Abstract:The paradigm shift in science education necessitates the development of critical thinking skills as a foundation for improving students’ problem-solving abilities; however, empirical conditions indicate that both competencies…
tencies remain low and have not been optimally developed. This study aims to examine the relationship between critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities among eighth-grade students of SMP Negeri 2 Serui and to determine the degree of their empirical association. The study employed a quantitative approach with a correlational design, utilizing essay-based test instruments analyzed through simple linear regression. The findings reveal that students’ critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are in the low to moderate categories, with mean scores of 14.56 and 28.72, respectively. The linearity test indicates a significant relationship, while regression analysis produces the equation Y = 21.682 + 0.484X with a significance value of 0.009. The correlation coefficient of 0.487 indicates a moderate positive relationship, and the coefficient of determination of 23.7% shows that critical thinking contributes to problem-solving ability. The results confirm that improvements in critical thinking skills directly influence the enhancement of students’ problem-solving abilities, although other factors also contribute. The novelty of this study lies in the presentation of a quantitative relationship model that remains significant despite non-normally distributed data, as well as in establishing critical thinking as a significant yet partial predictor of problem-solving, thereby providing a foundation for developing more structured, contextual, and higher-order thinking-based instructional strategies.
Abstract:This study aims to examine the effect of volleyball learning on students’ gross motor development, which constitutes a crucial aspect in supporting adolescents’ physical fitness and movement skills. The research problem…
lem arises from the low level of students’ gross motor abilities, as indicated by weak coordination, agility, balance, and muscle strength, resulting from limited structured physical activity and the dominance of conventional teaching approaches. A quantitative approach was employed using a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design to evaluate the effectiveness of systematically designed volleyball instruction. The findings reveal a significant improvement in the experimental group, with the mean score increasing from 64.28 to 78.45, while the control group showed only a modest increase from 63.91 to 68.12. Statistical analysis indicates a significant difference with a t-value of 6.214 and a significance level of 0.000, supported by an effect size of 1.28, which falls into the large category. These results confirm that volleyball-based learning is effective in enhancing overall gross motor skills through structured and varied movement activities. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive approach that integrates multiple motor components within a unified analytical framework, as well as the use of effect size to strengthen the practical significance of the findings. This study provides a meaningful contribution to the development of more innovative, interactive, and movement-based physical education learning models to optimize students’ motor development sustainably.
Abstract:Educational program evaluation serves as a strategic element to ensure the improvement of learning quality at the elementary school level, particularly as schools are required to be adaptive to students’ diverse learning…
ng needs. A major issue frequently encountered is teachers’ limited capacity to implement evaluation models that are simple, sustainable, and relevant as a basis for instructional decision-making. This study aims to analyze the application of simple evaluation through formative and summative approaches as a systematic effort to enhance the quality of learning in elementary schools. The formative approach is employed throughout the instructional process to provide immediate feedback, identify students’ learning difficulties, and adjust teaching strategies in real time, while the summative approach is applied at the end of the instructional period to assess the level of goal attainment and the overall effectiveness of the program. The findings indicate that a balanced implementation of both approaches enables teachers to design learning activities that are more responsive, measurable, and oriented toward continuous improvement. Practically designed simple evaluations also encourage teachers to take an active role as controllers of learning quality rather than merely as curriculum implementers. The conclusion of this study confirms that the integration of formative and summative evaluation in a simple yet systematic manner effectively improves learning quality while strengthening a reflective culture in elementary school settings. The novelty of this study lies in its emphasis on an evaluation model that is easy to apply, contextual, and oriented toward teachers’ daily pedagogical decision-making, thereby offering a practical alternative for elementary schools with limited formal evaluation resources.
