Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026): Awwaliyah: Jurnal PGMI

This study focuses on exploring differentiated learning techniques adapted for Grade III students at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah within the framework of the Merdeka Curriculum. The methodology employed is a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) that examined 15 scientific articles published between 2022 and 2025. Empirical findings indicate that pedagogical differentiation, through modifications in process, product, learning environment, and content, positively contributes to enhancing student motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes, with the most significant impact observed in literacy skills. This strategy is inclusive, offering benefits for students with special needs as well as those across a diverse spectrum of ability levels. Conceptually, this study affirms the validity of differentiated instruction as a flexible strategy aligned with the spirit of curriculum autonomy, thereby providing practical guidance for Indonesian language teachers in optimizing student-centered learning.

The digital transformation of the 21st century encourages the education sector to continuously adapt through the use of technology in order to create more effective and meaningful learning. The Kurikulum Merdeka provides space for learning innovations that are student-centered while strengthening higher-order thinking skills and the values of the Profil Pelajar Pancasila. Deep learning emerges as an alternative pedagogical approach that emphasizes profound learning processes through awareness, meaningfulness, and joyful experiences. This study aims to examine the optimization of meaningful learning through the application of deep learning within the implementation of the Kurikulum Merdeka in elementary schools. Using a descriptive qualitative method based on literature studies, the findings show that deep learning enhances learning quality through inquiry, projects, problem-solving, collaboration, and the use of technology. However, its implementation is still constrained by limited facilities, digital access gaps, and uneven teacher competencies. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening teacher capacity, providing adequate facilities, and ensuring flexible and contextual learning planning.

The demands of 21st-century education require learning to focus on conceptual understanding, higher-order thinking skills, and character development. However, empirical studies on the implementation of the deep learning approach in elementary education, particularly in rural madrasahs, remain limited. This study aims to describe the implementation of deep learning at MI Tarbiyatul Wathon Campurejo, identify the challenges encountered, and analyze its impact on the quality of learning. This research is positioned as a contextual study that enriches the discourse on deep learning in Indonesian elementary education. A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed. Data were collected through observations, in-depth interviews, and document analysis, and analyzed using an interactive data analysis model. The findings indicate that deep learning was implemented through the integration of meaningful learning, mindful learning, and joyful learning, which enhanced student engagement, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and character development. Challenges related to limited resources were addressed through adaptive and collaborative strategies. These findings affirm that deep learning is relevant and applicable to rural madrasahs and aligns with the Merdeka Curriculum and 21st-century competencies.

This study aims to find out the application of deep learning design in the learning process at SD Negeri 1 Binjeita and to find out the improvement of students' critical and creative thinking skills through the application of the deep learning design. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study type, with the research subjects of principals, teachers, and students, while data is collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, then analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawn. The results show that deep learning design has been applied through more active, meaningful, and student-centered learning, and is able to improve students' critical thinking skills in reasoning, answering logically, and responding to opinions, as well as improving students' creative thinking skills in presenting ideas, providing diverse answers, and connecting material with everyday experiences.

Learning natural and sosial sciences (IPAS) in elementary schools often faces challenges in improving students’ understanding, which is seen from the low learning outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of the Project Based Learning (PjBL) Learning model in improving the understanding of natural and sosial sciense conceps (IPAS) in elementary school student. Elementary school IPAS learning often faces challenges in improving students’ understanding, which is reflected in the low learning outcomes. The method used is classroom action research (PTK) which was carried out in two cycles, involving 16 grade III Students at MI Tarbiyatut Tholabah Kranji Paciran. Data were collected through observation, test, and documentation, and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The result showed that the implementation of the PjBL model significantly improved students’ understanding of IPAS concepts, with an increase in learning outcomes from cycle 1 to cycle 2. Observations also showed that students became more active and enthusiastic in participating in learning. Steps such as providing motivation, viding heterogeneous study groups, and opportunities for presentations contributed to positive results. This finding indicates that the PjBL learning model can be an affective alternative to improve the understanding of science concepts among elementary school students. This research is expected to contribute to the development of better curriculum and learning methods.

This study aims to determine the effect of Wordwall-based Game-Based Learning on the understanding of science material in 33 fourth-grade students of SDN Cemplang 04, Bogor Regency. The research method used was a pre-experiment with a one-group pretest–posttest design. The results showed that the average value of students' understanding at the pretest stage was 57, while the average posttest increased to 83. The results of the Normalized Gain (N-Gain) analysis were in the moderate category. In addition, data analysis using Paired Samples T-Test through SPSS 21 for Windows showed a significance value of 0.000 <α (0.001), which means there is a significant difference between the pretest and posttest results after the application of the learning model. These results indicate that Wordwall-based Game-Based Learning is effective in improving elementary school students' understanding of science material.

