The Influence of Thematic Learning Implementation on Student Motivation in Public Elementary School 002 Sungai Pinang Samarinda

Thematic learning is learning with a theme to combine several lessons so that it can provide a meaningful experience to students. This study aims to analyze the effect of the implementation of thematic learning on the learning motivation of grade V students at SDN 002 Sungai Pinang Dalam Samarinda in the 2019/2020 learning year. This type of research is ex post facto research, because there is no control over the independent variables. This study consists of two variables, namely the independent variable and one dependent variable. The independent variable is the implementation of thematic learning (X). The dependent variable is student learning motivation (Y). The population of this study were class V students of the 2019/2020 learning year at SDN 002 Sungai Pinang Dalam. The instrument used was a questionnaire. The data analysis techniques were data normality test, homogeneity test, data linearity test and simple linear regression test. Researchers also do not make arrangements or manipulate the independent variables. The results showed that there was a significant influence between the implementation of thematic learning on the learning motivation of grade V students at SDN 002 Sungai Pinang Dalam Samarinda for the 2019/2020 learning year with a moderate determination coefficient value of 0.50 or 50%. From the regression equation Y = 14.774 + 0.759X, it can be seen that the consistency value of the thematic learning implementation variable is 14.774 while the X regression coefficient is 0.759 which states that every 1% of thematic learning (X) implementation will increase student learning motivation by 0.759. The regression coefficient is positive, thus it can be said that the direction of the influence of the thematic learning implementation variable on student learning motivation is positive.

The Perceptions and Practices of Social Studies Teachers About Enquiry-Based Teaching in Karachi, Pakistan

This study was conducted to examine the perceptions and practices about enquiry based teaching held by Social Studies teachers in private English Medium schools in Karachi (Pakistan). 257 teachers participated in the survey. They were asked to share their perceptions and practices about enquiry-based teaching. The results of the study showed that the Social Studies teachers in private English medium schools have a poor understanding about the nature of enquiry-based teaching. They also lack the appropriate pedagogical skills and competencies which are probably due to the low quality of training that they received. However, it is important to note that Pakistani teachers do make efforts to use enquiry in their Social Studies classrooms. While implementing an enquiry approach, the teachers recognize that enquiry has a positive impact on students' learning in terms of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The teachers identify some challenges of implementing enquiry based teaching as well. As a solution, professional development of the teachers has been proposed as a solution. In addition, calls for enquiry materials and efficient support from all school stakeholders have been raised.