This qualitative study examines how K–12 educational leaders describe and make sense of their leadership practices related to instructional support, evaluation and improvement strategies, collaborative relationships and trust, and parent and community engagement. Drawing on open-ended survey responses from practicing school and district leaders, the study employs inductive thematic analysis to explore leadership efficacy as enacted through daily practice rather than expressed solely as an abstract belief. Guided by Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, and transformational leadership theory as interpretive lenses, leaders’ narratives are situated within the relational and contextual systems shaping leadership work. Findings reveal a coherent, practice-oriented leadership narrative grounded in collaboration, trust-building, reflective practice, and responsiveness to local context. Instructional leadership and evaluation were consistently framed as growth-oriented, relational processes, while collaborative relationships and trust emerged as foundational conditions enabling leadership practice across domains. Parent and community engagement was described as a reciprocal, boundary-spanning function rooted in communication, visibility, and partnership. Collectively, the findings position leadership efficacy as a relational and contextually embedded practice and highlight implications for leadership preparation and professional learning.
School violence continues to present serious challenges to teaching, learning, and teacher well-being in post-apartheid South Africa. Existing research has largely focused on the prevalence, causes, management, and disciplinary responses associated with violence in schools. Thereby positioning teachers as informants for experiences of school violence. Such a singular focus limits our understanding of how teachers interpret and make sense of these experiences within their professional lives. This paper attempts to fill this gap by using currere as a reflective, autobiographical approach to study lived educational experiences. I purposively selected two teachers from schools in the Mashishing Circuit of Mpumalanga Province to participate in the study. To collect data, I used reflective journals guided by the four stages of currere: regressive, analytical, progressive, and synthetic. Currere created a platform for teachers to revisit their past experiences of school violence and analyse how these experiences shape their current pedagogical choices and practices. The findings suggest that violence in schools is an ongoing emotional and structural condition. It influences teachers’ well-being, authority, pedagogical choices, and attitude toward learners. Currere enabled teachers to reimagine pedagogical approaches that balance classroom safety with meaningful learning. The study highlights the methodological value of currere for examining teachers' lived experiences in violent school settings. The paper recommends providing well-being support for teachers who experienced violence and adopting restorative approaches in schools.
In early school life, starting in Early Childhood Education, it is necessary to work with texts that circulate socially in a child's everyday life. Children's contact with reading materials must be constant to foster a love for reading, turning it into a habit rather than an sporadic occurrence. Children's Literature, when used appropriately, is an essential tool in constructing the learner's knowledge, helping them engage with the world of reading not only as an act of meaningful learning, but also as an enjoyable activity. Therefore, this article is the result of a bibliographical and documentary research project aimed at analyzing the pedagogical knowledge and procedures of teachers regarding playfulness in Early Childhood Education through literary genres, in accordance with the National Curriculum Guidelines for Early Childhood Education (RCNEI). In light of this, we conclude that it is of paramount importance to work with various literary genres in Early Childhood Education, as it contributes to the child's overall development, especially in shaping their personality, developing their capacity for observation and reflection on oral and written language, and expanding their vocabulary and linguistic knowledge. In this context, the commitment of early childhood educators is fundamental to transforming education and fostering child development.
The implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in elementary schools requires continuous teacher professional development and collaborative support systems. Teacher working groups have an important role as professional learning communities that facilitate teachers in adapting to curriculum changes and improving instructional practices. This study aims to analyze the role of the Sekbin 2 Teacher Working Group (Forum Kelompok Kegiatan Guru/ FKKG) in strengthening the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum at elementary schools in Tonjong District, Brebes Regency. This study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis. The research participants consisted of the FKKG chairperson, administrators, elementary school teachers, principals, and school supervisors selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, consisting of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Data credibility was ensured through source and technique triangulation. The findings indicate that FKKG Sekbin 2 plays three strategic roles in supporting the Merdeka Curriculum implementation. First, FKKG functions as a professional learning community that strengthens teacher competence through collaborative discussions, sharing best practices, and developing learning tools. Second, the sustainability of FKKG activities is supported by educational leadership and organizational support from principals and supervisors. Third, FKKG contributes to transforming instructional practices by encouraging student-centered learning, differentiated instruction, and innovative teaching strategies. This study concludes that FKKG can serve as a strategic educational management instrument for strengthening curriculum implementation through collaborative professional development, organizational support, and sustainable improvement of teacher practices.
