GeoEdu Insight Journal

Social Studies Learning as a Means of Transforming Students’ Social Sensitivity: A Quantitative Study

Rima Trian — 2026-05-14

Purpose of the study: This study aimed to examine the influence of Social Studies learning on students’ social sensitivity, particularly in developing empathy, social awareness, self-awareness, and mutual respect among junior high school students through effective and interactive classroom learning processes within the educational environment.

Methodology: This study employed a quantitative associative research design involving 30 junior high school students selected through total sampling techniques. Data were collected using observation sheets, questionnaires, and documentation methods. Research instruments applied a Likert scale measurement model. Data analysis included normality tests, heteroscedasticity tests, simple linear regression, coefficient determination, and hypothesis testing using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software.

Main Findings: The findings indicated that Social Studies learning had a positive and significant influence on students’ social sensitivity. Students demonstrated good levels of empathy, social awareness, self-awareness, and mutual respect during the learning process. Regression analysis showed a significance value of 0.000 and a coefficient determination value of 87.2%, indicating that Social Studies learning substantially contributed to improving students’ social sensitivity within the school environment.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study highlights social sensitivity as the primary outcome of Social Studies learning using a quantitative associative approach. Unlike previous studies emphasizing cognitive achievement, this research focuses on the transformation of students’ social character through Social Studies learning. The study also provides empirical evidence regarding the contribution of Social Studies learning to strengthening students’ interpersonal awareness and social behavior.

Implementing Image-Based Media to Improve Social Studies Learning Outcomes on Indonesia’s Foreign Policy: A Classroom Action Research Study

Deatri Deatri — 2026-05-14

Purpose of the study: This study aims to improve students’ Social Studies learning outcomes on the topic of Indonesia’s foreign policy through the implementation of image-based media in an Islamic elementary school classroom.

Methodology: This study employed Classroom Action Research (CAR) based on the Kemmis and McTaggart model. The research involved 25 sixth-grade students. Data were collected using achievement tests, observation sheets, questionnaires, and interviews. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and percentage techniques to evaluate learning outcomes and classroom activities across two research cycles.

Main Findings: The results showed that students’ mean scores improved from 38.26 to 65.52 in Cycle I and increased further to 80.50 in Cycle II. The percentage of students achieving the minimum mastery criterion rose from 48% to 60% in Cycle I and reached 92% in Cycle II. Student engagement and participation also improved significantly during the implementation.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study provides a specific application of image-based media in teaching Indonesia’s foreign policy using a Classroom Action Research framework. It offers practical evidence on improving learning outcomes through visual media in Islamic elementary education. The study contributes to contextualized instructional strategies for abstract Social Studies topics at the primary education level.

Implementing Social Studies Learning Strategies to Develop Social Interaction among Fourth Grade Students at MI Muhammadiyah Trimulyo

Fiqri Haikal — 2026-05-14

Purpose of the study: This study aims to analyze the implementation of Social Studies learning strategies in developing social interaction among fourth grade students at MI Muhammadiyah Trimulyo. The study also aims to identify how interactive classroom activities encourage students’ participation, communication, cooperation, and confidence during the learning process.

Methodology: This study employed a descriptive qualitative research design conducted at MI Muhammadiyah Trimulyo. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and documentation techniques involving the principal, teachers, and fourth grade students. Data validity was examined using triangulation techniques, while data analysis applied inductive qualitative analysis through data reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing.

Main Findings: Findings revealed that Social Studies learning strategies such as group discussions, collaborative assignments, and question-and-answer activities improved students’ social interaction during classroom learning. Students became more active in asking questions, answering discussions, cooperating with peers, and expressing opinions confidently. Interactive learning activities also encouraged communication, participation, and teamwork among students, creating a more active and socially supportive classroom environment.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study specifically examines the implementation of Social Studies learning strategies in developing social interaction among students at an Islamic elementary school context. Previous studies mainly focused on character education and tolerance, while this research highlights classroom interaction, collaborative learning, and communication development during Social Studies instruction at the madrasah ibtidaiyah level, contributing new insights into elementary social learning practices.

Improving Students’ Social Studies Learning Outcomes through the Role Playing Method in Fifth Grade of MI Islamiyah Sumberrejo

Agusti Amelia — 2026-05-14

Purpose of the study: This study aims to improve Social Studies learning outcomes and student participation through the implementation of the Role Playing method in fifth-grade students of MI Islamiyah Sumberrejo, particularly on historical material about the Indonesian proclamation of independence.

Methodology: This research used Classroom Action Research (CAR) model by Suharsimi Arikunto conducted in two cycles. Data were collected through tests, observation sheets, interviews, and documentation. Instruments included pre-test and post-test, observation sheets, and school records. Data were analyzed using descriptive quantitative and qualitative techniques supported by simple calculation software such as Microsoft Excel.

