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: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:The development of digital technology has transformed how elementary school children interact with information through the dominance of images, videos, and interactive media, while instructional practices remain largely…
text-based and verbal. The mismatch between children’s neurocognitive characteristics and text-based instructional design creates a pedagogical gap that may hinder memory retention, attention, and learning motivation. This study aims to analyze the urgency of visual-based learning and the impact of textual design incompatibility on student learning outcomes in the digital era. The study employs a systematic literature review approach by synthesizing findings from neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and multimedia learning theory relevant to elementary education. The results indicate that the visual system has a strong neurobiological foundation, supports faster information processing, enhances long-term retention, and strengthens the formation of conceptual mental models when integrated with verbal narration. The findings also reveal that digitalization without instructional design grounded in cognitive principles risks generating excessive cognitive load and the screen inferiority effect. The study concludes that adaptive visual integration based on multimedia principles and cognitive load management constitutes a fundamental strategy for improving the quality of elementary education. The novelty of this research lies in its integrative neuro-pedagogical approach, which systematically connects neuroscience findings, learning theories, and instructional design practices to reconstruct the paradigm of twenty-first-century learning.
Abstract:The development of adaptive and multisensorial learning media is a critical aspect in supporting the success of inclusive education, particularly for visually impaired students who face challenges in comprehending abstract…
ct concepts in science subjects. These limitations necessitate innovative learning media capable of optimizing information processing through alternative sensory modalities, namely auditory and tactile. Audio-tactile media represents an innovation that simultaneously integrates sound and touch stimulation to facilitate multisensorial conceptual understanding and enhance the cognitive construction of visually impaired students. This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach utilizing observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of audio-tactile media in the context of science learning within inclusive classrooms. The results indicate that audio-tactile media significantly improves conceptual understanding, learning motivation, and active participation among visually impaired students. Additionally, this media strengthens social interaction among students and supports teachers in delivering material inclusively and responsively to individual learner needs. The novelty of this research lies in the application of learning media that combines two sensory modalities as an innovative pedagogical strategy to overcome cognitive barriers caused by visual impairment, while simultaneously enriching the multisensorial learning experience. These findings contribute significantly to the development of an adaptive, inclusive, and equitable science learning model for students with special needs. Accordingly, audio-tactile media is recommended as an effective alternative to create an inclusive and high-quality learning environment.
Abstract:Information Technology (IT) education has become a crucial component in the global education system in the current digital era. With the rapid development of technology, the world of education has also undergone significant…
ant changes, particularly in teaching methodologies. Information Technology is not only seen as a field of study but also as a powerful tool that supports the learning process across various disciplines, including social sciences, science, and humanities. The use of IT in education enables the creation of more interactive, dynamic, and easily accessible learning experiences for people from various backgrounds. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the important role of Information Technology education in improving the quality of education, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced in its implementation. This research adopts a descriptive qualitative approach with a literature study to gather and analyze various relevant sources related to this topic. The data obtained indicate that despite significant challenges, such as the lack of adequate infrastructure and the readiness of educators to use technology, the implementation of IT in education has a significant positive impact on the quality of learning. The implementation of IT opens up great opportunities, particularly in terms of learning accessibility, which can be accessed by anyone, anytime, and anywhere. Technology also provides flexibility in teaching methods, both online and offline, allowing students to learn according to their needs and abilities. On the other hand, the use of IT can enhance the quality of learning through various innovations such as e-learning, simulations, and interactive learning tools that support a deeper and more enjoyable understanding of the material. Therefore, IT has become one of the key elements in advancing the world of education towards a more advanced and inclusive digital era.
Abstract:Self-efficacy, an individual's belief in their ability to achieve academic success, plays a crucial role in the academic adjustment of new students facing the transition from high school to university. The university environment,…
ironment, which is full of academic and social demands, requires good self-adjustment for students to cope with pressures and achieve academic performance. This study aims to identify the influence of self-efficacy on academic adjustment through a systematic literature review by analyzing journal articles from the last five years obtained from electronic databases such as Science Direct, ProQuest, Springer Link, and Google Scholar. From this search, six journals relevant to the research theme were identified. The review results indicate that five journals show a direct relationship between self-efficacy and academic adjustment, while one journal shows an indirect involvement. In conclusion, self-efficacy significantly helps new students adjust to the academic and social challenges at the university, which in turn enhances academic performance and reduces stress. This study highlights the importance of studying new students and using a systematic literature review to investigate the relationship between self-efficacy and academic adjustment, which has not been widely discussed in previous research.
