The implementation of the integrative approach in determining educational planning goals and objectives at SMK Taruna Bakti Baturraden

Background: This research investigates the educational planning mechanism at Taruna Bakti Vocational High School Baturraden, the only vocational school in the Baturraden area. As a new institution, it plays a crucial role in vocational education. Methods: A qualitative approach is utilized, combining literature reviews and case studies. Interviews are conducted as the primary data collection method. The instruments used include interview guidelines, online communication tools, and direct interaction with the researchers. Findings: SMK Taruna Bakti Baturraden applies SWOT analysis to develop its educational planning documents. This strategic tool helps the school identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to guide its educational development and planning process. Conclusion: The educational planning process at SMK Taruna Bakti Baturraden is informed by SWOT analysis, offering a structured approach to planning in the school’s development. This methodology supports effective decision-making and adapts to the school’s unique position as a new institution in the area. Novelty/Originality of this Study: This study offers a unique exploration of how SWOT analysis is used in the educational planning process at a new vocational high school. It provides insights into how new institutions can strategically plan their development to address both challenges and opportunities in the education sector

Exploring students' perceptions of multicultural religious education: Strategies for promoting multicultural values in social and educational environments

Background: Multicultural education has emerged globally as a response to the undeniable reality of multiculturalism, driven by the struggle for human rights, democracy, and equality. The diversity of ethnicities and cultures in Indonesia forms the background of this research. Diversity contributes to national development; however, issues in Indonesia also demonstrate how diversity can lead to violence and loss. Methods: This study aims to explore students' perceptions of multicultural religious education and their views on the strategies used to instill multicultural values. To ensure scientific rigor, methods such as observation, interviews, and documentation were employed, supported by relevant references. Findings: Public Vocational Secondary Schools/Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan Negeri 1 Purwokerto (SMKN 1 Purwokerto) provides dedicated spaces for each religion practiced within the school. Additionally, the school organizes a monthly "Religious Friday" event to strengthen the spiritual well-being of both students and teachers. During these events, the school invites religious leaders to deliver lectures. Despite not all students being Muslim, the school strives to be fair; Christian students, for instance, are encouraged to attend church for worship and participate in the "Religious Friday" program. Conclusion: Similarly, even if there is only one student practicing Hinduism, Confucianism, or another religion, the school ensures that a religious leader is invited to address their needs SMK Negeri 1 Purwokerto is firmly committed to implementing a multicultural-based educational curriculum. Novelty/Originality of this article: This research provides new insights into schools’ commitment to inclusivity and the promotion of spiritual well-being through diverse religious practices

Toward holistic education: Performance-based student affairs management with social and institutional collaboration

Background: Student management is an important aspect in school management that aims to provide the best educational services to students. In recent decades, research has emphasized the importance of performance-based student management in improving the quality of education. This approach focuses not only on administrative aspects, but also on the development of student character and competence through structured and measurable programs. Methods: This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and document analysis. The focus of the study includes student planning, student admissions, orientation, attendance arrangements, and student discipline. Findings: This study found that student management is carried out in a structured manner through activity planning, performance-based selection systems, new student orientation, attendance monitoring, and character development through extracurricular activities. The entire process is supported by the use of technology to enhance administrative efficiency and parental engagement. Conclusion: The implementation of performance-based student management can improve the quality of education and shape the character of students better. Schools need to strengthen the student selection system with a more comprehensive method and improve student development programs through a personal approach and the use of educational technology. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study offers new insights into the implementation of performance-based student management in Islamic-based high schools, which can be a model for other schools in improving the effectiveness of student management as a whole

Applying maslow’s motivation theory to enhance teacher productivity in islamic boarding schools

Background: Education is a fundamental pillar in developing high-quality human resources, with teachers playing a central role. Teacher productivity is strongly influenced by work motivation, which is closely linked to the fulfillment of needs based on Maslow’s hierarchy. This study aims to analyze the application of Maslow’s theory in improving teacher productivity, a pesantren-based school with an integrative curriculum. The focus is to identify dominant teacher needs and propose strategic recommendations to enhance motivation and productivity. Method: This qualitative descriptive study used structured and unstructured interviews with 14 teachers, participatory observation, and school document analysis. Data were thematically analyzed based on Maslow’s hierarchy; physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs. Findings: The study identified seven dominant teacher needs; (1) salary increase, (2) regular recognition, (3) modern learning facilities, (4) improved work infrastructure, (5) regular training, (6) enhanced school safety, and (7) healthcare access. Most teachers reported that physiological (salary) and esteem needs were not optimally fulfilled, while self-actualization (professional development opportunities) was relatively well-supported. Teachers generally responded positively to the work environment, although dissatisfaction in welfare and recognition affected motivation. Conclusion: Fulfilling Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is crucial for enhancing teacher productivity. Strategic recommendations include optimizing budgets for welfare, implementing performance-based rewards, improving support facilities, and ensuring continuous training. Schools should integrate responsive policies to foster a motivational work environment. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study offers practical insights for Islamic boarding schools implementing the independent curriculum. The analysis of teacher needs through Maslow’s framework within this unique setting provides a holistic policy recommendation, combining welfare, professional growth, and a culture of appreciation which is contributing to underexplored literature on teacher motivation in Islamic education institutions

