Promoting Critical Thinking Skills and Speaking Performance: Is Prep Framework Effective?

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It is essential to possess reasoning abilities when communicating. Therefore, this study aims to determine whether the application of the PREP Framework in teaching speaking promotes critical thinking skills and enhances speaking performance among selected students in the English Education Department at Tadulako University. This investigation is significant as it addresses the lack of research on the effectiveness of this framework in speaking instruction. The study employed a pre-experimental design that utilized a one-group pretest and posttest approach. The sample consisted of 20 participants selected through a purposive sampling technique. Data collection involved assessing oral performance using a pretest and a posttest as research instruments. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 26. After implementing the PREP Framework, the scores of the participating students demonstrated a notable improvement. Thus, the PREP Framework has proven effective in fostering critical thinking skills and enhancing speaking performance.

Impact of Change Management on the Development of Human Resource Job Performance: An exploratory study of a sample of staff at Baghdad International Airport

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The study aims to explore the impact of change management on job performance and to identify the extent to which the research sample members implement the dimensions of job performance. The research problem addressed several questions revolving around the nature of the influential relationships between the study variables by analyzing the opinions of the job staff at Baghdad International Airport. The sample size amounted to 280 respondents to determine the influence of change management as an independent variable and its impact on job performance as a dependent variable. Several main and sub-hypotheses were formulated to achieve this purpose. The descriptive-analytical approach was employed as the scientific method in the current study, and the study population, represented by the staff at Baghdad International Airport, was selected. The study employed the survey method to analyze the responses of the research community, utilizing a set of statistical measures and methods. The results show a noticeable trend among managers at Baghdad International Airport towards the need for changes to the organizational structure. This is due to the prevailing trend of making various administrative and legal decisions within the scope of the services provided, as well as the prevailing future vision of managers regarding the airport.

Integrative Islamic Religious Instruction for Character Building: A Case Study at SD Integral Lukman Al-Hakim

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Purpose: This study aimed to examine the implementation of integrative Islamic education (PAI) instruction at SD Integral Lukman Al-Hakim and its impact on students’ character building. The primary focus of this research was to describe the mechanisms of integrating Islamic values with general subjects, identify the applied teaching methods, and analyze their contributions to students’ cognitive, affective, and psychomotor development.

Methods: This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis, including lesson plans, teaching modules, and evaluation records. Data analysis followed the steps of data condensation, presentation via flowcharts and diagrams, and interpretation through meaning analysis, strengthened by triangulation techniques to ensure validity. The research site was strategically selected due to the school’s commitment to implementing innovative integrative PAI learning through an interdisciplinary approach.

Results: The findings indicated that the integrative PAI instruction successfully synergized Islamic values with general subjects such as Indonesian Language, Mathematics, Natural Sciences (IPA), and Citizenship Education (PPKn). Using thematic integrative instruction, project-based learning, and problem-based learning proved effective in enhancing students’ comprehension of Islamic concepts while fostering empathy, discipline, and social skills. Despite challenges such as time constraints and limited facilities, integrating digital technology and audiovisual media significantly created an interactive and contextual learning environment.

Conclusion: This study concluded that the integrative PAI instruction model effectively optimized character development in elementary education by holistically integrating academic and moral values. The findings provided practical implications for curriculum development and the enhancement of educators’ competencies in addressing the challenges of 21st-century education.

Development of Virtual Reality-Based Learning Media Tefa SMUD’S In Improving Public Speaking Skills at SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Malang

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The purpose of this study is to develop Virtual Reality-based learning media in improving public speaking skills at SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Malang. This research and development resulted in Virtual Reality (VR)-based learning media at Tefa Smuds, which is designed to improve students’ public speaking skills at SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Malang. This media is implemented in the business management department, which consists of three concentrations of expertise: Office Management and Business Services, Institutional Financial Accounting, and Retail Business. This VR media allows students to experience a simulation of a virtual environment that resembles SMUD’S Mart, as well as face cases that hone public speaking skills. The development model used is the ADDIE model which has 5 stages, namely Analyze, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation. The trial subjects were 54 students at SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Malang, the analysis used quantitative and qualitative data. Product validation was carried out by 6 practitioners and academics who obtained results above 90% (very feasible) with the results of the normality test showing normally distributed data (pretest significance value 0.412 and posttest 0.172). In addition, the Paired T-test produced a significance value of 0 (below 0.05), indicating a significant improvement in students’ public speaking skills after the use of VR media. These results indicate the effectiveness of Tefa Smuds VR media as an innovative learning tool to develop students’ communication skills at SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Malang.

Empowerment Through Protection: A Gendered Exploration of Condom Accessibility and Reproductive Health

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This study examines the perceptions about condom accessibility and its impact on reproductive health among young adult cisgender individuals in rural areas of the Philippines, specifically in Burauen, Leyte. Through individual interviews and thematic analysis, the study identifies three key themes: Stigma and discomfort associated with condom access, societal and cultural influences on condom use, and inadequate dissemination of information and resources. The findings reveal that societal norms, cultural beliefs, and lack of open communication about sexual health contribute to a pervasive sense of shame and embarrassment surrounding condom use. This, coupled with limited access to condoms in rural areas and misconceptions about their effectiveness, significantly hampers individuals’ ability to make informed and safe reproductive health decisions. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions, including targeted educational campaigns, increased condom availability, and supportive healthcare practices, to address these barriers and empower individuals to prioritize their sexual well-being.

