Indonesian High School Research Articles

Equating of standardized science subjects tests using various methods: which is the most profitable?

A good test set can be reflected in the quality of the items. It can measure the ability of the test takers reasonably even though they are distributed in several question packages. This study uses an exploratory, descriptive method to determine the equivalence of standardized test sets in science subjects for junior high schools in Indonesia. The data were obtained from the database of Junior High School National Examination results in the subject of Natural Sciences, which consisted of 5 question packages with 40 items/package. The equating technique uses the Item Response Theory 3 PL approach with the help of R Studio Software. The research results show that the national exam questions, which consist of 5 question packages, have a good level of item difficulty and all guesses. However, the discrimination index and several items obtained unfavorable results. In addition to the results of equating the graphical method using the closeness of the test characteristic curve, the Stocking & Lord methods produce the most equivalent scores. These findings can be a reference for test developers or researchers in the field of measurement to produce better and more accurate test kits.

The Efficacy of Using Guided Questions in Teaching Writing Descriptive Text to Indonesian English as Foreign Language (EFL) Students

This research aims at finding out the efficacy of using Guided Questions in teaching writing especially descriptive text to Indonesian English as Foreign Language (EFL) students. The main question of this research: Is the use of Guided Questions effective in teaching writing to Indonesian EFL students? The research can be an addition to the persisting teaching writing in English particularly the descriptive text through the use of guided questions. This research was conducted at the tenth-grade students at SMA Kristen Mercusuar Kupang, an Indonesian High School. The total number of samples was 25 students. The research used a pre-experimental method with a pre-test and post-test design. The pre-test was given to find out the basic ability of the students in mastering writing descriptive text and the post-test given to find out the students’ improvement in mastering writing descriptive text after giving the treatment by using guided questions. The findings show that using guided questions is effective in teaching writing descriptive text to Indonesian EFL students. It is supported by the result of the significance test through SPSS 20 program that the P was 0.00. Therefore, it is recommended to use the guided questions in developing students’ writing descriptive of Indonesian EFL students.

Sustainability Awareness, Engagement, and Perception of Indonesian High School Students during Sustainability Project Based Learning Implementation in Biology Education

This research aims to evaluate students' sustainability awareness and engagement and to analyze students' perception of the ESD Project in Biology lessons at an Indonesian Senior High School. This study uses a Mixed Method research design combining quantitative and qualitative research methods. The participants were Year X students of a Senior High School in Jakarta in the 2022/2023 academic year. Survey, journal of reflection, semi-structured interview, observations, and documentation, were used to collect data. Finding: This research found that ESD Project in biology lessons develops Indonesian students' sustainability awareness and engagement. Students change their mindset from being unconscious to become more concerned with environmental issues. Several evidence of the consciousness in this research includes applying sustainability in the daily practice, doing real action by creating campaign videos. The awareness is also shown by their beliefs, values, and judgments in their reflective journal, including developing environmental literacy, changing into pro-environment, and positive attitude to protect the environment. Secondly, PjBL learning model in Biology lessons is meaningful for students by stimulating their cognitive and behavioral engagement. The most popular activity of the ESD Project is creating the design of clothes from waste. The implementation of ESD Projects has some challenges such as time consuming, and low self-regulation among Indonesian high school students. Implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.

Investigating HOTS on Reading Questions from Fiction Text of the English Textbook Used by Vocational High Schools in Indonesia

Higher-order thinking skills become the target for learning outcomes in the current curriculum. The integration of those thinking levels must be included in the textbook. The English textbook is a kind of media for the students and teachers doing the learning process. A qualified book should provide HOTS instructions to achieve the current curriculum’s goal. This study aims to analyze the use of HOTS in reading questions in fiction texts and find the most dominant thinking skills used. This study was descriptive qualitative research. The data was the reading questions on fiction texts, and the data source is an English textbook titled “English In Mind” a second edition published by the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education Indonesia for grade X used by Vocational High Schools. The researcher used documentation as the collecting data technique, and the technique of analyzing data used was from Miles and Huberman. They are data collection, reduction, and display; the last is the conclusion or verification. The finding of this study is this book has developed HOTS. 53,33% belong to C4, and 46,66% belong to C5 level and the most dominant thinking skillare at C4 or analysis level. The conclusion is that eight fiction texts contain fifteen reading questions integrating HOTS.