Exploring students’ perceptions of key service attributes in vocational education

Background: In an increasingly competitive educational landscape, understanding students’ perceptions of service attributes has become essential. Educational institutions are not only expected to deliver academic knowledge but also to provide high-quality services that meet students’ expectations. Methods: This research employed a descriptive approach using questionnaires for data collection. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling with a total of 82 student respondents. The study was conducted at one of the vocational schools in West Lombok. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution analysis. Findings: The findings show that although the majority of educational service attributes were rated as good (e.g., teacher adequacy 57.3%, laboratory equipment 50%, computer facilities 42.7%), toilet facilities (rated not good or very bad by 23.2% of students) and education costs (perceived as expensive or very expensive by 37.8%) received the lowest satisfaction scores, highlighting critical service gaps that vary by gender and require targeted design improvements. Conclusion: The analysis results show that most educational service attributes such as teacher competence, number of educators, syllabus availability, learning facilities, and school infrastructure are rated as good. However, two attributes, namely toilet facilities and education costs, were perceived as less satisfactory by students. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides empirical contributions by identifying the educational service attributes that most influence student perceptions at the vocational high school level. The focus on evaluating toilet facilities and the cost structure of education offers concrete directions for improving service quality management

Exploring the contributing factors to the happiness index in the context of social environment

Background: Happiness is a vital factor for well-being, and its measurement has become an important tool in assessing national prosperity. The United Nations' World Happiness Report ranks countries annually, and in 2024, Indonesia ranked 80th out of 143 countries. This study examines Indonesia's happiness index, focusing on the factors influencing happiness, such as life satisfaction, social support, and inequality, beyond just economic measures like GDP. Methods: The research used a descriptive qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Data was gathered from the happiness index published by Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency, which includes nineteen indicators categorized into three dimensions: life satisfaction, feelings, and the meaning of life. These indicators were analyzed to determine their contribution to the national happiness index. Findings: The study found that happiness in Indonesia is influenced by more than just the nation's GDP. Factors such as education, health, poverty levels, the GINI index (income inequality), and social contributions like Zakat, Infaq, and Charity (ZIS) play significant roles. Higher levels of social support, as represented by ZIS, are linked to increased happiness, while income inequality, measured by the GINI index, can negatively impact happiness. Conclusion: The happiness index in Indonesia is shaped by a combination of economic, social, and health-related factors. While GDP is important, variables like education, health, and social support systems, including charitable activities, have a more direct impact on individual and collective happiness in Indonesia. Novelty/Originality of this Study: This study provides a deeper understanding of the multidimensional nature of happiness in Indonesia, highlighting the significance of social and economic factors beyond traditional measures such as GDP. It emphasizes the role of social support and the impact of inequality on happiness, offering insights into improving national well-being

State-led funding and support for education innovation programmes: Create a participatory policy to create inclusive and equitable education in Indonesia

Background: The research focuses on the challenges facing education, particularly the lack of civil society involvement in policy formulation and implementation. Bureaucratic inefficiency, driven by an emphasis on quantity and inertia, hampers educational innovation. The state-funded Education Innovation Programme is designed to address these issues, promoting both educational innovation and the democratisation of education. This programme emphasizes participatory innovation, seeking solutions to the problems within the education system. Methods: This study uses a qualitative approach to analyze the stages of the Education Innovation Programme, including planning, execution, and evaluation. The involvement of innovators, review teams, observers, and government agents is explored in the context of their collaborative, professional, and non-interventionist roles. Findings: The Education Innovation Programme encourages community-driven, innovative ideas with direct state support in terms of funding and mentoring. This collaboration aims to reduce bureaucratic burdens and offer flexible, locally based solutions to education issues. The programme is designed to address the specific problems faced by poor and marginalized groups, enhancing access to education. Conclusion: The Education Innovation Programme has the potential to alleviate access issues in education for marginalized groups, fostering local solutions and empowering civil society. It could provide a more flexible, less rigid approach to solving education problems, particularly in the face of bureaucratic limitations. Novelty/Originality of this Study: This study offers a novel perspective on addressing educational challenges by advocating for a collaborative, bottom-up approach through the Education Innovation Programme. It highlights the potential of state-backed, community-driven innovation to overcome bureaucratic inertia and improve access to education for marginalized communities

