This research is motivated by the low ability to write short stories in students, which is thought to be caused by the use of learning methods and media that are less varied and have not been able to stimulate students' imagination and creativity optimally. To overcome this problem, the application of innovative learning strategies is needed, one of which is the use of storyboard techniques. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of storyboard techniques on the ability to write short stories of class X students of SMK Tritech Informatika Medan. The method used in this study is a quantitative method with a quasi-experimental design, specifically the Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design. The sample in this study amounted to 42 students who were divided into two groups, namely the experimental group who were given treatment using the storyboard technique and the control group who used conventional methods. Data collection techniques were carried out through observation, interviews, short story writing tests, and documentation. The data obtained were analyzed using normality tests, homogeneity tests, and t-tests (independent samples t-test). The results showed that there was a significant difference between the posttest scores of the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group experienced an average score increase of 18.81 points, while the control group only increased by 9.76 points. The t-test results showed a t-value of 2.677 and a significance level of p = 0.011 (p < 0.05), indicating that the storyboard technique had a significant effect on students' short story writing skills. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of the storyboard technique is effective in improving students' creative writing skills. The implication of this finding is that the storyboard technique can be used as an alternative, creative and innovative learning strategy in writing instruction at the Vocational High School (SMK) level.

Religious education plays a crucial role in shaping students' character and instilling moral and spiritual values. This study aims to analyze the implementation of religious education policies in schools, focusing on the effectiveness of implementation, challenges faced by teachers and institutions, and its impact on students. The research employed a qualitative descriptive method with data collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The findings indicate that although religious education policies are formally included in the curriculum, their implementation in practice still faces several obstacles, such as limited resources, lack of teacher training, and diverse religious backgrounds of students. Recommendations include improving teacher training, strengthening the curriculum, and adopting an inclusive approach that respects religious diversity.
 

This study aims to determine the effect of smartphone use on the moral formation of students at MTs Hikmat Tuttulu, Tapango District, Polewali Mandar Regency. The background of this study is based on the phenomenon of increasing smartphone use among adolescents, including students at the junior high school level, which has a direct and indirect impact on their behavior and moral formation. The method used in this study is a quantitative method with a descriptive approach. Data were collected through observations, questionnaires, and interviews with students and teachers at MTs Hikmat Tuttulu. The results of the study indicate that smartphone use has a significant influence on the moral formation of students, both from the positive side such as access to Islamic information and increased insight, as well as the negative side such as a tendency towards deviant behavior, reduced social interaction, and neglect of adab values in daily life. Therefore, an active role is needed from parents, teachers, and schools in guiding the wise use of smartphones to support the formation of noble morals in students.

This design project is motivated by the declining interest of society, especially the younger generation, in the traditional art of Wayang Kulit Ramayana as part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage, which is being eroded by globalization. The lack of awareness regarding the importance of cultural preservation drives the need for innovative efforts that are relevant to today’s lifestyle. The aim of this project is to create batik motifs inspired by scenes from the Ramayana epic, to be applied to handbag products, thus reintroducing cultural values to society through functional and aesthetic media.The design process involves transforming visual representations of Ramayana scenes each containing deep moral messages and philosophies into batik motifs by combining stylization and the characteristic stylir technique of Wayang Kulit. The design method follows SP. Gustami’s theoretical approach, which includes three stages: exploration, design, and realization.This project has resulted in twelve batik motif designs, with twelve final works materialized as handbags made of mori cloth using the hand-drawn batik technique. It is hoped that this work can become a contemporary innovation in hand-drawn batik that not only enhances personal style but also serves as a means of preserving the cultural heritage of the Wayang Kulit Ramayana.

Indonesian as a national language seeks to be internationalized through the teaching of BIPA, which requires subject matter that includes linguistic and cultural elements. Teaching often focuses on vocabulary and grammar, neglecting the important cultural context. Javanese culture, particularly the performing art of Reog Ponorogo, can be used as an effective medium of communication and teaching. Through this approach, BIPA teaching can be integrated with immersive cultural experiences, enhancing the understanding of Indonesian language and culture among foreign speakers. In this study, we aim to develop BIPA teaching materials by using local culture such as Reog Ponorogo. In qualitative research, the results emphasize meaning rather than generalization, data collection methods are triangulated, and data analysis is done inductively. The data used were sourced from various books, scientific journals, and the results of a survey of the needs of BIPA teaching materials for foreign speakers at Yale University. The integration of culture in teaching materials, such as the traditional art of Reog Ponorogo, not only enriches the learning experience, but also helps learners understand the social context and values underlying language use. Reog Ponorogo, with its deep symbolism and philosophy, provides an opportunity for learners to not only acquire language proficiency, but also develop Indonesian cultural values and character.

