Journal of Basic Education Research

Managing Curriculum Innovation to Enhance Education Quality at MA Tahfidz Al-Qur’an Banyuwangi

2025-10-03T22:02:38+07:00

Purpose of the study: This study examines the management of curriculum innovation aimed at improving the quality of education at MA Tahfidz Al-Qur'an Sumbermulyo Pesanggaran Banyuwangi, focusing on the integration of the national curriculum with tahfidz programs.

Methodology: A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation. Analysis followed the Miles and Huberman interactive model, encompassing data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing.

Main Findings: The study revealed two key findings: (1) successful integration of the national curriculum with the tahfidz program, resulting in a balanced model of academic and spiritual education; and (2) the influence of transformative leadership in fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. These elements significantly enhance educational quality and institutional identity.

Novelty/Originality: This research introduces a distinctive model of curriculum integration that aligns national education standards with tahfidz programs in Islamic schools. It proposes a practical framework demonstrating how visionary leadership and contextual innovation can synergistically advance both academic excellence and spiritual character development

A Systematic Literature Review of Raz-Kids in Teaching Reading

2025-10-03T22:02:40+07:00

Purpose of the study: The objective of this study is his study ims to evaluate the effectiveness of Raz-Kids in improving students’ reading skills and investigate the effect of Raz-Kids on students during a reading program.

Methodology: The method implemented in this study was Systematic Literature Review (SLR). There were 16 papers on implementing Raz-Kids in teaching reading from Google Scholar, SINTA, Science Direct, and ERIC. The step in writing this scientific work is to find the sources of previous studies, examine them, and make conclusions based on the subject of the study.

Main Findings: The result showed that Raz-Kids is an effective internet portal that helps students develop reading skills. It also supports students’ enthusiasm and independent learning in reading. The parents and teachers act as support systems to encourage them to achieve their reading goals. However, there are many challenges with Raz-Kids’ use in reading programs. It highlights the need for this portal to be enhanced. Thus, Raz-Kids is a valuable online resource that helps learners develop their reading skills.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This review mainly focused on implementing specific internet portals, namely Raz-kids, in teaching reading in EFL Classes. It aims to develop the knowledge of researchers, educators, policymakers, and technology developers concerning the crucial internet portal Raz-Kids in teaching reading and its effect on students’ outcomes.

Threading Transformative Impact of Artificial Intelligence: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in L2 Writing Among Students

2025-10-11T20:56:57+07:00

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to comprehensively explore the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and second language (L2) writing education. As AI technologies rapidly advance, they are increasingly integrated into educational practices, particularly in language learning environments.

Methodology: This study used a descriptive qualitative research design to explore the impact of AI on L2 writing among students at the University of Southern Mindanao. Thirty students participated, with 25 in individual interviews and 5 in a focus group discussion. Participants had used AI writing tools extensively and were enrolled in undergraduate programs with at least intermediate proficiency in English or their L2.

Main Findings: The study found that students' adoption of AI in L2 writing depends on its perceived usefulness and ease of use. AI offers opportunities to enhance writing quality but also presents challenges, including negative effects on critical thinking, writing process, and confidence. Despite these challenges, students found ways to overcome them, emphasizing the need for ethical integration, originality, and independence.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study uniquely explores AI's transformative impact on second language (L2) writing, focusing on both its benefits (enhanced writing quality, personalized learning) and challenges (impacts on critical thinking, confidence, and independence).

Reward and Punishment to Students’ Learning Motivation in Hybrid Learning: Digging Teachers’ Perspectives

2025-10-11T20:57:26+07:00

Purpose of the study: This research focuses on teachers’ strategy, rewards and punishments teaching strategy in enhancing EFL students’ learning motivation. In addition, this research also aims to provide teachers’ perspectives about the use of rewards and punishments strategy to improve students’ motivation and efficiency as EFL learners during hybrid learning.

Methodology: Descriptive qualitative design with interviews in the class were used to gather the teachers’ perspectives and to see the on-site implementation of rewards-punishments strategy toward students’ learning motivation. Besides, the researchers also highlight the technology used by the teachers in their hybrid learning process.

Main Findings: The results indicate that a balanced strategy by combining suitable motivational techniques with emerging technology can significantly enhance teachers' effectiveness and morale in a hybrid learning environment which can increase students’ learning motivation. In other words, rewards become learning motivation booster for students and teachers’ supports in the form of positive feedback are also found to be beneficial to boost students’ confidence in learning English.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This research contributes to the ongoing conversation about improving students’ learning motivation and teachers’ teaching strategy in hybrid learning. Covering the knowledge gap of reward and punishment implementation in hybrid class, specifically for junior high school students.