Abstract:The advancement of digital technology has accelerated the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in e-counseling services to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of psychological support. While offering numerous benefits,…
nefits, the use of AI also presents challenges related to the quality of therapeutic relationships, privacy, data security, and ethical considerations. This study aims to analyze the role of AI, its impacts, and the ethical challenges emerging in e-counseling services through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach. Data were collected from Google Scholar, GARUDA, ScienceDirect, SAGE Journals, and Crossref, covering publications from 2018 to 2026. The review of 13 selected articles revealed that AI serves as a supportive tool through chatbots, data analytics, preliminary assessments, and automated response systems that help expand access to counseling services and improve service responsiveness. The implementation of AI contributes positively by increasing efficiency and accessibility; however, it remains limited in understanding emotions, demonstrating empathy, and comprehending clients’ psychological contexts. The findings also indicate that privacy, data security, algorithmic transparency, and accountability constitute the primary ethical challenges that require careful attention. This study concludes that AI is more appropriately positioned as a complement to counselors rather than a substitute for human counselors. The novelty of this study lies in its integrated analysis of the roles, impacts, and ethical challenges of AI within a single framework, thereby providing a more comprehensive understanding of the development of e-counseling based on collaborative interaction between technology and professional counselors.
Abstract:The management of volleyball training sessions among collegiate athletes faces complex challenges due to the lack of integrated scientific approaches, which may reduce training effectiveness and increase the risk of fatigue…
gue and injury. This study addresses the suboptimal implementation of periodization-based microcycle planning, training load monitoring, and recovery strategies within a unified system. The objective of this research is to examine the effectiveness of an integrated training management model in improving athletes’ performance and physiological condition. A quasi-experimental method with a pretest–posttest control group design was employed, involving 40 collegiate athletes over an eight-week period. The results indicate that the experimental group showed significant improvements in countermovement jump by 12.2% and spike reach by 3.1%, accompanied by a reduction in sRPE by 11.5% and an increase in recovery scores by 22.5%, while the control group demonstrated no meaningful changes. These findings suggest that the integration of microcycle planning, internal and external load monitoring, and structured recovery strategies enhances physiological efficiency, neuromuscular adaptation, and the sustainability of athletic performance. The study concludes that the integrated training management model is more effective than conventional approaches as it enables objective and systematic control of training intensity. The novelty of this research lies in the development of an integrated training session management model that combines three key components in an applicable, practical, and context-appropriate manner for collegiate athletes, thereby bridging the gap between sport science theory and coaching practice.
Abstract:Islamic Religious Education in higher education frequently experiences a reduction of meaning due to the separation between the mastery of empirical sciences and the cultivation of spirituality, resulting in its position…
being perceived as a complementary course with limited integration into other academic disciplines. This condition raises both conceptual and practical issues regarding how to design a model of Islamic Religious Education that systematically, applicatively, and contextually integrates scientific knowledge and spirituality within contemporary higher education. This study aims to formulate such an integrative framework through a qualitative approach based on an in-depth literature review of books, journal articles, and research findings, which are analyzed thematically and conceptually. The results identify three main strategies: the development of an interdisciplinary curriculum that internalizes ethical–tawhidic values within professional sciences, the implementation of value-based pedagogy that connects spiritual concepts such as as-sidq and al-amanah with real-life case studies, and the strengthening of campus culture that supports value internalization through co-curricular activities and community service. The synthesis of findings indicates that this integrative model has the potential to enhance students’ moral awareness, spiritual resilience, and ethical decision-making capacity in responding to the dynamics and complexities of modern life. The conclusion emphasizes that the integration of scientific knowledge and spirituality in Islamic Religious Education is not merely a curricular supplement, but a strategic necessity in higher education. The novelty of this study lies in the formulation of a conceptual framework that positions spirituality as an overarching paradigm that provides meaning, direction, and ethical responsibility for the entire structure of knowledge, while offering an applicative model to overcome the dichotomy between secular science and religion in order to produce graduates with strong character, reflective capacity, and a commitment to social responsibility. The theoretical and practical implications of this model are expected to serve as a reference for academic policy development and innovation in Islamic Religious Education learning that is adaptive to global challenges and responsive to the needs of students across contemporary interdisciplinary fields in a sustainable, transformative, and contextually Islamic humanistic value-based manner.