Indonesian Journal of Education Research (IJoER)

The Interplay of Cognition and Emotion in Brain-Based Social Studies Classroom

John Albert R Dela Rosa — 2025-10-27

Purpose of the study: This study investigates how students' cognition and emotion are interrelated and interconnected in learning Social Studies through a brain-based learning approach. The results will contribute to the academic discourse on the role of brain science in transforming classroom practices in Social Studies to achieve the desired learning outcomes.

Methodology: A case study methodology was utilized to explore how brain-based Social Studies lessons influence students' cognitive and emotional responses. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and creative assessment tools such as emoticons, numerical ratings, and metaphors, enabling a comprehensive understanding of students' perceptions, engagement levels, and overall learning experiences within the classroom context.

Main Findings: Social Studies is a value-based discipline that necessitates the development of both cognitive and emotional skills among students. Therefore, the integration of emotion in teaching Social Studies should align with the subject’s learning objectives. It should begin with enjoyment to activate students' brains, followed by surprise to help them see connections, and conclude with optimism, demonstrating how their learning can be applied to real-life situations. This dual focus is essential for fostering civic participation and cultivating active citizenship.

Novelty/Originality of this study: Brain-based learning, as an emerging approach in teaching Social Studies, posits that emotion and cognition are intertwined and inseparable. It provides solid scientific explanations for how the brain learns and achieves the desired learning outcomes of the subject. This approach may offer a long-awaited solution to the longstanding perception of Social Studies as a dull and unengaging subject.

Identifying and Classifying Spelling and Vocabulary Errors in English Language Learning: an Error Analysis Approach

Hendriyani Hendriyani — 2025-10-28

Purpose of the study: This study aims to identify and classify spelling and vocabulary errors made by students in the process of learning English. This study utilizes an error analysis approach to investigate students’ written work, emphasizing spelling and vocabulary errors.

Methodology: This study utilizes an error analysis approach to investigate students’ written work, emphasizing spelling and vocabulary errors. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method to analyze students’ written assignments.

Main Findings: The findings indicate that the most frequent writing errors involve prepositions and pronouns, each accounting for 0.04%, followed by article at 0.07%, and word choice at 0.09%. The most frequent writing error identified is related to spelling, accounting for 2.52%. The most common vocabulary-related writing error was punctuation, accounting for 6.78%, followed by subject-verb agreement at 0.45%. Errors in fragments and capitalization each made up 0.23%, while errors in the use of tenses (0.07%) and omissions (0.04%).

Novelty/Originality of this study: The novelty of this research lies in its focus on two micro-linguistic aspects (spelling and vocabulary) that are rarely explored in previous studies. Using an error analysis approach, it identifies and categorizes students’ errors, offering practical insights and contributions to improving the teaching of academic English writing at the tertiary education level.

Linking Exercise Self-Efficacy to Perceived Wellness: Implications for Student Well-Being in Higher Education

Michael Andrei Sameon — 2025-10-29

Purpose of the study: This study aimed to examine the relationship between exercise self-efficacy and perceived wellness among Filipino college freshmen in Davao del Norte within the context of curriculum evaluation in physical education. It sought to assess students’ levels of exercise self-efficacy and perceived wellness as indicators of holistic development and to explore how these constructs inform program evaluation and learning outcomes in PE.

Methodology: The study used a quantitative-correlational research design involving 298 college freshmen enrolled in PE 1 – Movement Enhancement during the academic year 2023–2024. Data were collected using three adapted research instruments measuring exercise self-efficacy and perceived wellness. Descriptive statistics (mean) and Pearson product-moment correlation were used for data analysis.

Main Findings: The results showed that students had a moderate level of exercise self-efficacy and a high level of perceived wellness. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between exercise self-efficacy and perceived wellness, indicating that students with higher confidence in performing exercise tend to have better overall wellness.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study uniquely evaluates the relationship between exercise self-efficacy and perceived wellness among Filipino college freshmen within an educational evaluation framework. By integrating the CIPP and Kirkpatrick models, it provides new insights into how exercise confidence contributes to holistic well-being.

Moral Decadence among Students: A Social Analysis from an Islamic Education Perspective

Husin Husin — 2025-10-30

Purpose of the study: This research aims to explore the phenomenon of declining moral values among students at Muhammadiyah 06 Junior High School in Medan through the perspective of Islamic education. The investigation addresses the pressing issue arising from globalization and rapid technological advancement, which introduce external values that often conflict with local cultural and religious principles. In this context, adolescents in the formative stage of identity development become particularly susceptible to behaviors that deviate from moral and ethical norms.

Methodology: A qualitative descriptive-analytical approach was employed. The subjects consisted of students, teachers, homeroom teachers, and the principal, all directly involved in the learning process and behavior supervision. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, including school rules and student violation records. Data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model of reduction, presentation, and conclusion, with validity ensured through source and method triangulation.

Main Findings: The study identified two major findings. First, moral decline is evident in disrespect toward teachers, increased bullying, academic dishonesty, and misuse of social media, which reflects Durkheim’s concept of anomie. Second, Islamic education functions as a moral bulwark through congregational prayer, Qur’anic recitation, moral lessons, and teacher role modeling. These practices enhance students’ self-control and spiritual awareness, supported by QS. Al-‘Ankabut (29:45).

Novelty/Originality of this study: The study demonstrates that synergy between religious education, teacher exemplarity, and parental involvement is an effective model for preventing adolescent moral decline while strengthening Islamic identity in the era of globalization.

