Aletheia Christian Educators Journal

Integrating Thinking Routines into Play-Based Deep Learning

Esther Christiningrum — 2026-04-30

As educational priorities increasingly focus on developing future-ready competencies, early childhood pedagogy must emphasize meaningful, engaging, and cognitively rich learning experiences. This article explores the integration of thinking routines within Play-Based Deep Learning (PBDL) as a strategy to strengthen teaching competence, pedagogy, and assessment practices in early childhood education. While play is often perceived primarily as recreational, this paper argues that intentionally designed play, guided by deep learning principles embodied in the 6Cs — Character, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Citizenship, and Critical Thinking — can serve as a powerful vehicle for deep cognitive, social, and emotional development. Thinking routines are positioned as cognitive scaffolds that make children’s thinking visible and transform play activities into opportunities for inquiry, reflection, and deeper understanding. Using a qualitative conceptual framework supported by classroom observations, teacher interviews, and relevant literature, the study examines how play-based environments integrated with thinking routines foster meaningful engagement, problem-solving, and socio-emotional growth among young learners. The findings suggest that when teachers intentionally design and facilitate play experiences aligned with learning goals, children demonstrate higher motivation, stronger collaboration, and greater cognitive depth. Furthermore, teacher competence in planning, facilitating, and assessing play-based learning is essential for maximizing outcomes. The paper proposes a practical pedagogical framework that integrates play, deep learning principles, and thinking routines to support authentic assessment and enhance professional teaching practice in early childhood classrooms.

Kepemimpinan Berbasis Nilai Budaya Lokal

Sri Astuti Iriyani — 2026-04-30

Kepemimpinan merupakan faktor kunci keberhasilan organisasi yang tidak bersifat universal, melainkan kontekstual dan sangat dipengaruhi oleh nilai-nilai budaya lokal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi nilai-nilai budaya lokal yang terintegrasi dalam praktik kepemimpinan, menjelaskan bagaimana nilai tersebut diterapkan oleh pemimpin, serta menganalisis dampaknya terhadap organisasi dan komunitas. Kajian dilakukan menggunakan metode Systematic Literature Review (SLR). Data diperoleh dari basis data Scopus dan ERIC dengan rentang publikasi tahun 2015–2025, terdapat 77 artikel kemudian diseleksi menjadi 32 studi yang memenuhi kriteria kelayakan. Hasil sintesis menunjukkan bahwa nilai-nilai budaya lokal di berbagai wilayah seperti keadilan, tanggung jawab, kolaborasi, keteladanan, empati, pemberdayaan, dan harmoni menjadi dasar pembentukan kepemimpinan yang humanis, partisipatif, dan beretika. Penerapan nilai budaya lokal dilakukan melalui keteladanan, integrasi dalam pengambilan keputusan, kurikulum kontekstual, serta pelibatan komunitas dan keluarga. Kepemimpinan berbasis budaya lokal terbukti memperkuat legitimasi sosial, meningkatkan partisipasi masyarakat, serta menumbuhkan identitas budaya siswa dan guru. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa kepemimpinan yang berakar pada nilai budaya lokal mampu menciptakan lingkungan pendidikan yang inklusif, adaptif, dan berkelanjutan.

Modifikasi Tutur Guru Bahasa Inggris di Sebuah Sekolah Kristen di Balikpapan

Riani Larosa — 2026-04-30

Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan modifikasi tutur yang digunakan oleh seorang guru bahasa Inggris di sebuah sekolah Kristen di Balikpapan. Penelitian ini berlandaskan pada teori modifikasi tutur oleh Lynch (1996). Penelitian ini menggunakan desain kualitatif dengan berfokus pada satu guru, yaitu guru Claudia. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa guru Claudia menerapkan tiga jenis modifikasi tutur berdasarkan teori Lynch (1996), yaitu modifikasi input, modifikasi interaksi, dan modifikasi pemilihan informasi. Temuan penelitian juga menunjukkan adanya aspek tambahan yang muncul di dalam praktik pembelajaran bahasa Inggris yang dilakukan oleh guru Claudia, yaitu penggunaan alih kode dari bahasa Inggris ke bahasa Indonesia sebagai bentuk penyesuaian linguistik untuk membantu murid memahami pesan dengan lebih baik. Selain itu, permintaan klarifikasi digabungkan dengan pengecekan pemahaman, serta pengulangan disertai dengan tempo bicara yang lebih pelan untuk meningkatkan pemrosesan informasi murid. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa ketiga jenis modifikasi tutur Lynch (1996) belum sepenuhnya mencukupi kebutuhan pembelajaran bahasa Inggris di sebuah sekolah kristen di Balikpapan tersebut, sehingga dibutuhkan aspek tambahan yaitu alih kode. Selain itu, penggabungan aspek modifikasi diperlukan untuk memaksimalkan pemahaman.

