Interface Design of Quranic Application using Design Science Research Methodology: A Comparison of Gamification and Non-Gamification Design

Objective: To improve student motivation and engagement through an intuitive mobile interface with interactive visuals. Method: Using Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM), this study compares gamified and non-gamified interface designs.  Results: User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) results indicate that the gamified version outperforms the non-gamified design, particularly in stimulation and attractiveness, positively impacting learner and teacher satisfaction. Additionally, the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) confirms that gamification significantly increases students' motivation, while the User Engagement Scale (UES) highlights the gamified version's effectiveness in creating an enjoyable, engaging, and impactful learning experience. Novelty: This research uniquely contrasts gamified and non-gamified designs in Quranic education, providing insights for quality improvement in Islamic e-learning platforms

Exploring Leadership Styles and Their Impact on Innovation in TVET: Insights from a Systematic Analysis

Objective: This study examines the influence of leadership styles on promoting innovation in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. The study addresses a notable research gap by identifying the leadership strategies that are most effective in fostering innovation within the swiftly changing educational and industrial environments. Method: The study used a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) technique organized by PRISMA criteria. Articles from peer-reviewed journals in the Scopus and ERIC databases, published between 2021 and 2024, were examined. A thorough search technique included specified keywords and Boolean operators, resulting in 659 articles, of which 36 were chosen following rigorous screening according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results:  The analysis highlights transformational, inclusive, and innovative leadership styles as pivotal in fostering creativity, technological integration, and collaborative practices in the TVET area. Transformational leadership emerged as the most effective, emphasizing vision alignment and team empowerment. Inclusive and innovative leadership also demonstrated strong potential in enhancing institutional responsiveness to industry needs. Novelty: This study provides a comprehensive synthesis of the impact of leadership styles on innovation within TVET, addressing a critical gap in existing literature. It offers actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners to adopt leadership strategies that align educational outcomes with industry demands, ensuring institutional competitiveness and relevance

The Implementation of the Discovery Learning Model Using Higher Order Thinking Skills Booklet Media on Students' Critical Thinking Ability

Objectives: To implement and design learning models that incorporate appropriate instructional media, fostering critical thinking. Such an approach will facilitate the integration of three cognitive domains: knowing, applying, and reasoning. Methods: This study adopts a quasi-experimental design using a "true experimental design" with a post-test-only control group. The objective is to implement the Discovery Learning model and develop a Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTs) booklet to enhance students' critical thinking abilities. Results: The research findings indicate that the Discovery Learning model with HOTs booklet media significantly influences students' critical thinking skills in biology learning. The critical thinking aspect with the highest score is essential clarification, effectively fostered during the problem-orientation phase. This stage involves students formulating questions based on scenarios in their worksheets. Novelty: The novelty of this study lies in its integration of Discovery Learning with a hots booklet explicitly tailored to the Indonesian secondary school context. While previous studies have emphasized the individual impact of Discovery Learning or HOTs-based instructional tools, this research uniquely combines the two to create a synergistic approach that addresses the critical thinking gaps identified in Indonesian students

Scaffolding Based On Scientific Creativity Learning (SSCL): An Innovative Learning Model To Improve Student’s Skill in Scientific Creativity

Objective: Describe The development of the SSCL model, including validity, practicality, effectivity, and student response with the implementation of learning and student activities. This study aimed to obtain validity, practicality, effectivity, and student responses to the SSCL model in Junior high school. Method: This type of research is Research and Development (R&D) research oriented towards product development using the ADDIE development model—determination of the research location using a purposive sampling area. The sample in this study was student class VIII. Results: The results showed (1) the validity and reliability are very valid and very reliable, (2) an improved indicator of achievement with high category, (2) most of the students gave responses that scaffolding based on Scientific Creativity Learning (SSCL) models enabled them to practice scientific creativity skills in junior high school. Novelty: This research emphasizes using scaffolding for Proximal Zone Development (ZPD) approach students and students' initial conceptions of learning science. The result findings show that each phase of SSCL significantly contributes to increasing the achievement of indicators of scientific creativity

21st Century Learning: A Research Analysis of Numeracy Literacy Trends among Students

Objective: This study analyzes recent trends in numeracy literacy among primary school students in Kediri District and identifies the challenges, opportunities, and steps to improve students' numeracy achievement in the 21st century. Method: A qualitative approach was used in this study, including interviews with teachers, classroom observations, and documentation of numeracy assessment results. The study involved 200 grade 4 and 5 students from 10 partner primary schools in the Campus on Duty (CoD) program. Results: The findings indicate that numeracy literacy trends are influenced by the integration of technology, including game-based learning applications and online platforms. Despite limited resources and insufficient teacher training, technology provides significant opportunities for enhancing numeracy learning. Project-based learning and collaboration with local technology communities were found to be effective in improving numeracy understanding by allowing students to apply concepts in real-world contexts. Novelty: This study emphasizes the unique role of project-based learning and collaboration with local technology communities as strategies for improving numeracy literacy. By integrating real-world contexts and technology, the findings offer new insights into bridging traditional teaching methods with innovative approaches, addressing the evolving demands of 21st-century education. &nbsp

The Role of Islamic Values-Based Entrepreneurship Education and Government Support in Improving Students' Business Success in Islamic Boarding School