This community service activity is motivated by the gap in practical competence among students at SMKS Binong Permai in facing the 2026 Vocational Competency Examination compared to industry standards. The primary objective of this program is to enhance the technical readiness and professionalism of students in Office Automation and Governance (OTKP) as well as Accounting and Institutional Finance (AKL) through the synchronization of academic expertise and practical needs. The activity was conducted on April 25 and 30, 2026, involving all 95 final-year students, consisting of 65 OTKP students and 30 AKL students. The method applied was Vocational Intensive Mentoring, consisting of intensive technical guidance (technical coaching) and independent competency test simulations with service excellence role-play involving lecturers and peer student tutors. Evaluation results demonstrated a significant increase in material comprehension, with average post-test scores exceeding 80. Furthermore, a 100% passing rate was achieved (95 out of 95 students were declared competent), successfully producing systematic executive work agenda drafts and accurate financial reports following junior accounting technician standards. In conclusion, this simulation mentorship not only achieved the 100% passing rate target but also fostered a strategic mindset and digital proficiency relevant to modern workforce requirements.
This study assessed the extent of instructional supervision practices among head teachers in public primary schools in Kibondo District, Tanzania. The study was guided by the positivist research paradigm and employed a mixed-methods approach using a convergent parallel research design. A total of 294 participants were involved in the study, comprising 12 head teachers, 272 primary school teachers, 9 Ward Education Officers (WEOs), and 1 District Education Officer (DEO). Head teachers, WEOs, and the DEO were selected using purposive sampling, while primary school teachers were selected through simple random sampling. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to teachers, while qualitative data were obtained through interviews with head teachers, WEOs, and the DEO. Documentary review was also used to examine supervision schedules, classroom-observation records, lesson-plan monitoring records, and teachers’ feedback records. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) through descriptive statistics, particularly means and standard deviations, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that instructional supervision practices were generally implemented at low to moderate levels. Maintaining written supervision records received the highest rating (M = 2.80, SD = 1.40), followed by organising school-based professional development (M = 2.65, SD = 1.40) and encouraging peer observation and mentoring (M = 2.61, SD = 1.44). In contrast, classroom-focused activities recorded relatively lower ratings, including reviewing teachers’ schemes of work (M = 2.26, SD = 1.51), classroom observation (M = 2.27, SD = 1.48), checking lesson plans (M = 2.29, SD = 1.47), and monitoring continuous assessment practices (M = 2.29, SD = 1.53). Qualitative and documentary evidence indicated that competing administrative responsibilities, staffing constraints, and other school-level demands constrained the consistent implementation of classroom-focused supervision. The study concludes that instructional supervision was implemented unevenly, with relatively greater emphasis on administrative documentation and professional development activities than on direct classroom-focused supervision. The study recommends strengthening head teachers’ instructional leadership competencies, reducing competing administrative workloads, addressing staffing constraints, and establishing systematic mechanisms for regular classroom observation, constructive feedback, professional development, and follow-up of instructional practices.
The digitization of hadith texts has become an important issue in Islamic boarding school education because it changes access to, learning of, and transmission of religious knowledge traditionally grounded in teacher guidance and the sanad tradition. This study aims to analyze the opportunities, challenges, and impacts of hadith text digitization on traditional scholarly authority in pesantren across Indonesia and dayah in Aceh. The study employs a library research method involving the analysis of 14 scholarly journal articles relevant to hadith text digitization, pesantren learning, knowledge transmission, and religious authority. The articles were prioritized from publications between 2021 and 2026 based on topical relevance and source credibility. Data were analyzed qualitatively through content analysis and thematic synthesis. The findings indicate that digitization broadens access to hadith literature, facilitates hadith searching and takhrij, and supports students’ independent learning. The identified challenges include digital source validity, superficial understanding of hadith, changes in knowledge transmission, and the emergence of new religious authorities. Digitization does not eliminate teachers’ roles but encourages the development of hybrid scholarly authority. Therefore, technology integration needs to be accompanied by stronger digital literacy, source verification, hadith methodology, and guidance from teachers and teungku. ABSTRAK Digitalisasi kitab hadis menjadi isu penting dalam pendidikan pesantren karena mengubah pola akses, pembelajaran, dan transmisi pengetahuan keagamaan yang selama ini bertumpu pada bimbingan guru dan tradisi sanad. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis peluang, tantangan, serta dampak digitalisasi kitab hadis terhadap otoritas keilmuan tradisional pada pesantren di Indonesia dan dayah di Aceh. Penelitian menggunakan metode kepustakaan (library research) dengan menganalisis 14 artikel jurnal ilmiah yang relevan dengan digitalisasi kitab hadis, pembelajaran pesantren, transmisi pengetahuan, dan otoritas keagamaan. Artikel diprioritaskan dari publikasi tahun 2021–2026 dengan mempertimbangkan relevansi topik dan kredibilitas sumber. Data dianalisis secara kualitatif melalui analisis isi (content analysis) dan sintesis tematik. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa digitalisasi memperluas akses terhadap literatur hadis, mempercepat penelusuran dan takhrij, serta mendukung kemandirian belajar santri. Tantangan yang ditemukan meliputi validitas sumber digital, risiko pemahaman hadis yang dangkal, perubahan pola transmisi ilmu, dan munculnya otoritas keagamaan baru. Digitalisasi tidak menghilangkan peran guru, tetapi mendorong terbentuknya otoritas keilmuan hibrida. Oleh karena itu, pemanfaatan teknologi perlu disertai penguatan literasi digital, verifikasi sumber, metodologi hadis, dan bimbingan guru serta teungku.