Exploring the Relationships Between Perceived Leadership Style, Job Satisfaction, and Academic Service Quality Among Cambodian Public University Staff

2025-10-11T21:20:52+07:00

Purpose of the Study: This study aims to investigate the current self-perceptions of public university staff in Cambodia regarding transformational leadership components, job satisfaction, and academic service quality.

Methodology: This study employs the quantitative research design. A sample of 336 staff from three selected public universities located in Phnom Penh completed the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) to measure transformational leadership (TRL) dimensions, the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) to measure the level of job satisfaction (JOS), the Service Quality (SERVPERF) to measure academic service quality (ASQ), and a demographic survey. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Main Findings: The study found that public university staff in Cambodia perceived TRL, JOS, and ASQ were at high levels. Ranking from the highest to the lowest mean scores were TRL, JOS, and ASQ, respectively. It was also revealed that there were favorable correlations between TRL dimensions, JOS, and ASQ. This indicates that the TRL dimensions exhibited stronger positive relationships. Every correlation was statistically significant at the 0.01 level.

Novelty/Originality of this Study: Through this study, the significance of transformative leadership behavior and its connection to job satisfaction and academic service quality were better understood. The findings of this study offer empirical research on this subject in higher education, which advances the field of leadership studies

Effective Learning Strategies to Overcome Concentration Barriers in Tunagrahita Children at SLB Bhakti Luhur Madiun

2025-10-11T21:20:49+07:00

Purpose of the study: This study aims to identify and analyze effective learning strategies in overcoming concentration barriers in children with disabilities at SLB Bhakti Luhur Madiun.

Methodology: This study used a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study method. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation with students with disabilities, teachers, and caregivers. Data analysis used the Miles and Huberman interactive model.

Main Findings: The results showed that the implementation of various strategies such as direct learning, individualized teaching, behavior modification strategies, lecture method, and the use of learning media (pictures) were able to improve students' focus, motivation, and engagement. Regular evaluation by teachers is also proven to support learning effectiveness. Supporting factors include teacher commitment, small number of students, and comfortable classroom atmosphere. Meanwhile, the main obstacle is students' emotional instability.

Novelty/Originality of this study: Previous research has discussed learning for children with special needs in general, but has not specifically examined effective learning strategies to overcome concentration barriers in students with intellectual disabilities in classroom practice. This gap highlights the need for more focused studies on applicable and contextual learning strategies. Therefore, this study aims to identify and analyze effective learning strategies in overcoming concentration barriers in children with intellectual disabilities at SLB Bhakti Luhur Madiun.

Effectiveness of Gamification-Based Learning Application to Prevent Bullying Behavior in Elementary School

2025-10-11T21:20:48+07:00

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a gamification-based learning application in improving elementary school students' understanding and awareness of bullying prevention

Methodology: A quantitative method using a quasi-experimental one-group pretest and posttest design was used. The study included 49 fifth-grade students from an elementary school in Malang. Data was gathered through pretest and posttest tools consisting of 25 questions. The pretest was administered before the intervention and the posttest after. Data analysis used IBM SPSS Statistics version 26, including normality tests, paired sample t-tests, and N-gain analysis to assess statistical significance and effect size.

Main Findings: The results indicate that there was a significant improvement in students' understanding following the intervention. The average pretest score was 52.33, rising to 87.51 in the posttest. The paired sample t-test produced a significance value of p < 0.001, indicating strong effectiveness. Furthermore, the N-gain analysis yielded a value of 0.71 indicated high effectiveness. Therefore, the gamification-based application serves as a valuable educational tool for increasing bullying prevention awareness in elementary schools.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study provides the first empirical evidence for the effectiveness of a gamification-based mobile application specifically designed to teach bullying prevention to elementary school students. It bridges a critical research gap by quantitatively validating how tailored game mechanics (combines quizzes, mini-games, and role-playing scenarios) enhance comprehension of bullying dynamics and addressing the absence of methodologically rigorous evaluations in context-specific gamified learning for child safety education.

Academic Buoyancy and Peer Support as Predictors of Student Engagement in Learners within Compulsory Education

2025-10-11T21:20:44+07:00

Purpose of the study: This study aims to examine academic buoyancy and peer support as predictors of student engagement in high school students

Methodology: This study is a quantitative study involving 324 high school students in Madiun who were selected by random sampling. The research instrument in this study used three scales: the student engagement scale, the academic buoyancy scale, and the peer support scale. Validity testing used content validity using the Gregory formula, while reliability using Chronbach Alpha with a value of 0.863 for the student engagement scale, 0.629 for the academic buoyancy scale, and 0.865 for the peer support scale. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression techniques.