Objective: This study analyzes the influence of entrepreneurship education on the success of businesses in Islamic boarding schools, with Islamic values as a mediating variable and government support as a moderating variable. Method: Employing a quantitative approach, the research utilizes a sample of 275 students engaged in business within their Islamic boarding schools. Data analysis uses the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)-PLS method. Results: The findings indicate that entrepreneurship education significantly positively affects the success of student-led businesses, directly and indirectly, through Islamic values. Furthermore, government support enhances the relationship between entrepreneurship education and business success. Novelty: This research is novel in its integrative approach, combining entrepreneurship education, Islamic values, and government support to understand the factors contributing to business success in Islamic boarding schools. The study emphasizes the importance of collaboration among educational institutions, government, and the Islamic boarding school community in fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem rooted in religious values, essential for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in quality education, decent work, and economic growth

Managing Learning Excellence in Educational Institutions: Strategies and Insights

Objective: This study aims to identify and analyze the management of learning excellence in education units with different characteristics. Method: This research uses a qualitative approach with a multi-case study design. Data collection techniques used in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation studies. Data credibility was checked using triangulation techniques, member checking, and peer discussion. Data collected through the three techniques were organized, interpreted, and analyzed repeatedly through within-case and cross-case analyses to develop concepts and abstractions of research findings. Results: The results show that the existence of schools in superior schools is determined by the number of learning excellence owned by schools and the involvement of school principals in improving and maintaining progress by making innovations and changes so that schools remain stable and last until now. Future research can be conducted using different research designs and approaches. Novelty: Based on the results of the literature search, not many studies have been related to the management of learning excellence in education units. Previous research is mainly related to the characteristics of excellent schools. Only some studies aim to determine and analyze the management of learning excellence in schools. Therefore, the management of learning excellence has the characteristics of applying discipline in the teaching and learning process, demanding creative and innovative teachers, and having seriousness in curriculum development and learning. &nbsp

Optimizing EFL Education: A Boarding Language Program Management Model for Indonesian Islamic University Students

Objective: This research investigates the development of an educational management model for a Boarding Language Program (BLP) designed to enhance the language competencies of advanced English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners at the State Islamic University in Salatiga, Indonesia. The study aims to (1) analyze the learners’ language skill profiles before joining the program, (2) propose a comprehensive management model encompassing curriculum, infrastructure, and student admissions, and (3) evaluate the model’s acceptability and effectiveness. Method: A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative data collection, including observations, interviews, and assessments. Results:  Results indicate that the BLP significantly improves language proficiency while fostering immersive, interactive learning experiences. The development model on educational management of boarding language programs on language aspects for advanced English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners is adequate or acceptable in improving learners’ language skills based on the result of the Wilcoxon test. Novelty: Findings suggest that the BLP offers significant potential for improving language skills and preparing students for global competitiveness, providing a replicable framework for other educational institutions

No College Students Left Behind Digital: Reading Comprehension in Framework of Direct Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA)

Objective: Students must master reading comprehension activities because obtaining known information during learning is important. Without mastering reading comprehension, students will encounter problems between studies. On the other hand, there are still not many teachers who utilize technology products during teaching, so pedagogical and didactic aspects are neglected. Therefore, this research aims to develop Google Sites learning media through the Directed Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA) strategy so that students' reading comprehension skills on nonfiction texts can run well. Method: This research includes development research (RnD) using a sample of grade IV students totaling 50. The instrument used a media and material expert validation questionnaire and a student response questionnaire after the media was tested. Results: The results showed that developing Google Sites media with the DRTA strategy for students' reading comprehension skills was declared valid by material experts at 83% and media experts at 86%.In addition, after being tested, the development of Google Sites media received a good response from students. This means that the learning media developed is of high quality. Novelty: This research emphasizes solving students' reading comprehension problems in nonfiction texts. This is done by developing Google site media designed with the DRTA strategy and then testing students to see their reading comprehension ability.&nbsp

The The Influence of Computational Thinking Skills, Critical Thinking Skills, and Collaborative Thinking Skills on the Learning Outcomes of Robotics Competence of Electrical Engineering Education Students

Objective: This study aims to examine the influence of computational thinking skills, critical thinking skills, and collaborative thinking skills on the learning outcomes of robotics competencies of Electrical Engineering Education Students. Method: The sample in this study was 150 respondents, all of whom were students of the Electrical Engineering Education Study Program at Universitas Negeri Surabaya. The research data were obtained from filling out the questionnaire and analyzed quantitatively using the SEM PLS analysis technique with the help of the SmartPLS program. Results: This study shows that (1) Critical thinking skills have a positive effect on the educational robotics-based learning system, (2) computational thinking skills have a positive effect on the educational robotics-based learning system, (3) collaborative skills have a positive effect on the educational robotics-based learning system, (4) critical thinking skills have a positive effect on learning outcomes, (5) Computational Thinking Skills have a positive effect on learning outcomes, (6) Collaboration Skills have a positive effect on learning outcomes, (7) educational robotics-based learning systems have a positive effect on learning outcomes. Novelty: Educational robotics-based learning systems can be an ideal platform for developing computational, critical, and collaborative thinking skills among students. The use of robots as interactive and direct learning media through experiments and problem solving. This can help better understand technical concepts and increase confidence in facing complex challenges in the increasingly connected and rapidly changing real world