This study aims to develop an integrative conceptual model that connects student development management and Islamic Guidance and Counseling (Bimbingan dan Konseling Islam/BKI) within the framework of holistic student development in Islamic education. The study employs an integrative conceptual literature review to identify, examine, and synthesize relevant theoretical and conceptual perspectives. Literature was searched through Google Scholar, Garuda, and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) during January–July 2026. From an initial 312 records, successive stages of duplicate removal, relevance screening, and full-text assessment resulted in a final corpus of 58 sources. The literature was analyzed through data extraction, initial coding, thematic categorization, cross-source comparison, and conceptual synthesis. The literature synthesis indicates conceptual convergence around the importance of integrating students’ spiritual, moral, psychological, and personal development within Islamic education. Based on this synthesis, the study proposes an integrative conceptual model comprising four interconnected components: fitrah as the philosophical and anthropological foundation of human potential; holistic Islamic education as the overarching developmental orientation; student development management as the institutional framework for planning, coordinating, and evaluating student development; and Islamic Guidance and Counseling as the professional support mechanism for identifying students’ needs and facilitating preventive, responsive, and developmental interventions. Functionally, fitrah establishes the foundational understanding of human potential, holistic Islamic education defines the developmental direction, student development management translates this orientation into coordinated institutional practices, and Islamic Guidance and Counseling provides individualized and group-based support within appropriate professional boundaries. These components operate as a mutually reinforcing framework for integrating educational planning, student support, and holistic development. The study concludes that this model offers a coherent conceptual basis for understanding student development in Islamic education, while its practical applicability and effectiveness require further empirical examination.
Parental education is one of the most visible predictors of children's socio-emotional and academic trajectories, though its influence on their school adjustment and mathematical reasoning is rarely examined together. This review is intended to synthesize theoretical and empirical literature about how parental education level influences adaptation of children at school and their mathematical thinking. There are several pathways through which parental education influences their children's academic behaviour, home environment stimulation for mathematical tasks, and educational expectations. Literature evidence shows that higher parental education is associated with richer home numeracy and literacy environments. More homework involvement, and smooth behavioural and emotional adjustment to school are also positively correlated to higher parental education, whereas lower parental education is associated with socioeconomic disadvantage and lack of access to resources for their children both at home and school. The review is particularly focussed in Indian context covering the National Education Policy 2020 and its emphasis on foundational literacy and numeracy, implications of parental involvement , teacher practices, and policy interventions.
This study aims to analyze the effects of career planning and self-efficacy on the work readiness of participants in Competency-Based Training (CBT) at the Miftahul Ulum Community Vocational Training Center (BLK) in Tasikmalaya City. The study employed a quantitative approach with descriptive and verification methods, using a census technique involving 60 participants. Data were collected through a Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using multiple linear regression with the assistance of SPSS version 31 at a 5% significance level. The results indicate that career planning and self-efficacy simultaneously have a positive and significant effect on work readiness. Partially, both variables also have positive and significant effects on work readiness, with self-efficacy showing a relatively stronger effect. The model yielded an R value of 0.703 and an R² value of 0.494, indicating that 49.4% of the variation in work readiness can be explained by career planning and self-efficacy, while the remaining 50.6% is explained by other factors outside the model. The findings indicate the importance of integrating technical competency development, career planning, and self-efficacy enhancement in the implementation of vocational training programs.