Main Findings: The findings show a significant improvement in students’ learning outcomes after the implementation of the Role Playing method. Student mastery increased from 23% in the preliminary stage to 80% in Cycle II, with average scores rising from 61.6 to 73.6. Teacher activity improved from 61% to 82%, while student activity increased from 59% to 81%. The method also enhanced students’ participation, motivation, and understanding of historical learning materials.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study is novel because it applies the Role Playing method specifically to Indonesian proclamation history in a Madrasah Ibtidaiyah context using Classroom Action Research. It not only focuses on cognitive improvement but also emphasizes active student participation. This research contributes new insight into integrating dramatization-based learning in elementary Social Studies education to enhance engagement and outcomes.

GIS-Based Spatial Analysis of Landslide Risk in the Bango Sub-Watershed, Malang Regency

Maharani Oktavia — 2026-05-14

Purpose of the study: This study aims to assess and map landslide risk zones in the Bango Sub-Watershed, Malang Regency, by integrating natural physical factors and human activities using a GIS-based spatial analysis to support effective disaster mitigation and regional planning.

Methodology: Primary data, including land use patterns, slope excavation, pond and drainage construction, and infrastructure development, were integrated with secondary data such as rainfall records (2005–2014), geological maps, soil type maps, land use maps, and historical earthquake data. Thiessen polygons and overlay techniques were applied in ArcGIS 10.1 to systematically quantify spatial variations in landslide susceptibility across the Bango Sub-Watershed.

Main Findings: The results show that most areas in the Bango Sub-Watershed are classified as low to medium landslide risk, while high-risk zones, associated with slopes greater than 40%, are confined to steep terrain with intensive human activity. The integration of environmental factors, including slope, rainfall, and soil type, with anthropogenic activities produces more detailed and reliable spatial risk maps, enabling targeted prioritization for mitigation measures and supporting improved disaster planning and management.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This research integrates multiple environmental and human activity datasets into GIS through the use of Thiessen polygons and overlay analysis, offering a more comprehensive and precise assessment of landslide risk than previous studies. The methodology provides a replicable framework for other similar watersheds, supporting enhanced disaster mitigation planning, informed land-use decisions, and evidence-based strategies for reducing potential damage in vulnerable areas.

GIS-Based Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Using Overlay and Scoring Techniques Along the Nanggulan–Kalibawang Road, Kulon Progo

Rahman Afrinaldi — 2026-05-14

Purpose of the study: This study aims to evaluate landslide susceptibility along Nanggulan–Kalibawang road corridor, Kulon Progo, by identifying spatial distribution of vulnerability classes and dominant factors influencing slope instability, providing context-specific information for disaster risk reduction and infrastructure planning.

Methodology: GIS-based spatial multi-criteria analysis (SMCA) was applied using ArcGIS 10.8 software. Primary data included slope measurement, soil depth, and laboratory analysis of soil samples. Secondary data consisted of thematic layers of geology, soil type, landform, land use, and vegetation. Weighted overlay and scoring techniques were used to generate landslide susceptibility index.

Main Findings: Results indicate moderate to high vulnerability dominates hilly zones along the corridor. Very high susceptibility zones are located on steep slopes with sparse vegetation and intensive land use. Slope gradient and land use are the most dominant factors. Five susceptibility classes, ranging from very low to very high, were delineated providing fine-resolution spatial information for prioritizing mitigation measures.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study introduces corridor-specific landslide susceptibility mapping using integrated overlay and scoring techniques within GIS. Unlike regional assessments, seven terrain parameters are combined into a unified spatial model producing fine-resolution susceptibility zones. Findings provide practical guidance for disaster risk management along strategic road corridors and advance knowledge by offering a replicable framework for localized hazard assessment.

Socio-Economic Transformation of Households Due to the Development of the New Joho Housing Complex in Joho Village, Sukoharjo

Nur Aisyah Zulkifli — 2026-05-14

Purpose of the study: This study aims to examine the socio-economic transformation of households following the development of the New Joho Housing Complex in Joho Village, Sukoharjo, between 2003 and 2011, focusing on land-use change, livelihood shifts, welfare levels, and social interaction patterns.

Methodology: This study employed a descriptive quantitative design with a spatial approach. Land-use change was analyzed using Geographic Information System (GIS) overlay techniques with ArcView version 3.3. Data were collected through observation, documentation, and structured interviews. Sampling used purposive and random sampling methods, with 140 household heads selected using Isaac and Michael’s formula.

Main Findings: The results show significant conversion of irrigated rice fields into residential areas, with 21.17 hectares transformed between 2003 and 2011. Agricultural employment declined by 15.71%, while non-agricultural occupations increased proportionally. Household welfare levels improved, particularly in the Prosperous Family Stage III category. However, the proportion of households with very strong social interaction decreased, indicating emerging social cohesion challenges.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study integrates GIS-based spatial overlay analysis with quantitative household socio-economic assessment within a single peri-urban locality over an extended period. By simultaneously examining land conversion, livelihood transition, welfare change, and social interaction patterns, it provides a multidimensional empirical framework that advances understanding of development-induced transformation in peri-urban communities.