Abstract:This study was motivated by the low level of professional competence among elementary school teachers despite the fact that most teachers have obtained certification and adequate academic qualifications. Curriculum changes,…
es, advances in educational technology, and the demands of 21st-century learning require teachers to possess adaptive, reflective, and collaborative professional competencies. The research problem focused on the influence of reflective practice and best practice on the professional competence of teachers at A-accredited public elementary schools in Cilegon City. The study employed a quantitative approach with a causal-comparative design involving 105 teachers selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using Likert-scale questionnaires and analyzed through multiple linear regression using EViews 12. The results revealed that reflective practice had a positive and significant effect on teachers’ professional competence, with a t-value of 4.697 and a significance value of 0.000. Best practice also demonstrated a positive and significant effect, with a t-value of 5.065 and a significance value of 0.000. Simultaneous testing indicated that reflective practice and best practice jointly had a significant effect on teachers’ professional competence, with an F-value of 43.72 and a coefficient of determination of 52.2%. The findings confirm that reflective and collaborative cultures are capable of improving teachers’ professional quality continuously through learning evaluation, sharing teaching experiences, and developing innovative instructional strategies. The novelty of this study lies in the simultaneous examination of reflective practice and best practice through a quantitative approach within the context of A-accredited public elementary schools in Cilegon City. The findings also demonstrate that best practice exerts a greater influence than reflective practice on the professional competence of elementary school teachers.
Abstract:Twenty-first-century science education requires students not only to master scientific concepts but also to possess critical thinking skills to analyze, evaluate, and solve problems logically. The reality in schools indicates…
cates that science learning is still frequently teacher-centered, resulting in students’ conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills not being optimally developed. This study aimed to determine the relationship between conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills among eighth-grade students of SMP Negeri Karoaipi on the topic of the human respiratory system. The study employed a quantitative approach with a correlational research design. The research sample consisted of 25 students selected through a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using descriptive tests of conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills, while data analysis was conducted through descriptive statistics, normality testing, and simple linear regression analysis using SPSS. The findings revealed that students’ conceptual understanding was categorized as good, with a mean score of 77.36, while critical thinking skills were also categorized as good, with a mean score of 78.76. Regression analysis demonstrated a correlation coefficient of 0.045 and an R Square value of 0.002, indicating that the relationship between conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills was classified as very low. These findings suggest that critical thinking skills are influenced not only by conceptual mastery but also by learning strategies, problem-solving experiences, analytical activities, and student engagement during science learning. The novelty of this study lies in the empirical finding that strong conceptual mastery does not necessarily correspond to high critical thinking skills among junior high school students in rural schools, particularly on the topic of the human respiratory system.
Abstract:Twenty-first-century education requires students to possess critical thinking abilities and science process skills in order to respond to the advancement of science and technology and to solve problems scientifically and…
systematically. Empirical conditions in schools indicate that junior high school students’ critical thinking skills remain relatively low because science learning is still predominantly teacher-centered and insufficiently engages students in scientific investigation activities. This study aimed to determine the relationship between science process skills and the critical thinking skills of eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri Tindaret on the topic of the human excretory system. The study employed a quantitative approach with a correlational research design. The research sample consisted of 25 students selected through purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected using a critical thinking skills test and an observation sheet assessing science process skills. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and the Pearson Product-Moment correlation test. The findings revealed that students’ critical thinking skills obtained a mean score of 75.80, while science process skills achieved a mean score of 73.00, both categorized as fairly good to high. The correlation analysis produced a coefficient value of 0.732 with a significance level of 0.000, indicating a strong and significant positive relationship between science process skills and students’ critical thinking skills. The findings further demonstrated that students who actively engaged in observation, experimentation, data processing, and scientific communication exhibited better analytical abilities and conclusion-drawing skills. The novelty of this study lies in revealing the empirical relationship between science process skills and critical thinking skills specifically in the topic of the human excretory system at SMP Negeri Tindaret, as well as in providing recommendations for science learning based on scientific investigation to strengthen students’ higher-order thinking skills in the twenty-first century.