Students’ spatial thinking toward the school environment in Indonesia

This study describes the level of cognitive mapping among students in one of the senior high schools in Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the cognitive map of secondary students using a sketch map. The cognitive map elements studied were paths, edges, landmarks, districts, and nodes. This research uses an interpretive paradigm to reveal how students make meaning of their school environment through map sketches. The research approach used was descriptive qualitative. Data collection techniques included a map sketching test and direct interviews with six randomly selected key informants. Cognitive map analysis was used to analyse the cognitive map elements in students' map sketches. The results showed that second-grade students have diverse cognitive maps of their school environment. Thus, this study recommends that attention and substantial efforts from various parties, especially geography subject teachers, be more intense in utilising the surrounding environment as a geography learning laboratory at SMUK ST. Fransiskus Xaverius Ruteng.

The Use of Tiktok Based on Audiolingual Method in Arabic Learning at an Islamic Junior High School in Indonesia

There have been various discussions on the use of TikTok in Arabic learning today, and they indicate that it has the potential as an interactive learning media. However, using TikTok in Audiolingual-based Arabic learning needs more attention. Therefore, this research aims to fill the gap by describing the utilization, stages, and supporting and inhibiting factors in using TikTok in Arabic learning based on an Audiolingual approach at an Islamic Junior High School in Indonesia. This study used descriptive qualitative research. The researcher carried out observations and interviews to obtain research data. The research data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman technique. The results of this study report that 1) the use of TikTok in learning Arabic is based on media support, teaching skills, and variations in delivery. 2) There are three stages in the learning process: preparation, implementation, and evaluation. 3) Supporting factors found are students' ability to understand lessons and adequate school facilities. The inhibiting factor is the limited time available for applying the audiolingual method, which takes quite a long time and makes students feel bored. This study recommends research on the effectiveness of TikTok on interest, motivation, and achievement in learning Arabic.

A Study on EFL Teacher Strategies in Utilizing ICT for Regional Public Highschool of Indonesia

This mixed-methods study investigates the strategies employed by EFL teachers in integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into their teaching practices within a regional public high school in Indonesia. By employing a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, the study draws upon a sample of teachers' perspectives via structured interviews and questionnaire responses. The English teachers of SMA Negeri 1 Maros were involved as the subject of the Research. The findings reveal that teachers utilize a range of ICT tools, such as LCD/LED projectors, PowerPoint presentations, audio-visual technologies, and radio broadcasts, with the primary aim of enhancing teaching efficacy and student engagement. The data suggests that the use of ICT significantly influences student comprehension and learning outcomes, with pupils demonstrating an accelerated understanding of material when taught via ICT-based methodologies. Therefore, the study provides valuable insights into the role of ICT in English language teaching in Indonesia, particularly shedding light on teachers' ICT utilization strategies and the impacts on student learning outcomes. These findings may inform future policy and practice in education, potentially guiding initiatives for ICT integration in the wider context of language education.

Exploring How Skimming and Scanning Fosters EFL Students’ Reading Comprehension at an English Club Senior High School in Indonesia

This study aimed to examine the effect of skimming and scanning strategies on improving reading comprehension among students attending the English club at Senior High School Zainul Hasan 1 Genggong. A considerable number of students continue to struggle with reading, an area that is integral to their academic progress and language acquisition. Addressing these challenges necessitates effective teaching tactics to enhance reading comprehension skills, the exploration of which formed the core of this research. The study utilized a pre-experimental research design, focusing on a single group pre-test and post-test methodology. The sample consisted of 30 students who received targeted instruction on skimming and scanning strategies over a determined period. Skimming involves rapidly reviewing a text to get a general idea, while scanning is a technique used for quickly locating specific information within a text. Both strategies are believed to be pivotal in assisting learners to become more efficient and effective readers. Data collected from the pre and post-tests was analyzed using the Paired Sample T-Test. The alternative hypothesis, suggesting that skimming and scanning techniques have no significant effect on reading comprehension, is rejected if the Sig (2-tailed) value is more than 0.05. Conversely, if the Sig (2-tailed) is less than 0.05, the alternative hypothesis is accepted, indicating a significant effect of skimming and scanning techniques on students' reading comprehension. The study's findings revealed that the students who received training in skimming and scanning demonstrated significant improvement in their reading comprehension, substantiating the beneficial impact of these techniques. This improvement is further corroborated by the Sig (2-tailed) value of 0.000, which is less than the critical threshold of 0.05, leading to the acceptance of the alternative hypothesis. The statistically significant results from the Paired Sample T-Test provided robust evidence supporting the efficacy of skimming and scanning techniques in enhancing students' reading comprehension skills. This demonstrates the significance of these strategies in addressing reading comprehension challenges among students and informs the pedagogical approaches for teaching reading in EFL contexts. It underscores the need for their integration in curriculum planning and instruction, thereby contributing substantially to the academic discourse on reading comprehension strategies.