Abstract:Educational program evaluation is understood as a systematic process that functions to assess the level of goal attainment, implementation effectiveness, resource-use efficiency, relevance to stakeholder needs, and sustainability…
inability of educational programs. This article originates from the issue of the limited use of comprehensive evaluation as a basis for educational decision-making, which causes evaluation to be frequently perceived merely as the measurement of learning outcomes. The research problem focuses on how the concepts, functions, and models of educational program evaluation can be comprehensively and applicatively understood based on experts’ perspectives. This study elaborates the ideas of Ralph Tyler, Cronbach, and Stufflebeam, who emphasize evaluation as a provider of meaningful information, a means of identifying program strengths and weaknesses, and a foundation for continuous improvement. The research method employs a literature study by reviewing books, scientific articles, and relevant journals discussing educational evaluation. The findings indicate that evaluation serves a formative function for continuous quality improvement and a summative function as a form of public accountability, encompassing aspects of policy, curriculum, learning processes, learning outcomes, and educational resource management. Various evaluation models, such as CIPP, Provus, Stake, Kirkpatrick, and the Logical Model, are identified as systematic frameworks that are complementary and contextual for application according to program needs. The conclusion confirms that educational program evaluation plays a strategic role in improving learning quality through planned measurement processes, the provision of accurate feedback, and data-based program adjustments. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive synthesis of evaluation concepts, functions, and models, presented integratively as a conceptual–practical guide for policymakers and educational practitioners, positioning evaluation not merely as an administrative activity but as an instrument for sustainable educational quality development.
Abstract:This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of volleyball game–based tactical learning in improving the fundamental movement skills of students at SMP Negeri 2 Makassar. The research employed a quasi-experimental method…
hod with a non-equivalent control group design, involving 40 seventh-grade students divided into an experimental group (n=20) and a control group (n=20). The experimental group received tactical game–based learning focused on understanding game situations, decision-making, and applying tactical concepts within the context of play. In contrast, the control group followed conventional technique-based instruction emphasizing repetition of basic movements. Measurement of fundamental movement skills, particularly manipulative skills in volleyball, was conducted using the Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) test during the pretest and posttest stages. Data analysis was carried out descriptively and inferentially using paired-sample t-tests to identify changes within each group, as well as independent-sample t-tests to examine differences in improvement between groups at a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that both groups experienced significant improvement in fundamental movement skills. However, the improvement in the experimental group was statistically more pronounced than in the control group, accompanied by a large effect size indicating a strong impact of the treatment. These findings confirm that volleyball game–based tactical learning provides a more effective contribution to developing students’ fundamental movement skills compared to conventional instruction. Theoretically and practically, this study recommends the implementation of tactic-based approaches as more relevant, authentic, and competency-oriented learning strategies in physical education.
Abstract:This study aims to comprehensively analyze the capacity of educational institution leaders in managing institutional problem-solving processes through a qualitative literature review approach that focuses on integrating…
theoretical concepts and contemporary educational leadership practices. The study highlights critical stages of leadership, including problem identification and diagnosis, the design of contextually relevant solution strategies, the implementation of adaptive actions, and reflection-based evaluation to ensure continuous improvement. The synthesis of the literature reveals that successful problem-solving is significantly influenced by leaders’ ability to integrate transformational, instructional, and adaptive leadership styles that foster collective participation, professional collaboration, and the establishment of a progressive learning culture. Effective leadership is characterized by reflective capacity, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to create a supportive work climate for innovation and change. Conversely, recurring challenges include limited resources, resistance to transformation, misaligned external policies, and administrative burdens that constrain managerial flexibility. Based on these findings, this study emphasizes the importance of developing context-based leadership models that position problem-solving as a core competency through enhanced data literacy, emotional intelligence, and continuous reflective learning. The main contribution of this article lies in strengthening the theoretical foundation of 21st-century educational leadership and providing practical recommendations for school leaders, policymakers, and leadership training developers to build resilient, adaptive, and continuously improving educational organizations.
Abstract:Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) commonly face challenges in independent learning and mastery of functional skills due to deficits in communication, social interaction, as well as repetitive and restricted…
behaviors. The Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) approach was developed to address the specific educational needs of this population through structured, visually based, and strengths-based learning. Although the effectiveness of TEACCH has been widely reported globally, studies systematically examining its application within the Indonesian educational context remain limited. This study aims to critically evaluate the effectiveness of the TEACCH approach in enhancing independent learning among children with ASD in Indonesia. Using a systematic review method based on the PRISMA protocol, 15 scholarly articles published between 2017 and 2024 were thematically analyzed to identify TEACCH’s contribution to increasing independence in academic contexts and activities of daily living (ADL). The analysis revealed that TEACCH implementation consistently enhances children’s independence, as indicated by significant improvements in academic task completion (with an average score increase of 34–50 points), as well as improvements in ADL skills such as dressing, eating, and maintaining personal hygiene. The success of this approach is determined by the integration of structural elements, such as environmental organization, the use of visual aids, consistent routines, and collaboration between teachers and parents. This study concludes that TEACCH is an adaptive, effective, and relevant approach for implementation within the Indonesian education system. The novelty of this research lies in its contextual focus on TEACCH application in Indonesia, as well as strategic recommendations for its integration into special education (SLB) and inclusive school curricula through systemic educator capacity-building.