Abstract:Differentiated Instruction (DI) has become a pedagogical approach promoted in the Independent Curriculum (Curriculum Merdeka) as a strategy to address the diverse learning needs of students. However, implementation in the…
e field shows a gap between the expected ideals and the realities faced by teachers. This gap between ideals and realities in the field is one of the issues that needs to be researched and assessed so that teachers' readiness as differentiated learning instructors receives attention and can be improved. This study aims to analyze literature related to teacher readiness in implementing differentiated learning in Indonesia. This study uses a literature review approach by reviewing 10 relevant national journals. The 10 national journals represent the results of research conducted in various schools in Indonesia, where these schools have implemented differentiated learning. The results of this descriptive research indicate that most teachers are still in the early stages of understanding differentiated learning and face implementation challenges that include limited training, homogenous learning needs, and suboptimal system support. Thus, the need for teacher readiness in implementing differentiated learning is still far from optimal. In this case, not only teachers are required to be able to carry out their duties in implementing differentiated learning optimally, but related parties in the education sector should also contribute significantly to promoting teacher readiness. The definition of readiness is not only focused on teachers, but as teachers carry out their primary duties as educators, primary readiness is the foundation that teachers must possess. Therefore, a redefinition of the meaning of teacher readiness is needed, which is not only seen from the aspect of individual abilities, but also as part of an educational system that supports structurally, culturally, and professionally.
Abstract:An inclusive education structure that prioritizes equitable access and participation without discrimination, gifted and talented children (GTC) are often overlooked by the system due to the dominance of a homogenized curriculum…
riculum not designed to address their unique needs. GTC possess complex learning profiles, characterized by high intellectual capacity, rapid knowledge acquisition, and intense interests and creativity that exceed the average. The mismatch between conventional teaching approaches and the distinctive needs of GTC in inclusive environments creates serious pedagogical challenges, notably the hindered realization of their full potential. This article aims to critically examine the effectiveness of differentiated instruction as an adaptive curriculum strategy in addressing the diverse needs of GTC within inclusive classrooms. Through a systematic literature review, the differentiation approach is analyzed within the framework of modifying content, process, and product of learning based on students' readiness, interests, and cognitive profiles. The findings indicate that the implementation of differentiation significantly enhances intrinsic motivation, active engagement, and academic achievement of GTC, while maintaining social cohesion in the classroom. Differentiated instruction also contributes to the creation of an inclusive, dynamic, and pedagogically equitable learning environment. The novelty of this study lies in the conceptual integration of differentiation principles with inclusive practices as a foundation for curriculum design that emphasizes individual excellence and appreciation of diversity. These findings offer substantive contributions to the development of a more transformative and responsive pedagogical paradigm, while also providing both theoretical and practical foundations for educators in designing curriculum interventions that empower all learners, including those with exceptional capacities.
Abstract:Suffering constitutes an inseparable aspect of the faith journey of believers; however, this reality is frequently misunderstood as a sign of divine punishment or spiritual failure. Such a perception has been further reinforced…
nforced by the influence of prosperity theology, which emphasizes material success, life comfort, and the absence of suffering as indicators of genuine faith. This situation raises a significant theological concern regarding how believers should properly understand and respond to suffering based on the testimony of Scripture. This study aims to examine the attitude that believers should adopt when facing suffering according to 1 Peter 4:12-19 and to elucidate the theological significance of suffering for the Christian life of faith. A qualitative approach employing a biblical–exegetical method is utilized to analyze the text through an examination of its historical, literary, and theological contexts. Data were collected through a literature review of the Bible, biblical commentaries, theological works, and relevant academic journal articles in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the theological message conveyed by the Apostle Peter. The findings indicate that suffering experienced by believers is neither unexpected nor contradictory to faith but rather an integral component of the calling to follow Christ. The Petrine epistle emphasizes that suffering functions as a means of refining faith, a form of participation in the sufferings of Christ, and an opportunity to glorify God through steadfast faithfulness. Believers are therefore called to respond to suffering with spiritual joy, perseverance in faith, and wholehearted trust in the faithful will of God. The study concludes that suffering possesses profound theological significance that shapes spiritual maturity and deepens one’s relationship with Christ. The novelty of this research lies in its reaffirmation of the biblical perspective on suffering as a constructive element of the Christian life, challenging the paradigm of prosperity theology while enriching pastoral understanding of faithful responses to suffering.