Evaluasi Program of Entreprenuership (PoE) Sekolah Menengah Atas Swasta di Jonggol dengan Model CIPP

Edy Prasetyo Sarwa — 2026-04-30

Program PoE merupakan sebuah program modifkasi dari pendidikan kewirausahaan. Program PoE di desain untuk membentuk karakteristik kewirausahaan dalam diri peserta didik. Tujuan program ini dibuat bukan hanya mengajarkan peserta didik untuk berdagang tetapi mengajarkan peserta didik untuk menemukan solusi dalam suatu masalah. Saat ini Program PoE telah dilaksanakan sudah selama tujuh tahun di salah satu Sekolah Menengah Atas di Jonggol, belum pernah dilakukan evaluasi secara menyeluruh, dan tidak terlihat penguasaan karakteristik seorang. Evaluasi dilaksanakan dengan model evaluasi CIPP dengan menggunakan pendekatan mix-method. Fokus penelitian meliputi konteks, masukan, pelaksanaan, dan produk-produk yang dihasilkan dari program PoE. Melalui hasil penelitian, ada beberapa tahapan yang sudah baik dan ada tahapan yang perlu ditingkatkan agar program PoE dapat berjalan maksimal. Berdasarkan evaluasi konteks, Program PoE sudah dijalankan dengan baik karena program PoE sudah mempertimbangkan visi misi organisasi. Pada hasil evaluasi masukan, belum ada strategi perekrutan dan pengembangan guru-guru PoE. Pada hasil proses, perlu ditingkatkan mengenai penyamaan persepsi dalam pelaksanaan. Pada evaluasi produk, perlu adanya peningkatan dan perbaikan segera mungkin. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah program PoE sudah dilaksanakan cukup baik dengan perlu beberapa peningkatan. Berdasarkan hasil evaluasi dengan menggunakan metode CIPP, Program PoE perlu dilanjutkan dengan menerapkan beberapa perbaikan. Adapun rekomendasi yang dapat diberikan adalah perlunya pengembangan kriteria bagi guru, penambahan sarana prasarana, pengembangan modul, strategi mengembangkan komunitas guru, dan pengembangan penilaian.

Teologi PAK dalam Perspektif 1 Tesalonika 2:1-12

Rezeki Putra Gulo — 2026-04-30

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh krisis keteladanan dan reduksi Pendidikan Agama Kristen (PAK) menjadi sekadar transfer pengetahuan teologis yang bersifat kognitif-informasional. Kajian ini bertujuan merumuskan model teologi PAK yang bersumber dari 1 Tesalonika 2:1-12 dengan menekankan dimensi relasional, keteladanan, dan formasi iman sebagai fondasi pedagogis. Metode yang digunakan adalah pendekatan kualitatif dengan pendekatan tinjauan biblikal kontekstual terhadap teks Alkitab. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Paulus mengembangkan pola pelayanan relasional yang menampilkan kasih keibuan, ketegasan kebapaan, integritas moral, dan orientasi formasi iman yang holistik. Novelty penelitian ini terletak pada perumusan paradigma teologi PAK relasional-formasional sebagai alternatif terhadap pendekatan kognitif yang dominan dalam pendidikan iman kontemporer. Penelitian ini menegaskan bahwa esensi PAK terletak pada relasi kasih dan keteladanan hidup yang menuntun peserta didik kepada transformasi iman yang sejati di dalam Kristus.

The Role of Nature Play in Supporting Students with ADHD According to Biblical Principles

Ivy Mary Lin — 2026-04-30

As inclusive education expands, Christian schools are tasked with developing holistic pedagogies for students with ADHD. This research investigates nature play as a developmentally appropriate and theologically grounded approach. Framed by the Pyramid of Learning, which positions sensory integration as foundational to higher-order skills, the study explores how sensory-rich outdoor environments support children with ADHD in a Christian school setting. Using qualitative methods, including observation and teacher interviews, the research identifies how nature play fosters emotional regulation, sustained attention, and social interaction in these students. Furthermore, this practice aligns with core Christian values, embodying stewardship of creation and compassion, and affirming each child's identity as an image-bearer of God (Imago Dei). This study presents a model that synthesizes developmental theory and Christian pedagogy, demonstrating how faith-based schools can implement evidence-informed, spiritually coherent strategies. It highlights the potential of faith-based educational settings to implement evidence-informed, spiritually coherent strategies that support the holistic development of neurodiverse learners. In particular, this study will contribute to the existing literature on the implementation of inclusive education in Christian schools.