Character Education in the Thought of Buya Hamka and Its Relevance in the Digital Era

Muhammad Hanzalah — 2025-10-30

Purpose of the study: In the digital era, education and character formation have undergone profound transformations, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and significant moral challenges. While technological advancement enhances access to knowledge and communication, it simultaneously fosters risks of ethical degradation, individualism, and spiritual disorientation. The primary objective of this research is to critically examine Buya Hamka’s conception of religious character education and to assess its contemporary relevance in addressing the moral and spiritual dilemmas emerging within digital society.

Methodology: The research employed a qualitative library study, using Buya Hamka’s works as primary sources and relevant scholarly literature as secondary references. Data were examined through content analysis to identify the core meaning of Hamka’s ideas and relate them to the contemporary digital context.

Main Findings: Findings show that Hamka emphasized the integration of faith, intellect, and morality in shaping complete human beings. Faith is the moral foundation, intellect enables critical reasoning, and morality guides behavior. This model is especially relevant for the digital age, functioning as a moral filter against excessive information flow and instant culture. Hamka’s perspective demonstrates how Islamic values can provide balance between intellectual, moral, and spiritual needs.

Novelty/Originality of this study: The study concludes that Hamka’s framework can be actualized through family, schools, society, and the use of digital technology. His thought is not only philosophical but also practical, offering a contextual model for strengthening the moral-spiritual identity of young generations amid globalization.

The Role of Islamic Religious Education Teachers in Developing Students’ Spiritual and Existential Intelligence

Mhd. Rusli Siagian — 2025-10-30

Purpose of the study: The cultivation of spiritual and existential intelligence from elementary school age is a fundamental aspect in shaping a generation that is faithful, virtuous, and capable of understanding the meaning of life. Islamic Education teachers play a strategic role not only as instructors but also as facilitators, motivators, and counselors who guide students toward self-awareness, empathy, and moral resilience. This study aims to explore the role of Islamic Education teachers in fostering students’ spiritual and existential intelligence at State Elementary School 01 Medan City.

Methodology: The research employed a qualitative case study approach with purposive site selection, as the school was considered active in guidance practices and open to character development. The main subjects were Islamic Education teachers and the principal. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation, and analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model of data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. Data validity was ensured through source and method triangulation, persistence, and member checking.

Main Findings: The results show that Islamic Education teachers play a significant role in instilling values of faith, empathy, and awareness of life’s meaning amidst the individualistic challenges of urban environments. Strategies include varied instructional methods, collaboration with parents, and institutional support, all of which strengthen their role in character development.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study highlights how Islamic Education teachers contribute uniquely to integrating spiritual and existential dimensions into education, offering a contextual model for holistic character formation in modern urban schools.

The Cultivation of Students’ Religious Character through Qur’anic Literacy in Private Madrasah Aliyah

Sarwedi Harahap — 2025-10-30

Purpose of the study: This study aims to analyze how Qur’anic literacy serves as a strategic approach to cultivating students’ religious character in private Islamic senior high schools. Specifically, it investigates the processes, methods, and educational practices through which Qur’anic literacy influences students’ moral awareness, discipline, and spiritual integrity. Religious character formation in students is viewed as a fundamental aspect of Islamic education that integrates cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains rooted in the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith. In the context of globalization and modern popular culture, this study addresses the challenges faced by educators in reinforcing Islamic values amid competing information flows and moral relativism.

Methodology: The research employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Subjects were purposively selected, including the principal, vice principal for curriculum, Islamic Religious Education teachers, and students actively engaged in Qur’anic literacy activities. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, then analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model of data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. Data validity was ensured through source and method triangulation.

Main Findings: The results demonstrate that Qur’anic literacy is a primary instrument for shaping students’ religious character through aspects of faith, worship, and morality. Routine activities such as recitation (tadarus), memorization, and Qur’anic exegesis foster spiritual discipline, courteous behavior, and social awareness.

Novelty/Originality of this study: The study highlights the role of teachers as role models, facilitators, and motivators, supported by a curriculum systematically integrating Qur’anic values across subjects. This synergy creates a religious, contextual, and sustainable educational ecosystem, shaping students into morally upright generations.

Strategies of Islamic Education Teachers in Creating an Inclusive and Child-Friendly Learning Environment: A Case Study at Imelda Health Vocational School in Medan

Zulfikar Zulfikar — 2025-10-30

Purpose of the study: This study aims to explore the strategies of Islamic Religious Education teachers in creating inclusive and child-friendly learning environments at Imelda Health Vocational School, Medan. The research is grounded in the challenges of student heterogeneity at the vocational level, which requires teachers to adopt adaptive, humanistic, and contextual strategies.

Methodology: The research employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data were collected through direct observation of the learning process, in-depth interviews with Islamic Religious Education teachers, students, and the principal, as well as documentation of syllabi, lesson plans, and relevant school policies. Data analysis applied an interactive model consisting of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The validity of the data was ensured through source and method triangulation.

Main Findings: The findings reveal that Islamic Religious Education teachers integrate inclusive values through collaborative teaching methods, contextualization of subject matter with the field of health, and the use of simple technologies. Teachers also act as agents of transformation by fostering empathy, building student self-confidence, and cultivating child-friendly classroom environments. Institutional support strengthens these strategies, ensuring that Islamic Religious Education goes beyond cognitive aspects to include spiritual, social, and professional character development.

Novelty/Originality of this study: The study underscores the significance of Islamic Religious Education as a medium for strengthening humanitarian values in vocational education. It demonstrates how inclusive strategies can transform learning spaces into holistic environments that shape students’ intellectual competence and moral identity.