Abstract:Massive digital transformation has reshaped patterns of interaction, modes of thinking, and the spiritual construction of the millennial generation, thereby creating serious challenges for the church in nurturing a mature,…
e, authentic, and contextually relevant Christian faith. The abundance of information, instant culture, and growing skepticism toward religious institutions raise a critical research problem concerning how to formulate effective strategies to develop a theologically sound understanding of faith that is also adaptive to digital culture. This study aims to construct a strategic approach that bridges faith tradition and digital dynamics through a qualitative-reflective method based on recent theological literature and critical observation of digital ministry practices. The analysis identifies four primary strategies: contextual proclamation of faith, optimization of digital platforms as spaces for testimony and education, formation of supportive online communities, and strengthening digital and theological literacy among church leaders. The findings indicate that millennials possess a deep spiritual longing but seek integrity, open dialogue, and practical relevance of faith in daily life. The study concludes that a paradigmatic transformation of church ministry is necessary by positioning digital space as a participatory and dialogical locus of spiritual formation, while the novelty of this research lies in the systematic integration of theological reflection and contextual digital pastoral strategies as an adaptive ministry model for the millennial generation in the era of technological disruption.
Abstract:This study examines the effectiveness of the Presbyterian-Synodal system of church governance in shaping an inclusive, participatory, and contextual ministry within the Indonesian Protestant Church in Papua (GPI Papua).…
Employing a qualitative approach and contextual case study, the research focuses on the relationship between church governance structures and Papuan communal culture, which emphasizes deliberation, egalitarianism, and communal living. The findings indicate that, in principle, the Presbyterian-Synodal system possesses the potential to accommodate the collective character of Papuan society and to support congregational participation in ecclesiastical decision-making processes. However, implementation at the local level faces several challenges, including inconsistent understanding of ecclesiastical roles and responsibilities, limited human resource capacity, and misalignment between synodal policies and the contextual needs of congregations. These issues reveal a gap between the theological-structural design of the system and the pastoral realities on the ground. Therefore, this study recommends institutional renewal based on local contexts, the development of transformative church leadership models, and the strengthening of ecclesiological education rooted in Papuan cultural and social dynamics. Theoretically and practically, this research contributes to the development of contextual ecclesiology and church management in multicultural settings, emphasizing the importance of synthesizing Reformed theology with local values. As such, this study not only offers a constructive critique of current church governance practices but also opens space for reflection and innovation, enabling the church to become more relevant, just, and empowering in addressing contemporary challenges and contextual realities.
Abstract:The pastor plays various important roles in the congregation, such as preacher, teacher, priest, administrator, and counselor. Among all these roles, the counselor holds the greatest responsibility. The task of pastoral…
counseling includes providing emotional and spiritual support to the congregation. In addition to helping the congregation overcome emotional, mental, and spiritual issues, counseling also assists them in discovering their identity, life calling, and potential, so that they can develop holistically in life. Pastoral counseling is a form of interpersonal communication that requires the pastor to have good communication skills. The ability to build strong relationships with the congregation significantly influences their spiritual development. Additionally, empathy and compassion are qualities that pastors must possess to support their interpersonal skills. Diagnostic skills are also crucial for a pastoral counselor. With these skills, the counselor can identify the problems faced by the congregation and provide assistance or refer them for further treatment. Interpersonal skills help build open relationships, while diagnostic abilities are essential in identifying the root causes of the congregation's issues. In the diagnostic process, assessment and interpretation skills are vital to understanding the congregation's problems comprehensively—emotionally, mentally, socially, culturally, and spiritually—so that the solutions provided can be effective and accurate. Pastoral counseling plays a significant role in supporting the growth of faith and overall well-being of the congregation.
Abstract:Abstract This research discusses the effectiveness of leadership management in the context of a church. The church, as a Christian community, possesses distinct characteristics, including the diverse backgrounds of its members…
members in terms of age, occupation, education, and social status. Unlike other organizations with financial orientations, the church aims to fulfill the spiritual needs of its members, emphasizing a focus on conformity to Christ. Church leaders are expected not only to exercise authority for regulation but also to empower the congregation. Effective church leadership involves empowerment, exploration of potentials, and acceptance of differences. Church leaders play a crucial role in the effective growth of the church, and leadership management is key to achieving the church's vision and mission. The research methodology employed is a qualitative descriptive approach with literature review. In-depth analysis of the concept of leadership management in the church is conducted by connecting information from various sources, including books, journals, articles, and relevant websites. The findings indicate that the understanding of the church involves spiritual and organizational dimensions, necessitating effective leadership management. Leadership centered on biblical values, resource management, and the empowerment of congregation members becomes crucial in attaining church goals. The differences and uniqueness of the church demand leaders to implement suitable leadership styles, such as democracy, to support the potential of each member. From this research, it can be observed that effective leadership management in the church plays a crucial role in achieving spiritual and organizational objectives. Church leaders need to develop strategies in line with the church's characteristics and leverage the potential of congregation members for sustainable growth.