This study investigates the influence of planning and coordination in quality assurance practices on management of instruction in public secondary schools in North-Central Nigeria. The study examined how planning activities and coordination mechanisms enhance instructional effectiveness within the school system. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study covered Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau States. The population comprised 1,730 principals, 30,232 teachers, and 402 quality assurance officers. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, a sample of 785 participants (274 principals, 375 teachers, and 136 quality assurance officers) was selected from 274 public senior secondary schools. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire titled Influence of Planning and Coordination in Quality Assurance Practice on Management of Instruction in Public Secondary Schools (IPCQAPMIPSS). Reliability was established through Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.889), indicating strong internal consistency. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to answer research questions with a decision mean of 2.50. Findings revealed that planning practices such as timely preparation of timetables and lesson plans were generally accepted, while coordination practices showed moderate implementation across schools. The study concludes that strengthening coordinated quality assurance strategies is essential for improving instructional management and educational outcomes in the region
With the continuous advancement of the construction of a national lifelong learning system and the deepening reform of the modern vocational education system, exploring the internal and external driving factors underlying the high-quality development of higher vocational colleges in border regions can effectively address several prominent challenges faced by northern higher vocational institutions, including insufficient connotative development in relation to construction requirements, inadequate motivation for autonomous learning among teachers and students, and difficulties in adapting lifelong education services to the needs of regional industries. Therefore, this research has significant practical implications.Drawing on self-efficacy theory and lifelong education theory, this study clarifies the transmission mechanisms among variables and constructs a theoretical model centered on lifelong education driving factors, teachers’ and students’ self-efficacy, and the high-quality development of higher vocational colleges. The study conducted a survey among 14 public higher vocational colleges in Heilongjiang Province, collecting 628 valid teacher questionnaires and 864 valid student questionnaires. Empirical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 and the PROCESS macro, including reliability and validity tests, correlation analysis, and Bootstrap tests of mediating effects.The empirical results reveal several key findings. First, four driving factors associated with lifelong education—digital learning resource provision, the implementation of industry–education integration, the cultivation of a lifelong learning-oriented campus environment, and modern institutional governance—can all positively promote the high-quality development of higher vocational colleges. Second, these four types of factors significantly enhance the self-efficacy levels of both teachers and students. Finally, teachers’ and students’ self-efficacy plays a mediating role in this process: various lifelong education-related factors not only directly improve the quality of institutional development but also indirectly facilitate the connotative development of colleges by strengthening teachers’ and students’ confidence in learning and career development.Based on the practical context of higher vocational education in Heilongjiang Province, this study enriches the theoretical framework concerning institutional development from the perspective of lifelong education and provides two practical implications for higher vocational colleges in northern border regions. Higher vocational institutions should not only align their educational practices with local industrial characteristics but also focus on stimulating the subjective initiative of teachers and students, thereby establishing a sustainable and stable model of high-quality development.
This community service initiative aims to provide a platform for students to actualize their religious potential and to strengthen their religious literacy and character through an Islamic Religious Education (PAI) Performance. The activity employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, encompassing planning, action, and reflection (evaluation). It was held from September 10–16, 2026, at the Ki Hajar Dewantara Building in Aikmel District, East Lombok, involving 32 elementary schools and 143 students comprising 65 speech contestants, 44 Quran recitation participants, and 34 PAI Olympiad competitors. The results indicate that the three competition categories provided avenues for demonstrating religious capabilities through communication, Quranic recitation skills, and mastery of PAI knowledge. The event also fostered traits such as discipline, responsibility, self-confidence, perseverance, adherence to rules, and sportsmanship through the experience of competition. Future initiatives should focus on sustained guidance and systematic evaluation to measure the development of students' religious literacy and character in a more targeted and continuous manner.
Introduction All children have the right to education; however, school attendance problems represent an increasing global concern. The aim of this meta-synthesis is to explore adolescents’ perceptions of their school attendance problems. Methods A meta-synthesis of qualitative primary studies was conducted in accordance with Sandelowski and Barros's guidelines. Seven databases were systematically searched in November 2025. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the findings. Results The adolescentś perceptions of their school attendance problems included mental health challenges, negative peer- and teacher relationships, and a lack of school connectedness. However, positive relationships with teachers, parental support, and appropriate school accommodation supports adolescents’ re-engagement with school. Discussion The findings highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of school attendance problems, and the importance of collaboration between schools and parents to enable early identification and implementation of interventions. There is also a need to strengthen positive relationships between teachers and peers, increase knowledge about school attendance problems, and foster a positive school environment that supports adolescents’ potential. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO CRD420251245890.