An Investigation of E-Learning Readiness in Vocational High School During the Post Pandemic Covid-19: Case from North Sulawesi

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the learning model in vocational high schools in Indonesia, which is usually face-to-face and has been turned into online learning. This learning uses e-learning with several models such as synchronous learning and asynchronous learning drastically without proper preparation. This creates problems in achieving learning outcomes because of many inhibiting factors. This research aims to investigate the readiness of e-learning implemented in vocational high schools during the post COVID-19 pandemic. The method used is the Aydin & Tasci ELR model for measuring the level of e-learning readiness. The results of this research investigation found that the e-learning readiness score was 4.15, which means that vocational high schools in Indonesia are ready to implement e-learning but still need a slight improvement in several factors. These factors are human resources, organization, technology, and infrastructure. This research concludes that vocational high schools in Indonesia are ready to implement e-learning as a supporter of learning in schools.

Implementation of Curriculum in Vocational High Schools in Indonesia Based on Organizational Citizenship Behavior

Implementation of Curriculum in Vocational High Schools in Indonesia Based on Organizational Citizenship Behavior

Negotiating the challenges in speaking English for Indonesian undergraduate students in an ESL university

In Indonesia, English is not widely used for communication. Hence, Indonesian high school graduates who desire to study abroad may encounter difficulties communicating in English. One of the destination countries Indonesian students choose to study in is Malaysia. When studying in Malaysia, some may transition from EFL (English as a Foreign Language) to ESL (English as a Second Language) speakers as they are required to speak English more frequently, especially in academic contexts. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the challenges of speaking English for Indonesian undergraduate students, the contributing factors to the challenges, and the strategies used by the students to navigate the challenges. A number of 15 Indonesian EFL undergraduate students still registered as active students in an ESL university in Malaysia participated in this study. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews, transcribed, and thematically analysed. The findings were presented thematically with narrative excerpts to support them. The results indicated some challenges faced when students adjusted themselves in their higher education institution, including their psychological reactions, speaking academic English, and online learning. Therefore, to help EFL students be more prepared to speak English for academic contexts in an ESL environment, stakeholders in the education sector in Indonesia should consider providing more actions to focus on improving the English-speaking skills of students.

ENHANCEMENT OF CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS VOCATIONAL STUDENTS IN INDONESIA USING PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING-STEM BY E-LEARNING

This study aims to develop a problem-based learning model with the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) approach through e-learning in vocational high schools (SMK) to enhance learning outcomes and critical thinking skills of the students of light vehicle electrical maintenance, which is valid, practical, and effective. The design phase began with determining the fundamental philosophy, theoretical background, hypothetical model, and evaluation aspects, while exhaustive tests were conducted to validate the developed system during the development phase. Based on practical testing in four vocational high schools in Indonesia, the developed PBL-STEM e-learning system is considered valid and effective for enhancing the quality of vocational education. The critical thinking skills of experimental class students have increased, both in groups and individually, as indicated by the progressive percentage increase of 38.32%. The application of this model has proven to be effective in enhancing critical thinking, skills.

