Memaksimalkan Pembelajaran IPS: Metode Pembelajaran Efektif Untuk Siswa dan Guru

Abstract

Social Studies (IPS) learning in Indonesia still faces serious challenges due to the dominance of the teacher centered approach, which tends to make the learning process one-directional and limited to memorizing material for exam purposes only, so that the goal of Social Studies learning in shaping students' character based on Pancasila values has not been optimally achieved. This article aims to identify effective learning methods to improve the quality of Social Studies learning for both students and teachers in Indonesia. This study uses a qualitative approach with a library research method through a review of various relevant national scientific journals and articles, particularly those published in the period 2020 to 2026. The results of the study show that there are three learning methods that have proven to be effective and relevant to be applied in Social Studies learning, namely Problem Based Learning (PBL) which trains students' critical thinking and teamwork skills through real problem-solving, Project Based Learning (PjBL) which encourages students' creativity and independence through the creation of products such as mind mapping, and Role Playing which invites students to understand social phenomena directly through character portrayal. All three methods are in line with the spirit of the Merdeka Curriculum which promotes a student centered pproach and supports the development of students' character based on social values. The success of implementing these three methods highly depends on the teacher's creativity in adapting them to the conditions and needs of students in their respective school environments.