Introduction: Drug use and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remain major public health challenges, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Educational materials supported by artificial intelligence (AI) represent an innovative approach to health promotion strategies. Objective: To develop and validate an artificial intelligence-supported educational brochure for the prevention of drug use and HIV infection among adolescents and young adults. Methods: A technological development study with a mixed-methods approach was conducted at the Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba between August and October 2026. The development of the brochure comprised three phases: literature review and scientific content curation, AI-assisted graphic design, and expert validation. Means, standard deviations, and the Content Validity Index (CVI) were calculated. Results: An educational brochure was developed in both printed and digital formats addressing the prevention of drug use and HIV infection. The overall CVI was 0.96, and mean scores ranged from 4.63 to 4.88. Overall, 93.8% of responses were rated as "Agree" or "Strongly Agree." Conclusions: The educational brochure demonstrated adequate content validity and represents a useful educational resource for strengthening the prevention of drug use and HIV infection. Artificial intelligence proved to be an effective supportive tool when its use was accompanied by expert supervision and validation.
Qur’an memorization programs in Madrasah Tsanawiyah require alignment between memorization achievement, recitation accuracy, long-term retention, and learning support. An emphasis on the quantity of memorized material alone provides an incomplete account of program quality and sustainability. This study examines strategies for implementing Qur’an memorization programs by exploring the relationships among learning approaches, evaluation, and supporting factors. It adopts a qualitative approach using a narrative literature review design. Sources comprise scholarly articles on Qur’an memorization, educational management, memory, assessment, and learning motivation. Materials were collected through document review and examined using narrative analysis to interpret arguments, compare findings within their contexts, and explain relationships across concepts. The review indicates that tahfidz instruction should connect recitation guidance, the acquisition of new memorization, retrieval practice, and the continuous review of previously memorized material. Assessment can inform instructional adjustments when it addresses recitation accuracy, fluency, retention, and individual progress. Teacher competence, psychological support, family involvement, and institutional scheduling provide complementary support for implementing these adjustments. Taken together, the literature suggests that program strategies should connect students’ learning needs, instructional practices, assessment information, and follow-up actions. This interpretation offers a basis for reviewing tahfidz practices in Madrasah Tsanawiyah, while its application requires attention to students’ characteristics and institutional resources. The conclusions represent a synthesis of the reviewed literature rather than evidence of the effectiveness of a tested program model. [Program tahfidz Al-Qur’an di Madrasah Tsanawiyah memerlukan keselarasan antara capaian hafalan, ketepatan bacaan, retensi jangka panjang, dan dukungan belajar. Penekanan pada jumlah materi yang dihafal saja belum memberikan gambaran utuh tentang mutu dan keberlanjutan program. Penelitian ini mengkaji strategi pelaksanaan program tahfidz dengan menelaah hubungan antara pendekatan pembelajaran, evaluasi, dan faktor pendukung. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan desain kajian literatur naratif. Sumber mencakup artikel ilmiah tentang tahfidz, pengelolaan pendidikan, memori, penilaian, dan motivasi belajar. Bahan dikumpulkan melalui studi dokumen dan dikaji menggunakan analisis naratif untuk menafsirkan argumentasi, membandingkan temuan sesuai konteksnya, serta menjelaskan hubungan antarkonsep. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa pembelajaran tahfidz perlu menghubungkan bimbingan bacaan, penambahan hafalan, latihan mengambil kembali informasi, dan pengulangan berkelanjutan atas materi yang telah dihafal. Penilaian dapat menjadi dasar penyesuaian pembelajaran ketika memperhatikan ketepatan bacaan, kelancaran, retensi, dan kemajuan individual. Kompetensi guru, dukungan psikologis, keterlibatan keluarga, dan pengaturan jadwal kelembagaan saling melengkapi dalam mendukung penyesuaian tersebut. Secara keseluruhan, literatur mengisyaratkan bahwa strategi program perlu menghubungkan kebutuhan belajar siswa, praktik pembelajaran, informasi penilaian, dan tindakan tindak lanjut. Interpretasi ini memberikan dasar untuk meninjau praktik tahfidz di Madrasah Tsanawiyah, sementara penerapannya memerlukan perhatian terhadap karakteristik siswa dan sumber daya lembaga. Simpulan merupakan sintesis literatur yang dikaji, bukan bukti efektivitas model program yang telah diuji]
Debates over the use of four-level scales in standards-based grading and reporting, particularly the meaning and necessity of the highest level, persist in K–12 education. This conceptual, practice-informed article examines whether “the 4,” commonly labeled advanced mastery, exceeds, or extending, is theoretically sound and instructionally useful within standards-aligned grading systems. Illustrative classroom scenarios demonstrate that students may produce exceptional work without exceeding the requirements of the standard being assessed. The article considers arguments for and against a top level that requires students to exceed the standard, and it distinguishes valuable qualities such as creativity, sophistication, and superior performance from evidence of standards attainment. Particular attention is given to the misapplication of Webb’s depth of knowledge framework as a proxy for mastery levels, clarifying the difference between cognitive complexity and quality of performance. The article recommends precise performance descriptors, moderation and calibration of student work, narrative feedback, student conferencing, and other approaches for recognizing excellence without distorting proficiency scales. It concludes that schools should initially use a three-level system focused on developing a shared understanding of proficiency. Additional levels may be considered later, following reflection, calibration, and analysis of implementation evidence.