Agenda-setting and analysis of contributions of Nigerian newspapers to poverty-reduction

Background: Poverty remains one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges in Nigeria, with a large proportion of the population living below the national poverty line. The press plays a vital role in shaping public discourse, setting agenda for the society, and analysing topical issues impacting the society. Although previous studies have explored media representation of poverty, there remains a gap in regionally comparative analyses of how Nigerian newspapers cover poverty-related issues. This study aimed to examine the types of poverty-related issues frequently covered in Nigerian newspapers, determine regional differences in coverage patterns, and assess the prominence accorded to such issues. Methods: The study employed quantitative content analysis as its method, using a composite sampling technique to select 322 newspaper editions from Vanguard (South-based) and Daily Trust (North-based) over a three-year period. Data were coded using a structured content coding guide. Findings: The findings revealed a total of 737 poverty-related stories, with Daily Trust publishing slightly more (376) than Vanguard (361). Regional framing differences were evident: Daily Trust focused more on education (23.4%), healthcare (19.7%), and sanitation (10.4%), while Vanguard emphasized food insecurity (19.4%), unemployment (14.4%), and inadequate social welfare (10.2%). However, most of the stories were placed on inside pages, indicating low prominence. The analysis suggests that although both newspapers contribute to agenda-setting on poverty, the limited front-page coverage may hinder the visibility required to drive meaningful policy engagement. Conclusion: The study concludes that Nigerian press needs to partner more with relevant stakeholders, towards the realisation of the aspirations of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on Poverty alleviation. Novelty/Originality of this article: This research provides new insights as it offers a regional comparative perspective to poverty discourse in Nigerian media studies

Managing school-based conflicts as a social factor influencing educational environments: A case study approach

Background: Conflict in schools often arises from interactions among various parties with differing goals, values, or interests. This study aims to analyze the implementation of conflict management. Methods: The research method used is qualitative with a case study approach. Data collection techniques include interviews, observations, and document analysis. Findings: This study found that conflicts at the school involved students, teachers, educational staff, and even parents. The types of conflict identified include interpersonal conflict, intergroup conflict, and structural conflict. The causes of conflict include differences in values and goals, as well as a lack of effective communication. In resolving these conflicts, the school implements various conflict management approaches such as collaboration, compromise, and accommodation. These implementations are supported by internal policies and coordination efforts led by the principal, teachers, and other relevant stakeholders. The findings indicate that appropriate conflict management approaches can foster a conducive learning environment, enhance communication quality, and strengthen collaboration among school stakeholders. Conclusion: Conflicts in this study arise from miscommunication, misunderstandings, differing perspectives, and lack of discipline, involving various types such as interpersonal, constructive, and destructive conflicts. While conflict management has been effectively implemented through deliberation, mediation, and compromise, it remains informal, undocumented, and not fully aligned with the POAC framework. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study contributes to the development of both theory and practice in conflict management within educational institutions. Through the implementation of effective conflict management, negative conflicts can be minimized, while positive conflicts can be leveraged to enhance creativity and innovation in the learning process

Assessing the impact of freewriting and peer editing techniques on writing skills: An experimental study on personal recount texts in the context of education

Background: Writing plays a crucial role in helping students communicate their ideas in various situations. However, tenth-grade students at SMA N 1 Wanadadi face challenges in writing, such as a lack of vocabulary and difficulties understanding grammar and text structure. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Free Writing and Peer-Editing techniques in improving students' ability to write personal recount texts. Methods: This research utilized an experimental design with a quantitative approach. The population consisted of 360 tenth-grade students at SMA N 1 Wanadadi, with XA class as the experimental group and XB class as the control group. Data were collected using pretests and post-tests in written form. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23. Findings: The results of the t-test showed that t count (6.319) was greater than the t value (2.030), and the significance (Sig = 0.000) was less than 0.050. This indicates that the Null Hypothesis (Ho) is rejected, and the Alternative Hypothesis (Ha) is accepted, proving that Free Writing and Peer-Editing techniques effectively enhance students' ability to write personal recount texts. Conclusion: The use of Free Writing and Peer-Editing techniques is effective in improving the tenth-grade students' ability to write personal recount texts at SMA N 1 Wanadadi Banjarnegara. Novelty/Originality of this Study: This study contributes to the body of knowledge by demonstrating the effectiveness of Free Writing and Peer-Editing techniques in a high school setting, specifically for students struggling with writing personal recount texts. The combination of these two techniques offers a practical approach to enhancing writing skills in a classroom where students face language-related difficulties