This study aims to describe the implementation of a constructivist approach in instilling religious values through the Hadith on cleanliness among elementary school students. Constructivism emphasizes the active role of students in constructing knowledge through direct experience and personal reflection. The research method used is a literature review, analyzing various sources related to constructivist education and the teaching of Islamic values in elementary education. The findings indicate that the constructivist approach can be effectively applied through contextual learning strategies, group discussions, and hygiene-related practices linked to the values of Hadith. This implementation not only improves students’ understanding of the importance of cleanliness in Islam but also fosters consistent religious attitudes in their daily lives. Thus, integrating Islamic values into constructivist-based learning contributes positively to students’ character development.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model in Cultural Arts learning through macrame craft activities for fifth-grade students at SD 2 Purworejo. A qualitative descriptive method was employed, involving the Cultural Arts teacher and fifth-grade students as research subjects. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation during the learning process. The results indicate that the implementation of PjBL through macrame projects was effective and carried out through systematic stages, including preparation, demonstration, practice, refinement, and reflection. Students demonstrated active participation, good collaboration, and improvement in creativity and fine motor skills.

Based on the observation results, the researcher found that fourth grade students felt bored with conventional mathematics learning methods so that their learning outcomes were less than optimal. To overcome this, a study was conducted using the TGT type cooperative learning model which includes educational games and tournaments. The purpose of this study was to improve the mathematics learning outcomes of fourth grade students at SDN 02 Nambangan Kidul Madiun. This study used a classroom action research approach involving 17 students in two cycles. The results showed that the application of the TGT model with the snakes and ladders game can significantly improve the average learning outcomes of students. In the initial stage, only 4 students completed the lesson, but after cycle I with lectures, 10 students completed the lesson. In cycle II with the TGT model, the number of students who completed the lesson increased to 15 students with an average score of 84.4. Therefore, the use of the TGT type cooperative learning model with games can improve students' mathematics learning outcomes and is suitable for implementation.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the integrated science and religion curriculum at SDIT Insan Cendikia Lamongan and to identify the challenges and opportunities faced, driven by the imbalance in student achievement, with students tending to perform better in science than in religion. Unlike previous studies, this research specifically and thoroughly explores the context of curriculum integration at the SDIT level in Lamongan. Using a qualitative approach with a case study design, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, then analyzed through data reduction, presentation, and drawing of conclusions. Key findings indicate that curriculum implementation is well-planned and structured, resulting in students who excel academically while possessing strong moral character. However, challenges such as maintaining curriculum balance, resource limitations, and resistance to the curriculum were also identified. This research offers a new perspective on science-religion integration in fostering students’ critical thinking and moral foundations.

This study addresses the low student creativity and scarcity of innovative STEAM-based worksheets in Islamic Elementary Schools (Madrasah Ibtidaiyah). It aims to develop and test STEAM-based worksheets for third-grade visual arts. The research fills the gap between theory and practice by providing a contextual instructional product. Using the R&D method with the 4D model, the study involved expert validation, practicality tests with teachers and students, and effectiveness testing with a pretest-posttest design. Key results show the worksheets were highly valid (average score 3.72), highly practical, and effective in significantly improving creativity (p<0.05) with a large effect size (0.82). The N-Gain score of 0.68 (moderate category) demonstrates meaningful improvement, with the highest growth in originality.

This study aims to analyze strategies for developing students’ talents through karate extracurricular activities at MI Alam Ananda Mandiri Slawi. The research positions itself by addressing a gap in previous studies that rarely explore specific strategies for talent development at the elementary Islamic school level. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, then analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model. The findings reveal that student talent development is effective when supported by structured planning, active roles of teachers and coaches, parental involvement, and continuous evaluation. Beyond physical skills, karate activities foster discipline, responsibility, and self-confidence among students. This research contributes conceptually by offering a collaborative strategy model that can be adapted by other schools to optimize talent development through martial arts-based extracurricular programs.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of scouting activities on sixth-grade student discipline at SDI Miftahul Ulum Surabaya. The method used was a qualitative approach, collecting data through interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis was carried out in three steps: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The research findings indicate that the activities are interesting and enjoyable, which are the main reasons students choose to join scouting activities. The positive impacts of scouting activities include character building, increased discipline, and self-confidence. However, there are also negative effects such as increasing physical and mental stress, triggering conflict between students, and reducing enthusiasm for learning. This study recommends that schools, supervisors, and teachers implement clear rules and provide positive examples as role models for students. As a result, students tend to imitate the example set by their leaders.

This research stems from the issue of Islamic Cultural History (SKI) lessons often being perceived as boring and unoriginal. The study aims to examine teacher competence in using digital media, how it sparks student interest, and find solutions to existing challenges. Using a descriptive qualitative method, this study offers a fresh perspective for future educators in presenting historical material. The results show that teachers' technological mastery significantly influences the presentation of engaging and non-monotonous content. Proper use of digital media is proven to make students more enthusiastic about the subject. Although there are obstacles like limited facilities and technical skills, these can be overcome through teacher creativity in using free applications and self-training. These findings emphasize the importance of technological adaptation for SKI teachers in the modern era.

