Southeast Asian Journal of Global Trends and Issues in Education

Analysis of Vocational High School Students’ Learning Styles in the Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum

2026-03-04T14:49:17+07:00

Background: The implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum emphasises differentiated instruction and student-centred learning, requiring teachers to understand students’ diverse learning characteristics. However, the integration of learning styles into classroom practices remains limited, particularly in vocational education contexts. Objective: This study aims to analyse the learning styles of tenth-grade students in the Office Automation and Governance (OTKP) program, identify challenges in implementing learning styles within the Merdeka Curriculum, and examine strategies to address these challenges. Method: This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through interviews and documentation using purposive sampling, involving the principal, vice principal for student affairs, teachers, and students. Data validity was ensured through source triangulation, and data were analysed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, including data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. Results: Students exhibit varied learning styles, with a dominant tendency toward auditory learning. The challenges identified include limited flexibility in students’ use of multiple learning styles, insufficient teacher understanding of differentiated instruction within the Merdeka Curriculum, and inadequate supporting learning facilities. To address these issues, teachers have implemented various strategies, including diversifying instructional methods, using visual media, and applying project-based learning. Conclusion: Although the Merdeka Curriculum has been implemented structurally, its pedagogical application has not yet fully accommodated students’ diverse learning styles, resulting in a gap between policy expectations and classroom practices. Contribution: This study contributes to the existing literature by emphasising the importance of integrating learning style analysis into differentiated instruction. It provides empirical insights for developing adaptive teaching strategies in vocational education settings.

Grounded Theory in Practice: Reflexivity and Innovative Approaches for Modern Qualitative Studies

2026-03-05T00:28:39+07:00

Background: Grounded theory remains a key methodology in qualitative research, providing systematic procedures for generating theory from empirical data. However, the expansion of qualitative research contexts, including digital environments, has introduced new methodological challenges related to reflexivity, analytical rigour, and methodological transparency. Objective: This study aims to examine the development of grounded theory methodologies and explore how reflexivity and innovative methodological approaches strengthen research rigour in contemporary qualitative studies. Method: This study employs a methodological review by synthesising seminal and contemporary literature on grounded theory. The analysis focuses on major methodological traditions, including Straussian, Glaserian, and constructivist grounded theory, while also examining issues related to coding procedures, theoretical sensitivity, and literature review management. The review further considers methodological adaptations in digital contexts, particularly the integration of netnography. Results: The review shows that grounded theory has evolved into diverse methodological traditions with distinct analytical procedures. Reflexivity, transparency, and methodological flexibility are increasingly recognised as essential for ensuring credibility and rigour in qualitative research. Conclusion: Grounded theory remains a flexible and relevant methodological framework for contemporary qualitative inquiry. Contribution: This study provides a synthesis of grounded theory traditions and highlights methodological considerations that support rigorous and reflective qualitative research.

Analysis of the Role of Administrative Staff in Supporting the Smooth Operation of Junior High School Administration

2026-03-11T16:00:32+07:00

Background: This study is grounded in the importance of school administration as a key support for the effectiveness of educational processes, in which administrative staff play a strategic role in ensuring smooth operational activities. Objective: The objective of this study is to analyse the role of administrative staff in supporting school administration at SMPN 1 Jambesari and to identify the challenges and strategies implemented. Method: This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analysed using the Miles and Huberman model. Results: The findings indicate that administrative staff play a significant role in managing student data, handling correspondence, maintaining archives, and providing administrative services for teachers and students. However, several challenges were identified, including limitations in human resources, infrastructure, and technological competence. Conclusion: The study concludes that administrative staff play a vital role in supporting the effectiveness of school administration, despite facing various constraints. Contribution: This study provides practical recommendations for improving the quality of administrative services through capacity building and optimising technology use.

Efforts to Improve Elementary School Students’ Learning Outcomes in Islamic Religious Education through the Implementation of a Cooperative Learning Model

2026-03-11T16:01:52+07:00

Background: Students’ low learning outcomes in Islamic Religious Education are often associated with limited variation in instructional models and the continued dominance of conventional, teacher-centred approaches. Such conditions tend to reduce student engagement, limit interaction, and hinder the development of critical understanding. Objective: This study aims to improve students’ learning outcomes by implementing a cooperative learning model among fourth-grade students at SD Negeri 75 Palembang. Method: The research employed Classroom Action Research (CAR) conducted in three cycles, each consisting of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. Data were collected through classroom observations and learning outcome tests, and analysis used a descriptive, quantitative approach to measure improvement across cycles. Results: The findings reveal a significant improvement in students’ learning outcomes, demonstrated by the consistent increase in average scores and the percentage of mastery learning from the pre-cycle to cycle III. Student participation and engagement also showed noticeable enhancement during the learning process. Conclusion: The cooperative learning model is effective in improving both academic achievement and student activeness. Contribution: This study provides practical insights for teachers to adopt innovative instructional strategies to improve learning quality.

Effect of Think-pair Share Learning Strategy on Secondary School Students Achievement in Computer Studies: Implications for Global Development

2026-03-05T01:07:27+07:00

Background: Improving students’ achievement in computer studies is essential in the digital era, where technological competence supports educational advancement and global development. However, conventional lecture-based instruction often limits students’ participation and collaborative learning. Student-centred strategies such as Think–Pair–Share (TPS) offer opportunities to enhance interaction, reflection, and deeper understanding of learning materials. Objective: This study examined the effect of the Think–Pair–Share learning strategy on secondary school students’ achievement in computer studies and investigated whether gender differences in achievement emerge when this strategy is used. Method: A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test non-equivalent group design was employed. The population consisted of 6,982 Junior Secondary School Two (JSS2) students from 94 co-educational secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria. A sample of 393 students (169 males and 224 females) from nine intact classes in Aguata and Awka education zones participated. Data were collected using the Computer Studies Achievement Test (CSAT). Mean, standard deviation, and ANCOVA were used for analysis. Results: Students taught using TPS achieved significantly higher scores than those taught through the lecture method, with male students demonstrating slightly higher achievement. Contribution: This study provides empirical evidence supporting TPS as an effective student-centred strategy for improving achievement in computer studies. Conclusion: Integrating TPS into classroom practice can promote active participation and meaningful learning in secondary education.