Formative assessment practices and perceived students’ mathematical achievement in senior high schools: the mediating role of cognitive activation-oriented instruction

Assessment in Arabic language learning as a foreign language (Arabic as a Foreign Language) is currently undergoing a significant paradigm shift. This transformation is influenced by the development of digital technology, the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesia, which emphasizes flexibility, differentiation, and learning personalization. This article presents a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) aimed at identifying, examining, and synthesizing developments, innovations, methodological approaches, and various challenges in the assessment of the four Arabic language skills, namely listening, speaking, reading, and writing, during the period from 2020 to early 2026. The review employed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocol to identify and analyze relevant literature. The findings indicate a shift from conventional evaluation systems based on discrete tests toward the implementation of Technology-Enhanced Assessment (TEA) and more authentic forms of assessment. The literature synthesis reveals several key findings. First, diagnostic assessment, encompassing both cognitive and non-cognitive aspects, plays an important role in designing differentiated learning within the framework of the Merdeka Curriculum. Second, the development of assessment instruments for Arabic language maharah is increasingly oriented toward measuring higher-order thinking skills (Higher Order Thinking Skills/HOTS). Third, the utilization of Generative AI, including ChatGPT, as well as various gamification-based learning platforms, has introduced new approaches to providing faster, more adaptive, and interactive feedback. Based on the synthesis, the effectiveness of modern assessment is not determined solely by the sophistication of the technology employed, but also by the alignment between technology and pedagogical objectives, the transparency of assessment procedures, and its ability to comprehensively represent learners' communicative competence while maintaining the principles of academic integrity.

The purpose of this research is to analyze the economic self-management strategies used by students of the Faculty of Business Sciences of the Technical University of Machala during their academic training; Interest in this study arose from the need to understand how students face economic difficulties that arise in their training. A mixed approach was applied and a survey was used on a representative sample of 367 students, identifying the main source of income for a part of the student population, evidencing alternatives to sustain their expenses and reduce their economic dependence. The most used strategies were observed when they go through difficult situations and if the income is sufficient to cover their expenses, reflecting the existence of limitations and conditioning the way of organizing their resources and decision making. Likewise, it was identified that students usually perceive an impact. in their academic performance. The results allowed us to understand the economic dynamics experienced by university students and provide information for the design of institutional strategies that contribute to strengthening permanence, well-being and academic success.

ABSTRACT This study examined differences in sixth-grade students’ conceptual understanding and critical thinking between Problem-Based Learning (PBL) supported by an Augmented Reality (AR)-Based Book and conventional instruction in Solar System learning. A quantitative quasi-experimental study employing a nonequivalent pretest–posttest control group design involved 35 students from two elementary schools in Blora, Indonesia, comprising 17 experimental and 18 control participants. The intervention was implemented across three instructional sessions. Data were collected using validated essay-based assessments and analyzed through analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), controlling for pretest performance. The experimental group achieved higher posttest means in conceptual understanding (86.71 vs. 72.67) and critical thinking (85.82 vs. 70.17). ANCOVA revealed significant adjusted between-group differences in conceptual understanding (mean difference = 13.87, 95% CI [11.45, 16.29], p < .001) and critical thinking (mean difference = 15.38, 95% CI [12.19, 18.57], p < .001). MANCOVA confirmed a significant multivariate difference (Pillai’s Trace = .862, F(2, 30) = 95.34, p < .001). These findings suggest that integrating AR-supported visualization within structured problem-based inquiry may support conceptual learning and evidence-based reasoning. Nevertheless, the small sample, nonrandom allocation, and school- and teacher-level confounding preclude definitive causal conclusions. Larger multisite and factorial studies are recommended.

