Teacher’s Communication Strategies for Enhancing Students’ Speaking Motivation: Verbal and Non-Verbal

This study investigated the impact of teacher’s verbal and non-verbal communication strategies on students’ motivation to speak in English. Specifically, it explored the types of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies employed by the teacher and examined how these strategies influence students’ speaking motivation in the EFL context.  A qualitative method was adopted, focusing on ninth-grade students at SMPN 1 Pallangga during the 2022–2023 academic year. Data were collected through classroom observations and semi-structured interviews. The results indicated that the teacher employed 13 distinct of verbal strategies and eight forms of non-verbal communication strategies. The findings suggested that both verbal and non-verbal communication strategies positively contribute to enhancing students' motivation to speak in English, highlighting the importance of teacher-student interaction in EFL classrooms

Islamic Values in Life Skills Education: Fostering Global Competence and Moral Integrity

Islamic values-based life skills education plays a crucial role in shaping students' character to be well-prepared for global challenges, particularly in the dynamic modern era. This research aims to explore the integration of Islamic values-based life skills education at SMP IT Sekolah Alam Ar-Royyan and its impact on character development, especially in terms of discipline, responsibility, honesty, and independence. This study uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation from the school principal, teachers, and students. The data analysis technique employed is thematic analysis to identify key patterns and findings. The results indicate that programs such as Daurah Quran, project-based learning, Super Camp, and the Ar-Royyan Trip effectively foster students' life skills aligned with Islamic values, strengthening their morality and integrity in facing global challenges. However, this research has limitations regarding the scope and observation period, suggesting that future studies conduct comparative research in other schools and explore the development of digital skills based on Islamic values in life skills education in the modern era

Development of a Module with a RME Approach on the Topic Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables

This research seeks to create legitimate and practical teaching materials in the form of a module utilizing a realistic mathematics education approach focused on the topic of systems of linear equations in two variables. This study utilizes the research and development (RD) approach, specifically the Thiagarajan 4-D model, which consists of four stages: (1) definition, (2) design, (3) development, and (4) dissemination. We conducted the research at MTsN 1 Central Aceh. Two classes, each with high and moderate abilities, participated in the research. The trial analysis yielded the following findings: (1) Validity, as two experts validated the teaching materials; (2) Practicality, as demonstrated by an average implementation of the learning syntax exceeding 75%, an average student activity exceeding 75%, extremely positive student and teacher responses to the module, and a classification of the developed module as practical. According to the results of the students' learning tests, 15 students completed the requirements out of 19 students in the high-ability class, and 14 students completed the requirements out of 19 students in the medium-ability class. Consequently, we categorize the percentage of students who have met the requirements as excellent. The module created utilizing a realistic mathematics education technique for the topic of systems of linear equations in two variables for eighth grade is deemed viable, indicating it is both valid and practical

Religious Moderation for the Millennial Generation: An Islamic Education Perspective

The attitude of religious moderation is in the form of acknowledging the existence of other parties, being tolerant, respecting differences of opinion, and not imposing his will to use violence. This must be ingrained in the millennial generation of multicultural societies that share many traits. Diversity includes differences in culture, religion, race, language, ethnicity, tradition, etc. For example, in a multicultural society, tensions and conflicts between cultural groups often affect the harmony of life. This study explores religious moderation in the millennial generation from the perspective of Islamic education. This study uses the library research method in which the data comes from books, articles, and relevant scientific reports using the formulation of the problem. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques. This study shows that religious moderation is not religious moderation, but there must be moderation in attitudes toward diversity. From an Islamic education perspective, religious moderation is developed by starting from oneself, being instilled early, and setting an example for others. Of course, it is hoped that tasamuh, commitment, humanist, and wasatiyah education will become integrated, whole, and universal, all of which cannot be separated, mutually reinforcing, and mutually beneficial, as the best ummah and with broad scientific insight

Investigating EFL Learners’ Perceptions and Practices Using the Indonesia's Prepaid Mobile Application Ruangguru

Ruangguru, one of Indonesia's prepaid applications, has facilitated autonomous learning for students. Ruangguru (henceforth RG) is a mobile application enhances online learning organizations by aligning it with Indonesia's curriculum. RG offered students a platform with distinctive characteristics to support online study in several subjects. The present study examines students' viewpoints on using Ruangguru, one of Indonesia's online learning prepaid platforms, and ascertains its advantages and disadvantages. The current study employed a qualitative methodology, utilizing interviews to collect data. The participants comprised senior high school students from several cities in Indonesia who were enrolled in regular classes, subscribed to RG, and willingly provided their consent by signing a consent form. The findings revealed that RG possesses several benefits, including the ability to set one's own pace, user-friendliness, independent learning, and a flexible platform. It allowed pupils to learn without any limitations on time or location. However, the RG was unable to substitute regular classes with the presence of teachers, the decrease of social interactions in learning, the significant disparity between the wealthy and the impoverished, and the diminishing role of teachers. Ruangguru's primary focus is students' academic achievement. Yet, it is crucial to resolve other notable aspects, such as inadequate feedback, teacher guidance, and lack of peer interaction. As a further recommendation, to evaluate the effectiveness of the RG, it is also recommended that students' achievement and the impact of using RG in the EFL classroom be analyzed and cross-referenced