Pendidikan Agama Kristen dan Kesehatan Mental

Deciana M. Baok — 2026-04-30

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh tingginya tingkat kecemasan pemuda usia 18–25 tahun di Gereja Tradisional di Kupang, di mana hasil survei awal menggunakan Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) menunjukkan 65% responden berada dalam kategori cemas dan 25% dalam kategori sangat cemas. Kondisi ini diperparah oleh tekanan ekonomi, krisis identitas, quarter-life crisis, serta ketiadaan ruang aman dalam komunitas gereja. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis kondisi psikologis pemuda, mengevaluasi keterbatasan pelayanan pastoral yang ada, dan merumuskan strategi Pendidikan Agama Kristen (PAK) yang holistik-transformatif. Menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan kerangka pedagogi Shared Christian Praxis dari Thomas Groome, penelitian ini mengintegrasikan teori perkembangan psikososial Erik Erikson dan teori kesejahteraan psikologis Carol Ryff. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa model pelayanan PAK yang selama ini bersifat doktrinal-tradisional belum mampu menjawab kebutuhan kesehatan mental pemuda. Penelitian ini merumuskan model pelayanan holistik-transformatif yang mencakup pilar edukatif, preventif, kuratif, dan struktural, agar gereja dapat bertransformasi menjadi healing community yang mengintegrasikan spiritualitas dengan literasi kesehatan mental secara kontekstual dan profesional.

From Compulsion to Character

Samuel Soegiarto — 2026-04-30

This study explores how parents can disciple elementary-aged children to navigate the addictive mechanisms of digital gaming. It provides a theological framework transforming digital play from a "compulsion loop" into a space for character formation. Utilizing Richard Osmer’s framework, this research conducts a four-fold task: descriptive-empirical (analyzing "pleasurable bondage"), interpretive (dissecting dysfunctional liturgies), normative (constructing Sabbath and Imago Dei theology), and pragmatic (outlining parental discipleship strategies). Compulsion loops exploit the "restless heart" through a "counterfeit grace". However, Sabbath rhythms foster essential virtues like self-control, presence, and gratitude. The Sabbath provides a telos reorienting desires toward God’s finished work. This paper fills a gap in Christian elementary education by integrating behavioral psychology with Reformed theology. It offers a "third way" of discerning engagement for families in a smart society. Practical/Social Implications. The study proposes "counter-praxis" for the home: "Gaming Sabbath" rhythms, "closing liturgies," and dialogical reflection tools for parents to evaluate digital play's spiritual impact. This study is primarily theoretical. Future research should include empirical studies on the long-term impact of Sabbath practices on character development in elementary students.

Loving God for Life

Magdalena Pranata Santoso — 2026-04-30

The greatest commandment and God's will for all Christians is to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Especially amid the industrial revolution 4.0 where younger generations prefer to enjoy life and pursue personal satisfaction. To cultivate the children’s willingness to love God throughout their lives, Christian parents need to be guided by the Biblical principles. This study used a qualitative descriptive analysis research method based on a literature study that examined the process of developing faith in the lives of Bible heroes: Samuel, Moses, and Josiah who loved God all their lives, which is applied in Jewish education. The five models of children education, namely: (1) A Loving and Authentic Relationship Between Parents and Children from an Early Age; (2) The Father’s Role in Applying Spiritual Discipline; (3) Cultivates the Faith to Understand God’s Providence; (4) Cultivates the Children’s Faith in an Innovative, Holistic and Integrative Way; and (5) Cultivates the Children’s Faith Starting During Pregnancy. This method has been implemented in several Christian families for their children since they were toddlers. At age 18, parents reported on the character development of their children raised with a love-for-God education. This study demonstrates that applying biblical principles to the lives of the three Bible Heroes can help Christian parents raise their children to love God and develop good character.

Becoming Teachers

Septiana Feni Kurniastuti — 2026-04-30

This study aims to explore how alumni, now teachers, describe their experiences of faith learning integration in a teacher education institution. Qualitative research is chosen to provide a rich description of this study. The data was collected from interviews with six alumni of a Christian teacher education institution. The interview provides more in-depth information about the participants' experiences and offers insight into how individual experiences shape their understanding of faith and learning integration. The alumni described the integration of faith and learning throughout their study experiences. Their understanding of faith and learning integration was articulated using common terminology, capturing the essence of God’s Word as truth and source, and reflecting a holistic approach to education in their past studies. They shared how this integration was experienced across the curriculum and courses, teaching methodologies, institutional programs, and student activities, as well as teacher–student relationships. The analysis revealed several emerging themes including spiritual and identity formation, student learning experiences, Christian teacher capacity building, and central role of teachers. Future research should use longitudinal studies tracking teacher education students into their careers to examine how faith-learning integration evolves over time.

Serving to Strengthen

Septian Yulianto — 2026-04-30

As a newly established school implementing a curriculum that differs from other schools under the same foundation, a newly established private Christian senior high school in Sidoarjo faces the challenge of improving educational quality through teacher competency development. This study examines the effect of servant leadership on teacher competency, with coaching as a moderating variable. Using a quantitative approach, the study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Data on servant leadership and coaching were collected through questionnaires distributed to 38 teachers, while teacher competency data were obtained from secondary data provided by school leaders. The findings show that servant leadership has a positive and significant effect on teacher competency. Coaching does not have a significant direct effect on teacher competency; however, it strengthens the positive relationship between servant leadership and teacher competency. These findings suggest that servant leadership, when supported by structured coaching practices, can contribute more effectively to teacher development and educational quality improvement.