Main Findings: The results of the study showed that academic buoyancy and peer support simultaneously had a significant influence on student engagement, which means that academic buoyancy and peer support together were predictors of student engagement in high school students

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study reveals the unique role of academic buoyancy and peer support as predictors of high school student engagement, presenting a new perspective that combines academic resilience and social relationships in predicting learning engagement holistically.

Investigating Islamic Religious Education Learning Through Technology-Based Interactive Quizzes: Study of Grade 6 Students' Experiences at SDN Rondokuning

2025-10-11T21:20:42+07:00

Purpose of the study: This study looks at how students' motivation, engagement, and comprehension of religious concepts are affected when technology-based interactive tests are used. The study analysed the Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning experiences of sixth-grade pupils using interactive Wordwall-based tests as a cutting-edge teaching method. The problem of low student engagement and excitement for PAI learning was addressed with this strategy.

Methodology: The study, which was carried out at SDN Rondokuning, Probolinggo, used an exploratory qualitative design. Data were gathered through direct classroom observations, in-depth interviews with educators and learners, and recording educational activities and test results. Thematic analysis was employed to find essential trends in the students' experiences. Triangulation procedures were used to guarantee the data's validity and reliability.

Main Findings: The findings demonstrated that interactive tests considerably raised student interest, comprehension of religious content, and involvement. Average quiz scores rose by 15%, learner satisfaction improved, and participation rates rose from 60% to 90%. Students also showed improved social interaction, teamwork, and the incorporation of Islamic principles into their everyday lives. Effective school management can reduce technical limitations like erratic internet connectivity.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study is distinctive because it used an exploratory qualitative methodology to examine Islamic Religious Education (PAI) instruction at the elementary school level, accounting for cognitive development and emotional, social, and spiritual factors.

Validity and Reliability Analysis of Bullying Comprehension Test Instrument Development

2025-10-11T21:20:37+07:00

Purpose of the study: To ensure that the instrument measuring elementary students' bullying comprehension is valid and reliable, so that the data obtained is accurate and trustworthy. This study also aims to validate its content to ensure all measured aspects match the intended construct and are suitable for field trials and further research.

Methodology: A descriptive quantitative method is used in this study, with 28 grade 5 students from Sawojajar 1 Elementary School as research subjects and expert validation. The object of this research is a 50-item bullying understanding test instrument. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS with the Pearson Bivariate Correlation technique and Cronbach's Alpha analysis.

Main Findings: This study demonstrates that the developed instrument meets validity and reliability standards, making it effective for measurement purposes. Content validity was verified through expert validation, resulting in a score of 97.5%, which falls into the category of highly valid. The validity of the 50 question items resulted in 28 valid items. The valid items produced a Cronbach's alpha value of 0,919, confirming the reliability and consistency of the instrument.

Novelty/Originality of this study: Developing valid and reliable instruments to measure elementary school students' understanding of bullying, which were previously unavailable in a standardized and empirically tested form. Through validation and reliability testing, this study ensures that the instrument can be used effectively for measurement purposes, thereby improving the accuracy and consistency of the data obtained.

The The Effectiveness of Gamisafe Sexual Harrasment Application on Elementary School Students' Understanding

2025-10-11T21:20:40+07:00

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to determine and measure the effectiveness of gamification-based learning applications, namely gamisafe sexual harrasment. This study focuses on elementary school students' understanding of sexual education.

Methodology:.This study used a quantitative approach with a one-group pretest-posttest type of pseudo-experimental design. The research subjects were 59 grade 4 elementary school students. Data were collected through comprehension test instruments given before (pretest) and after (posttest) students used the gamisafe sexual harassment application. after the data were collected, the data were then processed using spss version 26.

Main Findings: The use of gamisafe sexual harassment application is proven to be effective in improving students' understanding of sexual education. This is based on the scores obtained by students where after descriptive statistical tests were carried out, the average difference between pretest and posttest scores was 13.3898. The difference between the minimum value of the post-test and the minimum value of the pre-test is a difference of 24. In the T test results, it was found that the significance value was 0.000, which can be said that there is significance in using the gamisafe sexual harassment application

Novelty/Originality of this study: The novelty in this research is that the gamisafe sexual harassment application is designed using features that are fun for users. The first is the interactive material feature. Then, there are daily quizzes. There is a role-playing feature where students can choose what actions to take when facing sexual harassment.

Reading Literacy Assessment in Philippine Basic Education: A Cross-Sectional, School-Based Phil-IRI Study

2025-10-11T21:20:35+07:00

Purpose of the study: To examine whether age, sex, and grade level are associated with Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (Phil-IRI) performance in junior high school.