The Effectiveness of Microteaching in Improving the Interpersonal Competence of Prospective Teachers

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This study investigated the effectiveness of microteaching in improving preservice teachers’ interpersonal competence, specifically in facilitating argumentative discussions. The study used mixed methods, analyzing quantitative data from rater scores and qualitative data from an open-ended survey of students. Results showed a positive trend: students with a stronger understanding of the learning objectives tended to score higher, although the statistical correlation was not significant. Qualitative analysis revealed inconsistencies between students’ self-ratings and rater ratings, especially for students who had difficulty identifying areas of improvement. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the learning objectives and the need for more objective assessment tools for developing preservice teachers’ interpersonal competence through microteaching.

Implementation of Nggusuwaru Values as a Hidden Curriculum in the Development of Islamic Character among Students at SMAN 1 Ambalawi

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This study aims to describe the underlying rationale and the implementation of nggusuwaru values as a hidden curriculum in shaping the Islamic character of students at SMAN 1 Ambalawi. This research is a case study employing a qualitative approach. Observation and documentation methods were reinforced by in-depth interviews with research subjects, namely: the principal, the vice principal of curriculum, two PAI teachers, two PPKn teachers, the P5 coordinator teacher, homeroom teacher, ROHIS and KSR extracurricular supervisor, two guidance and counseling teachers, and two students for data collection. Data validation used source triangulation, using pattern identification techniques, explanatory presentation, and time-series analysis. The results: first, the rationale for implementing nggusuwaru values as a hidden curriculum in shaping the Islamic character of students at SMAN 1 Ambalawi includes: a) Reviving and restoring the cultural philosophy of nggusuwaru; b) Strengthening and affirming the P5 Profile; c) Optimizing the achievement of the school’s vision, mission, and objectives; d) Supporting the holistic development of students’ knowledge, skills, and character; e) Applying Social Emotional Learning as emphasized in the Kurikulum Merdeka. Second, the implementation of nggusuwaru values as a hidden curriculum is conducted through in-class practices: tadarus, habituation of 5S, prayer before and after learning, clean and tidy living habits, punctual attendance, evaluation of Ṣalāh, infaq seribu Jumat. Outside the classroom, these are reflected through: congregational ẓuhr prayer, kultum, joint Friday prayer at school, managerial coaching, 5S practices, morning assemblies, clean and tidy lifestyle, and direct fundraising activities.

Attitudes and Challenges in Learning Mathematics in The Modern World: Foundation for Effective Intervention

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This study aims to analyze students’ attitudes concerning their learning of Mathematics in the Modern World (MMW) and the problems they experience. This is important because if we understand the students’ attitudes and issues, we can provide constructive interventions that improve learning. The study uses a descriptive-quantitative design to survey students in Criminology by administering quantitative surveys to a broad spectrum of respondents, representing a range of students who have enrolled in the course. The survey focused on pre-defined measures of students’ attitudes, anxiety, motivation, and perceived challenges about Mathematics in the Modern World. The results indicate a significant relationship between students’ attitudes and performance in MMW. The results suggest many students showed a considerable amount of anxiety regarding their perceived level of knowledge in mathematics, along with a lack of confidence in their expertise as a result of prior experiences and backgrounds, including socio-economic factors. The conclusion reflects some of these psychological and contextual factors facing students and the need to address these to improve students’ attitudes toward mathematics. Constructive interventions are recommended, including various teaching methods/programs and pseudo-support mechanisms that can influence students toward a more benign way of learning and thinking about mathematics. Indeed, with more constructive interventions, educators can have a greater impact on students’ engagement and learning in mathematics education.

Strengthening Character Through Strengthening the Pancasila Student Profile (P5) and Rahmatan lil Alamin Student Profile (P2RA) at MA Muhammadiyah 1 Malang City

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This study aims to describe character strengthening through the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5) and Rahmatan Lil Aalamin Student Profile (P2RA) activities at MA Muhammadiyah 1 Malang City. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study research type. Data analysis uses the Miles, Huberman and Saldana data analysis test and data validity test using triangulation. Data collection techniques through observation during the activity, interviews with the curriculum vice principal, facilitator team, and students, and documentation in the form of supporting data such as project modules and activity photos. The results of this study indicate that at the planning stage, the principal represented by the curriculum vice principal determines the implementation time, forms a facilitator team, determines the theme, and creates a project module by the facilitator team. At the implementation stage, it is carried out for four weeks with details of introduction and presentation to students, group formation and discussion, preparation of products to be produced, and finally an exhibition. At the evaluation stage, what is done is peer assessment and the final product produced is successful or not.

Enhancing Mental Health Literacy Among Art University Students: Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Mental Health Education Program in Guangxi, China

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Mental health literacy (MHL) is essential for university students, particularly in art institutions where psychological stressors are prevalent. However, limited awareness and stigma toward mental illness persist, impacting help-seeking behaviors. This study examines the effectiveness of a Mental Health Education Program (MHEP) in improving MHL, recognition of mental illness, and attitudes toward individuals with mental illness among art university students in Guangxi, China. A quasi-experimental research design with pre-test and post-test measures was used, involving 390 students divided into experimental and control groups. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, with survey questionnaires for quantitative analysis and semi-structured interviews for qualitative insights. Findings indicate that the MHEP significantly improved mental health literacy and illness recognition (p < .001), but attitudinal changes were minimal, suggesting the need for long-term stigma-reduction efforts. The study supports the integration of structured mental health education programs in universities and highlights the importance of experiential learning strategies for deeper attitude transformation.