Teaching Factory (TEFA) provides vocational students with authentic, industry-oriented learning experiences. However, its evaluation often focuses on technical performance and final learning outcomes, leaving employability skills insufficiently assessed. Previous studies have largely examined TEFA implementation and digital assessment separately, highlighting the need for an integrated evaluation model. This study aimed to develop and validate a Digital Teaching Factory Evaluation Model that integrates authentic learning, digital assessment, and employability skills evaluation. A research and development approach was employed using the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). Data were collected through literature reviews, observations, interviews, questionnaires, document analysis, expert validation, and pretest-posttest assessments. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative data were examined through coding, categorization, and triangulation. The results showed that the model achieved 88.0% expert validation and 90.0% practicality, indicating that it was highly valid and very practical. Students’ average employability skills scores increased from 67.8 to 84.4, with a reported relative gain of 51.7%. Work readiness showed the highest relative gain (58.1%), followed by collaboration (53.3%), problem-solving (51.4%), communication (50.0%), and adaptability (45.5%). These findings suggest that the model offers a practical framework for assessing employability skills within authentic TEFA activities. It can help vocational teachers document student performance, provide timely feedback, and align assessment with workplace expectations. Further research involving larger samples and stronger experimental designs is needed to examine its effectiveness across different vocational education contexts.
Problem-solving skills are essential to develop in early childhood so that children can identify problems, consider alternatives, and determine solutions independently. However, teacher-centered learning may limit children's opportunities to explore and experiment with different problem-solving strategies. This study aims to describe the implementation of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) approach using loose parts materials and the development of early childhood problem-solving skills. A qualitative descriptive method was employed at RA Nurhayati, Medan Tembung, involving teachers and 30 children aged 5–6 years. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, with credibility supported by triangulation of techniques and sources. The findings indicate that constructing a bridge for toy cars provided opportunities for children to identify problems, select materials, design solutions, test alternatives, revise constructions, and evaluate outcomes. Children also engaged in experimentation, communication, collaboration, and creative material use. These findings suggest that the STEAM approach using loose parts can support the development of early childhood problem-solving skills through active, contextual, and child-centered learning experiences. ABSTRAK Keterampilan pemecahan masalah (problem solving) penting dikembangkan sejak usia dini agar anak mampu mengenali permasalahan, mempertimbangkan alternatif, dan menentukan solusi secara mandiri. Namun, pembelajaran yang masih berpusat pada guru dapat membatasi kesempatan anak untuk bereksplorasi dan mencoba berbagai strategi penyelesaian masalah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan penerapan pendekatan Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) berbasis media loose parts serta perkembangan keterampilan pemecahan masalah anak usia dini. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode deskriptif di RA Nurhayati, Kecamatan Medan Tembung, dengan melibatkan guru dan 30 anak usia 5–6 tahun. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi, serta diperiksa melalui triangulasi teknik dan sumber. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kegiatan merancang jembatan untuk mobil mainan memberikan kesempatan kepada anak untuk mengidentifikasi masalah, memilih bahan, merancang solusi, mencoba alternatif, memperbaiki konstruksi, dan mengevaluasi hasil. Anak juga menunjukkan keterlibatan dalam eksperimen, komunikasi, kolaborasi, dan penggunaan material secara kreatif. Dengan demikian, pendekatan STEAM berbasis media loose parts berpotensi mendukung perkembangan keterampilan pemecahan masalah melalui pengalaman belajar yang aktif, kontekstual, dan berpusat pada anak.