealed that enhanced cultural awareness levels directly influenced student enrollment in intercultural societal challenges. Students involved in the program discussed multiple challenges which included problems with language learning associated with cultural communication issues and differences in understanding between participants. This study both adds to existing academic documents because it demonstrates how cultural understanding drives students to actively participate in international programs, thus demonstrating why formalized cultural competence training should be integrated into university learning. This study brings originality through its examination of experiential intercultural program learning which enhances student adaptability and cross-cultural communication abilities in order to fill knowledge gaps in theoretical cultural awareness research.

Pesantren memainkan peran penting dalam meningkatkan autonomi dan keberlangsungan institusi pendidikan Islam di Indonesia. Pesantren menghadapi tantangan untuk berfungsi sebagai pusat pendidikan agama dan penggerak ekonomi masyarakat di dunia yang berkembang cepat. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk melihat bagaimana perencanaan ekonomi di pondok pesantren dapat dilakukan dengan fokus pada sumber daya yang mungkin berkembang, seperti usaha mikro, pengolahan lahan, dan pertanian. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dan melakukan wawancara dan observasi langsung di beberapa pondok pesantren. Penelitian ini mengeksplorasi potensi dan tantangan perencanaan ekonomi di pesantren melalui wawancara dengan pengelola pesantren, santri, dan masyarakat sekitar serta melihat kegiatan ekonomi yang berlangsung. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pendapatan pondok pesantren dapat ditingkatkan dan mereka dapat lebih mandiri secara keuangan. Dalam perencanaan ekonomi, penerapan prinsip manajemen yang baik mendorong kreativitas dan inovasi dalam pengelolaan usaha. Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa perencanaan ekonomi pondok pesantren yang dilakukan secara sistematis dan terencana berkontribusi pada kelangsungan organisasi, pertumbuhan ekonomi lokal, dan peningkatan kualitas hidup masyarakat di sekitarnya.

Advancements in technology, particularly the internet, have provided learners with extensive opportunities to access various resources for independent learning. However, not all learners can effectively utilize digital media and technology, and many face challenges in selecting appropriate materials and methods to support their learning. This study examines the self-directed learning strategies of a Japanese language learner, addressing the following questions: (1) What strategies are employed for independent learning? (2) What media are used, and how does he facilitate self-directed learning? This study employs a qualitative research approach, specifically narrative inquiry, to explore the learner’s experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed to identify patterns in self-directed learning strategies. Findings reveal that the learner adopt multiple strategies, including goal setting for both short-and long-term learning, adaptation, combination, evaluation, and validation. Additionally, the learner engages with various online resources, such as interactive learning platforms, receptive learning materials, social media, and authentic content. The study further identifies six key aspects of technology used in self-directed learning, with variations in frequency based on individual needs and perceived advantages and limitations.

The archiving of case documents that have obtained permanent legal force (inkracht) at the State Administrative Court (PTUN) of Banjarmasin is a crucial aspect of judicial administration, serving to maintain the accuracy of legal documentation while supporting transparency and accountability within the judicial system. This process includes the recording, storage, and disposal of documents in accordance with applicable regulations, as stipulated by the Supreme Court and national archival regulations. From the perspective of Public Administration Theory, archival management must be conducted systematically and based on regulations to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of judicial services. Meanwhile, according to the Theory of Judicial Transparency and Accountability, information openness in archival management plays a significant role in building public trust in the judiciary. Although PTUN Banjarmasin has implemented an archiving system that complies with established standards, challenges in the digitalization of archives remain an obstacle, particularly in terms of technology optimization and human resource readiness. Therefore, strengthening digital-based archival systems and enhancing judicial administrative capacity are strategic measures to improve document management efficiency, reduce the risk of loss or damage to physical archives, and reinforce judicial transparency and accountability.

In this area service is very important with many people who use it to travel far or near or just send package. Data analysis using path analysis with the help of SPSS 27 and SmartPLS 4.0 software. The results of the study indicate 1) there is no significant effect of service quality on customer satisfaction 2) there is a significant effect of customer relationship management on customer satisfaction 3) there is a significant effect of customer satisfaction on customer loyalty 4) there is an effect of service quality on customer loyalty 5) there is an insignificant effect of customer relationship management on customer loyalty 6) there is an insignificant effect of service quality on customer loyalty through customer satisfaction 7) there is a significant effect of customer relationship management on customer loyalty through customer loyalty.