The Implementation of The Merdeka Curriculum in English Subject at A Vocational High School in Indonesia

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in English subject at one of the vocational high schools in Sidoarjo as the Centre of Excellence of Vocational High School (SMK PK). The study used the descriptive-qualitative method as the research design, and the data were obtained through observations and semi-structured interviews. The subject of this study was an English teacher for 11th graders, and the data sampling used was purposive random sampling in the 11th-grade class. The present study focused on the following six areas regarding the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum: 1) the implementation of the teaching module, 2) the teaching and learning process, 3) the use of learning materials, 4) the use of learning media, 5) the implementation of assessment and evaluation, and 6) the opportunities and obstacles. The study results found that the Merdeka Curriculum at one of the vocational high schools has been widely implemented. However, obstacles arise related to perceptions changing from teacher-centered learning to student-centered learning. All approaches taken in the teaching and learning process of English learning have resulted in a student-centered approach, which is also consistent with the Pancasila Student Profile outcomes. The integration of Pancasila Student Profile orientation and student-centered approach in English learning is intended to produce generations that are self-sufficient, capable of critical, creative, and innovative thinking, quickly sociable, and capable of communicating and collaborating. In addition, the principle of freedom that is upheld in this Merdeka curriculum has been able to encourage students and teachers to maximize teaching and learning processes that are more meaningful.

Exploring Research Idea Growth with Litmap

This study presents a method for tracking the growth of research studies in a particular field or topic using a graphical representation of literature review with the help of Libmap. The step-by-step method involves selecting an article or a set of articles that represent the topic of interest and using Libmap to analyze and visualize the relationships between different concepts and ideas. The study starts with the article entitled "The role of mobile learning on the learning environment shifting at high school in Indonesia" written by Sulisworo et al. Libmap serves as a valuable tool for researchers during the process of writing scientific articles, as it allows for visual mapping and tracking of the development of research articles, identification of key articles or authors, exploration of citation patterns and influences, and contextualization of research within the existing literature. The visual representation provided by Libmap can also aid in identifying significant citations, highlighting influential articles, and identifying potential areas for further research. Overall, Libmap can enhance the literature review process, improve the quality of scientific articles, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in various fields.

Exploring Management Industrial Class at the Vocational High School in Indonesia

This study aimed to describe and analyze the implementation of industrial class terms through the management stages namely planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating. The research design of this study used qualitative research. The data were collected from four Vocational High Schools in Indonesia. The findings showed that the mechanisms and stages of planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating have been carried out comprehensively and systematically. To obtain the optimal results, the aspect of planning and implementation management needs to be optimized, especially in skills preparation by schools, curriculum synchronization, schedule planning, teacher internship program, and readiness of learning facilities and infrastructure. It is recommended because it needs a review from the implementation of industrial class management in Industrial Vocational High Schools. In addition, it needs improvements in every aspect of management to meet program objectives that have an impact on both parties so that can be a learning strategy based on industrial culture and industrial needs.
 
 Received: 24 January 2023 / Accepted: 19 April 2023 / Published: 5 May 2023

CONTENT ANALYSIS ON TWO ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS FOR THE EIGHTH GRADER OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

This paper reports a study that analyzed the content of two English textbooks used in junior high school in Indonesia. The two textbooks are officially published by Indonesia's Ministry of Culture and Education. The first is "When English Rings a Bell," written by Siti Wachidah, Asep Gunawan, Diyantari, and Yuli Rulani Khatimah and published in 2017, and the second is "Modul Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh pada Masa Pandemi Covid-19 untuk jenjang SMP Mata Pelajaran Bahasa Inggris untuk semester genap kelas VIII” which is published in 2020. The findings revealed similarities and differences between the two textbooks. Two English textbooks differ greatly because they have different goals. The second book is not a revision of the first, but it appears to be the solution to the pandemic. The first textbook is designed to improve language skills through the use of communicative approach, both spoken and written, with English as the medium of communication. However, the second textbook is expected to be beneficial and meaningful for students to achieve the intended competence independently. Despite differences in goal or focus in developing the textbooks, they share similarities in terms of basic competence that students must achieve.