Abstract:This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the Project Based Learning (PjBL) model in enhancing the communication skills of junior high school students through a literature review approach. The study critically analyzes…
yzes a range of scholarly literature and recent research findings concerning the implementation of PjBL, particularly in the context of developing oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills within primary education settings. The findings indicate that PjBL fosters an active, collaborative, and contextual learning environment that significantly contributes to the improvement of students’ communication abilities. Through project completion that involves exploration, presentation, and group interaction, learners are encouraged to articulate ideas effectively, engage in active listening, and produce writing with logical and argumentative structure. Moreover, the model has been shown to enhance students' self-confidence, independence, and sense of responsibility toward their own learning process. Nonetheless, the implementation of PjBL continues to face several challenges, including limited instructional time, insufficient teacher understanding of meaningful project design, and inadequate supporting resources. Without systemic support and continuous professional development for educators, the application of this model risks becoming a mere formality with little substantive impact. Therefore, this study recommends further empirical research using a mixed-methods approach to investigate the effectiveness of PjBL across various subjects and educational levels. Such studies are expected to strengthen the theoretical foundation and promote the adoption of PjBL as a transformative learning strategy in shaping learners.
Abstract:The shift in educational paradigms driven by advancements in digital technology has had a significant impact on Social Studies (IPS) learning at the Junior High School (SMP) level. This study aims to examine how digital…
technology can enhance student interest and engagement in IPS learning through a literature review approach. This study includes scientific articles published between 2023 and 2025 as primary references. The research findings indicate that the use of digital technology, such as flipped classroom models, interactive learning materials, and digital platforms, can encourage increased motivation and participation among students in IPS learning. However, the success of implementing this technology is highly influenced by several factors, including infrastructure readiness, teachers' competencies in integrating technology, and equitable access to technology. Adequate infrastructure readiness and teachers' ability to effectively utilize technology are key factors in creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences. Additionally, ensuring equitable access to technology for all students is crucial to ensure that every student can benefit from technology in learning. Based on these findings, this study recommends the development of continuous training programs for teachers to enhance their digital competencies and emphasizes the importance of implementing innovative teaching methods that can fully leverage the potential of technology. On the other hand, strengthening technology-based educational policies is also necessary to ensure that the implementation of technology in learning can be optimal and equitable. With the proper use of digital technology, IPS learning at the Junior High School level can become more engaging, interactive, and effective, thus supporting the overall improvement of education quality.
Abstract:The learning motivation of slow learner students tends to be low due to cognitive limitations, less engaging learning experiences, and the lack of positive reinforcement, thus requiring adaptive and sustainable interventions.…
ions. This study focuses on how the implementation of the token economy method can enhance motivation, engagement, and learning behavior of slow learner students with speech delay in elementary school, as well as examining its effectiveness in influencing behavioral change. The study employed a quantitative approach using a single case study A-B-A’ design, which allows systematic observation of behavioral changes through pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention phases. The findings indicate a significant improvement in participation, persistence, and task completion, along with a reduction in negative behaviors such as task refusal and crying during the intervention phase. These improvements were maintained in the post-intervention phase despite the reduced intensity of token reinforcement, indicating a shift from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation. Trend analysis of the data reveals consistent and stable improvement across all phases, confirming the effectiveness of the token economy method as a behavioral intervention. The novelty of this study lies in the specific application of the token economy to slow learner students with speech delay through a single-subject approach, providing an in-depth and contextual understanding of motivational changes. The findings contribute theoretically to the reinforcement of the behavioristic approach and practically offer an alternative adaptive learning strategy for inclusive education at the elementary level.