Methodology: Cross-sectional, ex post facto analysis of n = 200 Grade 7–10 students (SY 2024–2025). Phil-IRI (Filipino) post-test scores were compared using Mann–Whitney U (sex) and Kruskal–Wallis H (age bands; grade levels), α = .05.

Main Findings: Sex was associated with Phil-IRI scores: females outperformed males (Mdn = 26 vs 19; p < .001). No differences were found by age (p = .087) or grade (p = .513). Descriptives showed a small, lower-performing oldest age band and non-monotonic medians across grades, indicating variation occurs mainly within rather than between grades.

Novelty/Originality of this study: Phil-IRI outcomes in this cohort relate to sex, not to age or grade. Schools should prioritize within-grade, profile-based supports using Phil-IRI decision levels and implement boy-responsive engagement, while monitoring older learners who remain below independence.

ChatGPT in STEM Classrooms: Students’ Perceptions of Interest, Academic Proficiency, and Learning Independence

2025-10-11T21:20:33+07:00

Purpose of the study: To provide K-12 evidence from a low- and middle-income context, this study examines how basic education STEM students use ChatGPT and how it relates to their interest, academic proficiency, and learning independence.

Methodology: Design: descriptive cross-sectional survey in one large public school. Participants: 186 Grade 11–12 STEM students. Instrument: 17-item researcher-developed questionnaire, administered online during class. Tool: ChatGPT (OpenAI). Analysis: item-level frequencies and percentages; reliability and validity checks treated as supportive for a heterogeneous instrument.

Main Findings: ChatGPT use was episodic and concentrated in Research and English. Students reported greater engagement, clearer understanding, and shorter assignment time. Independence gains were modest; textbook reliance declined while tutoring reliance was largely stable. Governance practices were common, including verification and paraphrase-synthesis or inspirational use. Older students emphasized efficiency and integration; younger students reported larger conceptual gains.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study contributes classroom-proximate, item-level evidence from Philippine basic education, an underrepresented K-12 setting. It characterizes selective, front-end deployment and widespread verification, offering rubric-ready handles for responsible use. It identifies grade-linked orchestration differences and connectivity-aware implications that can guide targeted scaffolds to translate efficiency into competence and independent learning.

Usability Analysis of Digital Learning Media Based on Google Sites Using the SUS Scale

2025-10-11T21:20:29+07:00

Purpose of the study: This study aims to evaluate the usability of digital learning media developed using Google Sites through a systematic and standardized measurement approach. The main focus is to identify whether the media is easy to use, engaging, and acceptable from the users’ perspective.

Methodology: This study employed the System Usability Scale (SUS) method, combined with a literature review of related studies. The SUS questionnaire was used as the main tool for data collection, while scoring and analysis were performed with standardized calculation procedures to evaluate usability outcomes.

Main Findings: The results showed that the digital learning media developed with Google Sites achieved an average SUS score of 79. This score falls into the “Good” category, equivalent to a grade scale of C, and is classified as “acceptable.” Users demonstrated positive perceptions regarding its usability, indicating effectiveness while also highlighting the need for further development.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study provides new insights into usability evaluation of Google Sites as a digital learning medium using the SUS method. It contributes by highlighting practical user perceptions and offering evidence-based recommendations for further improvement, thereby expanding knowledge about effective integration of accessible online platforms in education.

Enhancing the Mastery of Basic Integer Operations Among Grade 8 Learners in Secondary Education Through MathSPARK

2025-10-27T13:43:25+07:00

Purpose of the study: Mastery of basic integer operations, an essential foundational skill, enables learners to progress into complex mathematical concepts. Accordingly, this study investigates the effect of MathSPARK as an intervention material on learners’ mastery of this skill.

Methodology: This study employed an explanatory-sequential mixed methods research design, which involved Grade 8 students from a public secondary school in Sorsogon City who met specific criteria. The data were collected through validated integer tests and a researcher-made questionnaire on student perceptions. The quantitative data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, while the qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis.

Main Findings: The number of those who reached the “Mastered” and “Closely Approximating Mastery” levels increased, and those at the lower mastery levels were reduced. Statistical analysis of the results confirmed that the improvement in the learners’ mastery is significant; hence, MathSPARK is effective. Moreover, varied insights from the learners supported the findings, highlighting both the benefits and challenges they encountered.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study offers new insights into how to improve the mathematical skills of the learners by exploring the potential of available digital devices. It also provides an opportunity for a novel approach to enhance learning performance amidst challenges brought about by class disruptions and in an educational setting with limited resources, while taking advantage of what is available to learners