This study aims to analyze the effect of using Flipcard Mini media based on visual storytelling on students’ learning outcomes in the Pancasila Education subject for fourth-grade students at MI Al As’ad Brambang Jombang. Flipcard Mini is designed to help students understand Pancasila values through two-sided illustrations that construct simple visual narratives. This research employed a quasi-experimental design using a one-group pretest–posttest model involving 30 students. Data were collected through learning outcome tests and analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, indicated that the data were not normally distributed. The results show a significant increase between the pretest and posttest scores, demonstrating that Flipcard Mini effectively enhances students’ understanding of Pancasila concepts. These findings indicate that visual storytelling media can create more engaging, interactive, and meaningful learning experiences, making it a suitable alternative instructional medium for elementary school Pancasila Education.

This study aims to conduct an in-depth and systematic examination of the integration between transformational leadership and adaptive leadership within the institutional context of Islamic Religious Education (IRE) at the elementary level. The study employs a qualitative approach using a literature review method, analyzing relevant scientific literature, including leadership theories, educational policies, and previous research findings. The findings indicate that transformational leadership plays a crucial role in establishing vision, inspiration, and a values-based culture within the IRE institutional framework, while adaptive leadership is necessary for navigating social change, addressing undefined challenges, and fostering institutional flexibility. The integration of the two models produces a strategic and responsive leadership pattern that not only drives innovation but also strengthens organizational resilience in facing the dynamics of modern education. The implication is that this transformational-adaptive leadership model can be a strategic alternative in strengthening the governance of PAI institutions and serve as a reference for the development of policies and training in Islamic educational leadership oriented toward sustainability and institutional quality.

This study aims to explain the strategies of Prophet Muhammad SAW in developing the economy of Medina as learning material for 4th-grade Islamic History (SKI). The main issue discussed is how the Prophet transformed the economic condition of Medina's society from poverty to self-sufficiency. This research is positioned as the development of relevant teaching materials for primary school students. The method used is a literature study with a historical approach. The results show that Prophet Muhammad built the economy through three main steps: constructing the Nabawi Mosque as a coordination center, fostering brotherhood between the Muhajirin and Ansar in economic cooperation, and establishing a fair Muslim market. Through this material, 4th-grade students are expected to understand the values of independence, honesty, and mutual cooperation in economic activities from an early age.

Instilling values of tolerance and diversity from an early age is an important aspect in shaping the character of students to have noble morals and be able to live harmoniously amid diversity. This study aims to examine the principles of tolerance and diversity through the story of the Prophet's preaching in Medina in SKI learning at the MI level. The research method used is qualitative by accessing data through library research. The data collection process in this study was carried out by reading and analyzing books and scientific articles. The results of the study show that the story of the Prophet's preaching in Medina, contextualized with the daily lives of students, can be an effective learning medium for conveying the values of togetherness, mutual respect, and acceptance of differences. Teachers have an important role in facilitating reflective discussions that aim to relate the meaning of the story to the context of students' daily lives. This implementation has a positive impact on students' attitudes, making them more open and appreciative of differences in social interactions at school. By instilling tolerance from an early age, it is hoped that social conflicts can be prevented, the ability to adapt to new environments can be improved, and emotional intelligence can be developed so that children appreciate differences.

Mathematics learning on whole number topics in elementary education still faces various challenges, particularly low student participation and conceptual understanding due to teacher-centered instructional practices. This study aims to describe the implementation of the Jigsaw cooperative learning model in teaching whole numbers to third-grade students at an Islamic elementary school (Madrasah Ibtidaiyah) in Bekasi. The research employed a qualitative approach using a case study method. The participants consisted of one teacher and six students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and documentation and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model. The findings revealed that the implementation of the Jigsaw cooperative learning model was carried out systematically through planning, implementation, and evaluation stages. The learning process involved the formation of home groups and expert groups, which encouraged interaction, collaboration, learning responsibility, and students’ confidence in explaining concepts to their peers. Although some students remained passive, the Jigsaw model successfully fostered a more active, collaborative, and student-centered learning environment.

The purpose of this study is to identify the forms of difficulties experienced by students in understanding the concepts of the IPAS subject at Madrasah Ibtida’iyah, analyze the factors that cause these difficulties, and explain the impact of learning difficulties on students’ academic performance in the subject. The study also aims to explore the reasons behind students' struggles in learning. This research was conducted in Grade V at MI Raudlatul Hasan Condong. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data collection instruments included pre-tests, observations, interviews, and documentation. Based on the data analysis, it was found that students’ learning difficulties in the IPAS subject were primarily caused by a lack of interest in the subject. This lack of interest had a direct impact on their academic performance, as evidenced by the test results: out of 51 students, 27 scored below the Minimum Mastery Criteria (KKM).