Assessment in Natural and Social Sciences (IPAS) at the elementary school level needs to document students’ knowledge, process skills, and character development continuously rather than relying solely on written test results. This study aimed to develop a flexible portfolio assessment instrument, determine its validity and practicality, and examine its perceived usefulness based on the fourth-grade teacher’s assessment at SD Negeri 075027 Silima Omo. The study employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach using the 4D model, comprising Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate stages. The participants included three expert validators, one fourth-grade teacher, and 22 students, with 10 students participating in the small-group trial. The resulting product was a printed portfolio assessment instrument comprising seven integrated components. Validation results yielded mean scores of 3.83 for design, 3.75 for language, and 4.00 for evaluation on a four-point scale. The practicality score increased from 62.50% to 93.75%, while perceived usefulness increased from 64.29% to 85.71%. The small-group trial produced a mean portfolio score of 80.80. The instrument was considered suitable for use; however, inter-rater reliability and its effectiveness in improving learning outcomes require further empirical investigation. ABSTRAK Penilaian pembelajaran Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam dan Sosial (IPAS) di sekolah dasar perlu mencakup perkembangan pengetahuan, keterampilan proses, dan karakter murid secara berkelanjutan, bukan hanya berorientasi pada hasil tes tertulis. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengembangkan instrumen penilaian portofolio yang fleksibel, mengetahui kelayakan dan kepraktisannya, serta mengidentifikasi kebermanfaatannya berdasarkan persepsi guru kelas IV di SD Negeri 075027 Silima Omo. Penelitian menggunakan metode Research and Development (R&D) dengan model 4D yang meliputi tahap Define, Design, Develop, dan Disseminate. Subjek penelitian terdiri atas tiga validator ahli, satu guru kelas IV, dan 22 murid, dengan 10 murid sebagai subjek uji coba kelompok kecil. Produk yang dikembangkan berupa instrumen portofolio berbasis cetak dengan tujuh komponen terintegrasi. Hasil validasi menunjukkan skor rata-rata ahli desain 3,83, ahli bahasa 3,75, dan ahli evaluasi 4,00 pada skala empat. Persentase kepraktisan meningkat dari 62,50% menjadi 93,75%, sedangkan kebermanfaatan berdasarkan persepsi guru meningkat dari 64,29% menjadi 85,71%. Rata-rata nilai portofolio kelompok kecil mencapai 80,80. Instrumen dinyatakan layak digunakan, meskipun reliabilitas antarpenilai dan keefektifan terhadap hasil belajar masih memerlukan pengujian lebih lanjut.

Developing students’ economic competence and creativity is essential to preparing them for economic challenges and changing societal demands. However, school entrepreneurship programs do not necessarily develop economic understanding and creativity equally, making evaluation of their implementation and learning outcomes necessary. This study aims to analyze the implementation, supporting and inhibiting factors, and effectiveness of an entrepreneurship-based school program in developing students’ economic competence and creativity at SMP Negeri 2 Tuhemberua. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed. Data were collected through interviews, documentation, and observations involving the school principal, supervising teacher, and five participating students. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing, with credibility examined through source and method triangulation. The findings indicate that the Cultivation and MSME Business Project supports students’ understanding of production, capital, costs, sales, and profit while encouraging product innovation, problem-solving, responsibility, and cooperation. Nevertheless, program effectiveness remains limited by insufficient time, inadequate facilities, difficulties in financial recordkeeping, and restricted marketing reach. Therefore, the program is effective as a practical learning experience but requires stronger structured reflection, financial literacy activities, and continuous evaluation to improve students’ economic competence and creativity. ABSTRAK Pengembangan kompetensi ekonomi dan kreativitas siswa penting untuk mempersiapkan mereka menghadapi tantangan ekonomi dan perubahan zaman. Namun, pelaksanaan program kewirausahaan di sekolah belum tentu menghasilkan penguasaan konsep ekonomi dan kreativitas secara seimbang sehingga perlu dievaluasi berdasarkan proses dan capaian pembelajarannya. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis pelaksanaan, faktor pendukung dan penghambat, serta efektivitas program sekolah berbasis kewirausahaan dalam mengembangkan kompetensi ekonomi dan kreativitas siswa SMP Negeri 2 Tuhemberua. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode deskriptif. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara, dokumentasi, dan pengamatan terhadap kepala sekolah, guru pembimbing, serta lima siswa peserta program. Analisis data dilakukan melalui reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan, dengan keabsahan diperiksa melalui triangulasi sumber dan teknik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa program Proyek Budidaya dan Usaha UMKM mendukung pemahaman siswa tentang produksi, modal, biaya, penjualan, dan keuntungan, sekaligus mendorong inovasi produk, pemecahan masalah, tanggung jawab, dan kerja sama. Efektivitas program belum optimal karena keterbatasan waktu, sarana, pencatatan keuangan, dan jangkauan pemasaran. Dengan demikian, program efektif sebagai pengalaman belajar praktis, tetapi memerlukan penguatan refleksi, literasi keuangan, dan evaluasi berkelanjutan.