Religious Moderation Values Implementation to Early Childhood

This study is about the implementation of religious moderation values in early childhood in Medan City. The study aims to determine the implementation policy of religious moderation, the process of internalizing the values of religious moderation and the achievement of internalization of religious moderation values in early childhood in Medan City. The methodology used in this study is qualitative by conducting interviews, observations and documentation and a combination with literature. The subjects of the study were RA and TK educational institutions selected purposively. The results of the study indicate that the implementation policy in educational institutions is based on internal and external policies. Internal is the implementation of religious moderation values carried out on the basis that it is God's command (religion) and on the basis that humans must indeed be moderate in their attitudes and ways of thinking. This implementation is termed theo-anthropocentric basis (divinity and humanity). As for externally, strengthening the implementation is carried out because there are indeed regulations or rules that require it. The process of internalizing religious moderation values carried out is by integrating learning through images, videos (animation and non-animation), and cultural and religious studies outside of school. The achievement is that early childhood is able to implement religious moderation with four indicators in the foundation phase. Theoretical-practical research recommendations; increasing insight into religious moderation in educational institutions is important to be done periodically

Self-Translated Writing in Academic Writing: Students’ Experiences in the Classroom Setting

Self-Translated Academic Writing Practice is a bridge or instrument for improved classroom communication. However, only some studies have examined how students incorporate translation into their foreign language writing. The purpose of the present study was to investigate how students engage in translation practice while writing in the classroom. To determine if there were any issues with the writing and translation practices, a brief exploration of experiences was conducted in class. Additionally, the correlation between translation activity and writing was investigated. The participant reported that these issues resulted from her limited vocabulary match due to the English text's readability. The translation procedure improves their English composition skills. According to the study results, more information is required about how self-translation operates in academic contexts; we need to learn more about the situations in which students self-translate when writing academic papers

Translation Errors and Their Causes in Indonesian to English Translations by Junior High School Students

This research focused on analyzing the error types and error causes made by ninth-grade students of SMP Negeri 3 Ingin Jaya in translating Indonesian into English sentences. This study used purposive sampling technique which consists of 32 students from class IX.1. The instruments of this qualitative study are translation test and interview. The researcher determined the types of errors using the Surface strategy taxonomy proposed by Dulay et al. (1982) and An-Nisa Suroso (2021) which consists of omission, addition, misordering, and misformation. To determine the causes of translation errors made by the students, the researcher used the theory proposed by Norrish (1987) and Sari (2019); carelessness, first language interference, and translation. The findings show there are 276 errors occurred in the students’ translation test and calculated a total of 127 items of misformation errors (46.01%), then 92 items errors of omission (33.33%), 34 items error of addition (12.31%), and 23 items of errors of misordering (8.33%). Carelessness, first language interference, translation, lack of vocabulary, and low self-confidence were the students’ causes of errors.

Analysis of the Implementation of the Zoning System in New Student Admissions in High School

Various problems that arise are caused by the school quality zoning system policy, low student learning motivation, and low student competence. The purpose of this study is to analyse the problems/inhibiting factors of the zoning system. This study uses the sequential mixed methods method, especially the sequential explanatory strategy. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the advantages of the zoning system are cheaper, such as cheaper student transportation costs to school, no discrimination against favourite schools, and encouraging teachers to be more creative in designing learning that is in accordance with student conditions, while the problems and supporters of the implementation of the zoning system in accepting new students. Some implications and recommendations obtained from this study. First, for the central government, considering that the competition for prospective students with the zoning system is getting tighter, the Central Government must adjust the existing provisions by reducing the percentage of the zoning system path and increasing the percentage of the achievement path. Second, the Provincial Government in determining the zone does not only refer to the distance between home and school but also needs to optimize the involvement of community leaders in determining the zone of each school

Analysis of Elementary School Teachers’ Knowledge of Scratch Learning Media

The quickly obtained information cannot be separated from the rapid development of technology which greatly affects all aspects of human life. In the aspect of the learning process, technology can help achieve learning objectives through the media. Scratch is a simple coding application. Teachers’ knowledge plays a role in the teaching and learning process using media that can support student learning. This study aimed to analyze elementary school teachers’ knowledge of the Scratch learning media. This study used a descriptive approach with survey design.  the total sample of 40 teachers in elementary school at Pekanbaru. The results of this study showed that elementary school teachers who did not have experience in participating in training in making the Scratch learning media were 68%. Meanwhile, of the total sample, 20% have developed the Scratch learning media. Furthermore, the results of this study also revealed that elementary school teachers who have difficulty making their learning media were 67%. Of the total sample, 97% agree with the use of IT with Scratch in the teaching and learning process, and 95% need the Scratch learning media as an alternative learning