Genre-Based Approach Implementation in Teaching Listening: A Case Study in Senior High School in Indonesia

Listening is a skill that is sometimes forgotten when learning a language. Although it may appear challenging, listening abilities can be improved over time if practiced regularly. This study aimed to see if the genre-based approach (GBA) could be used to teach listening. This study employed a qualitative design. The participants of this study were a teacher and 15 students of grade 11 (eleven) of Senior High school in Medan, Indonesia, consisting of nine males and six female students. The English teacher was chosen because she is a senior teacher who has applied 2013 curriculum and used genre-based English learning in grade eleven (11) students of an old high school in Medan. This study applied the data collection techniques by conducting classroom observation and interviews. The findings presented that the GBA with four cycles of learning model applied by the teacher was considered capable of helping students in listening learning. It can help students recognize text variations, vocabulary, and structures in the text, which were also students' provisions in the listening process.

Chemistry Learning through Culturally Responsive Transformative Teaching (CRTT): Educating Indonesian High School Students for Cultural Sustainability

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), culture provides the transformative dimension for ensuring the development process of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As one of the key drivers in the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, culture ensures a people-centered and context-relevant approach that cuts across a range of policy areas and, thus, in the context of quality education promotes the development of human resources for cultural and environmental sustainability. It is in this context that we report on a study aimed at developing students’ cultural identity and supporting the younger generation in preserving their cultural heritage, whilst learning chemistry concepts at the same time. The culturally responsive transformative teaching (CRTT) model served as a theoretical framework for the research to engage students in culture-based, high school chemistry learning by utilizing specially designed ethnochemistry texts that highlighted the relationship between cultural values and chemistry concepts. Case studies were conducted within the interpretive research paradigm and involved 149 students from four high schools in four Indonesian provinces, namely Banten, west Java, Bangka Belitung, and south Sumatra. In particular, we were interested in understanding how well students engage in this innovative transformative learning model, designed to educate them about cultural sustainability. We generated data by means of students’ reflective journals, semi-structured interviews with students, and classroom observations. In general, the results from the research strongly suggest that students involved in cultural identity reflection, engaged in cultural-based chemistry learning, explored cultural heritage through a chemistry lens, applied social etiquette and ethics, and developed cultural heritage preservation awareness. These are important aspects of cultural sustainability. The results imply that culturally responsive chemistry education has great potential for educating students and empowering them as conservationists of Indonesian culture. Further research on empowering students on cultural sustainability with other ethnochemistry topics within Indonesian cultural contexts is needed to further investigate the CRTT model’s broader efficacy.

The Relationship between Knowledge and the Occurrence of Vaginal Discharge

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between knowledge of vulva hygiene and the occurrence of vaginal discharge among female students in the female boarding high school in Indonesia. A total of 48 students were selected through purposive sampling and data was collected using a questionnaire. The results showed that 31.8% of unmarried women or adolescent girls aged 12-24 years experienced vaginal discharge. Lack of knowledge about vaginal discharge among adolescents and feeling embarrassed to consult health professionals were the reasons for not seeking treatment. This puts adolescent girls at a higher risk of experiencing vaginal discharge. The analysis using the Chi-square test showed a significant relationship (p<0.05) between knowledge of vulva hygiene and the occurrence of vaginal discharge, with a correlation coefficient of 0.416, indicating a moderate relationship. Therefore, it is recommended that respondents increase their knowledge of vulva hygiene, and those experiencing pathological vaginal discharge should improve genital hygiene to avoid future health issues.

Examining Students’ Perceptions of Indonesian High School Students on the Use of TikTok in Learning English

With the availability of mobile devices and Web 2.0 technologies, various networking apps have become essential to English language learning (ELL). TikTok, a global app similar to YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter, is becoming increasingly popular. TikTok is a video-sharing app that allows users to produce and share content while discovering material from other users. TikTok has yet to be thoroughly researched for educational purposes. However, some research suggests that social media can help language learners. This study evaluated Islamic school students' perspectives on using TikTok to learn English to enhance four English skills. In this study, 55 high school students from an Islamic country participated in an online quantitative research survey. The information was gathered using a Google Forms questionnaire. According to the research, students were enthusiastic about utilizing TikTok as a visual aid in enhancing their English skills. Writing was discovered to be the least likely of the four English skills to develop using TikTok Apps. Besides, students also stated a high preference for watching native English channels rather than local channels when learning English. As a result, TikTok has the potential to affect pupils' English proficiency positively. As a result, students and teachers can mix social networking apps to enhance English teaching and learning. Further research may be performed to look at students' voices, in the future teachers' views, and an experimental classroom design.