The use of slang among teenagers in Medan City has become a compelling social phenomenon to study. Slang, which tends to be informal and expressive, now dominates the communication patterns of youth, even in contexts that should require the use of standard language. This research aims to describe the forms of slang used by teenagers, identify the challenges in fostering standard language, and propose strategies to harmonize the use of slang and standard Indonesian. The method used in this study includes literature review and simple observations of teenagers' daily language use in Medan. The results show that slang serves as a means of expressing identity and group solidarity but also raises concerns about the decline in the ability to use proper and correct Indonesian. The main challenges include the dominance of social media, lack of role models in standard language use, and low motivation among youth to use formal language. Therefore, innovative and communicative strategies are needed so that the younger generation can shift language contexts appropriately without abandoning the richness of standard Indonesian.
 

Moral crisis and educational challenges in the era of globalization are hot issues currently being faced by the world of education in Indonesia. The purpose of this study is to examine the urgency of teacher professionalism in Indonesia for solutions to the moral crisis and educational challenges in the global era. In the midst of rapid social change, globalization, and the degradation of moral values ??among students, the teaching profession is expected not only to be limited to teaching, but also to build national character. This study uses a library research method with a descriptive-qualitative approach, through a review of various literature such as books, scientific journals, and previous relevant research. The results of the study indicate that teacher professionalism which includes pedagogical, professional, social, and personality competencies has an important role in creating an adaptive, moral, and quality education system. Strengthening teacher professionalism is the first strategic step in forming a generation with character that is able to face global challenges without losing the nation's identity.

Psychological assessment is an essential component in the guidance and counseling process, as it serves as a tool to help counselors comprehensively understand the dynamics of an individual. Through various assessment techniques, both quantitative—such as psychological tests—and qualitative—such as interviews and observations—counselors can identify psychological factors that influence the behavior, thoughts, and emotions of the counselee. The purpose of this article is to explore how psychological assessment can be effectively used by counselors to understand an individual’s internal condition, as well as how it supports the accuracy of counseling interventions. The findings indicate that the ethical and professional use of assessments can enhance understanding of the counselee and serve as a foundation for developing personalized and effective counseling strategies.

This study aims to explore the features of Praktika application for teachers’ speaking skills and teachers’ perceptions of the feature of Praktika application. This research was conducted in September 2024. The research used descriptive qualitative method with observation, interview, and questionnaire as the instruments. The respondents English teachers. Data were gathered by observation, interview, and questionnaire. The researcher conducted the study in several stages, starting with selecting qualified participants and observing their prior knowledge of the application. Participants then practiced speaking English using the application, while data was collected through participants perceiving learning to speak English in the Pratika application as self-learning. Finally, the researcher analyzed the gathered data using existing methods. Findings indicate that the Praktika application effectively supports English teachers in improving their pronunciation, sentence structures, and confidence in speaking. Additionally, teachers expressed positive perceptions of the application, highlighting its role in increasing motivation, engagement, and technical usability. The results suggest that Praktika can be a valuable self-learning tool for teachers and a recommended resource for students.

In the learning process in class X of SMK majoring in Fashion Design, there are Basic Elements of Fashion Design which cover various topics. One of the topics taught is about the parts and forms of clothing. The teaching method applied is appropriate, but there needs to be development of the learning media used, namely e-modules, to make it easier for educators and students during the teaching and learning process. For this study, the Research and Development method was used by applying the ADDIE model through a series of steps, namely analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. These stages are carried out to collect information about user needs, followed by development activities to create products. The findings of this study indicate that the level of validity of the e-module based on the assessment of media experts, material experts, and language experts reached an average of 3.28, falling into the very valid category. The results of classical student learning on the use of e-modules as learning media got 93.3% and were categorized as very good. Student responses to the e-module learning media regarding parts and forms of clothing recorded a score of 79.8% which was also in the very good classification. Therefore, it can be concluded that the e-module on clothing parts and forms is very valid for use in teaching because it is able to optimize student learning outcomes.