Innovations in Social Studies Learning Based on Deep Learning in Developing Students’ Critical Thinking Skills
Keywords:
Critical Thinking, Deep Learning, Learning Innovation, Social Studies Learning
Abstract
This article aims to examine innovations in Social Studies learning based on deep learning in developing students’ critical thinking skills. This study employs a library research method by collecting and analyzing various relevant scientific sources, including journal articles, books, and educational policy documents. Data analysis was conducted using content analysis techniques to identify key themes related to the concept of deep learning, the characteristics of Social Studies learning, and its role in fostering critical thinking. The findings indicate that the deep learning approach emphasizes meaningful learning, active student engagement, and reflection on learning experiences, which aligns with the contextual and socially grounded nature of Social Studies education. The integration of deep learning in Social Studies can be implemented through instructional models such as project-based learning and inquiry learning, which promote analysis, exploration, and problem-solving of social issues. This approach has been shown to contribute to the enhancement of critical thinking skills through strengthening conceptual understanding, information analysis, and reflective processes. However, its implementation still faces several challenges, including limited teachers’ digital literacy, pedagogical readiness, technological infrastructure, and a learning culture that remains oriented toward rote memorization. Therefore, comprehensive support from multiple aspects is required to optimize the implementation of deep learning in Social Studies learning in the digital era.
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T., A. M., & Purwoko, B. (2017). Studi Kepustakaan Mengenai Landasan Teori dan Praktik Konseling Expressive Writing. Jurnal BK Unesa, 8(1).
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Yuniar, I., Maylani, F., & Soro, S. H. (2025). Implementation of Deep Learning in Improving Critical Thinking Skills (Case Study of SDN Pasawahan Kidul and SDN 3 Selaawi Purwakarta 2 Regency). Global Education Journal, 3(3), 291–298. https://doi.org/10.59525/gej.v3i3.1239
Anggrayni, M., Asmaryadi, A. I., & Susilawati, W. O. (2025). Development of a Deep Learning-based Instructional Module for Enhancing Critical Thinking in Pancasila Learning. Jurnal Kependidikan: Jurnal Hasil Penelitian Dan Kajian Kepustakaan Di Bidang Pendidikan, Pengajaran Dan Pembelajaran, 11(3), 1005–1018.
Burgos-Videla, C., Parada-Ulloa, M., & Martínez-Díaz, J. (2025). Critical thinking in the classroom: the historical method and historical discourse as tools for teaching social studies. Frontiers in Sociology, 10(April). https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2025.1526437
Carrera-Rivera, A., Ochoa, W., Larrinaga, F., & Lasa, G. (2022). How-to conduct a systematic literature review: A quick guide for computer science research. MethodsX, 9, 101895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2022.101895
Danandjaja, J. (2014). Metode Penelitian Kepustakaan. Antropologi Indoneisa.
Dewantara, K. S. A., & Nasution, H. S. (2024). The Role of Social Studies Learning in Forming Character and Social Skills at Primary School Students. Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, 2(1), 176–180. https://doi.org/10.62966/joese.vi.924
Fitria, T. N. (2023). A Library Research in English Education Research: A Guidance for Researchers in Writing Non-Research Articles. Seminar Nasional InstitutTeknologi Bisnis AAS Indonesia, 6(1), 2023.
Fullan, M., Quinn, J., & Mceachen, J. (2017). Deep Learning: Engage the World Change the World. Corwin (SAGE Publications).
Haroud, S., & Saqri, N. (2025). Generative AI in Higher Education: Teachers’ and Students’ Perspectives on Support, Replacement, and Digital Literacy. Education Sciences, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15040396
Hasanah, R., Prayitno, H. J., Tuti, S., Sarilan, & Prakoso, V. (2025). Deep Learning-Based Learning Strategies in Realizing Meaningful, Critical, and Enjoyable Learning. Journal of Deep Learning, 1(2), 179–187.
Hua, M., Wang, L., & Li, J. (2023). The Impact of Self-Directed Learning Experience and Course Experience on Learning Satisfaction of University Students in Blended Learning environments: the mediating role of deep and surface learning approach. Frontiers in Psychology, 14(January), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1278827
Iriawan, S. B., Hartati, T., & Robandi, B. (2025). Implementation of the Deep Learning Approach in Elementary School Mathematics Learning. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 17(4), 6372–6385. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v17i4.8834
Jayatri, S. N., Safitri, D., & Sujarwo. (2025). Tantangan dan Peluang Penggunaan Deep Learning Dalam Pembelajaran IPS di Era Digital. Jurnal Sosial Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 30–43.
Kempa, R., Tuarissa, Y., & Rosely, M. S. (2026). Analysis of Teachers ’ Challenges in Implementing Deep Learning in High Schools : A Qualitative Study. Berkala Ilmiah Pendidikan, 6(1).
Kintoko, & Siswanto, D. H. (2025). Effectiveness of The Deep Learning Approach in Enhancing Students’ Critical Thinking Skills on Matrix Material. Jurnal Karya Pendidikan Matematika, 12(1), 79–85.
Mardatillah, B., Wulandari, I., & Zulfianti, H. M. (2025). Penggunaan Deep Learning dalam Pembelajaran Berbasis Proyek untuk Pengembangan Karakter: Sebuah Tinjauan Pustaka Sistematis. Dawuh Guru: Jurnal Pendidikan MI/SD, 5(2), 175–190. https://doi.org/10.35878/guru.v5i1.1765
Nafi’ah, J., & Faruq, D. J. (2025). Conceptualizing Deep Learning Approach in Primary Education: Integrating Mindful, Meaningful, and Joyful. Journal of Educational Research and Practice, 3(2), 225–237. https://doi.org/10.70376/jerp.v3i2.384
Nhat, T. N. M., & Le, T. Van. (2023). Effects of Reflective Thinking On Deep Learning in Theoretical Linguistics Classes. International Journal of Instruction, 16(4), 101–120.
Noptario, Latifah, A., Irawan, M. F., & Zakaria, A. R. (2025). The Implementation of Deep Learning as an Effort to Realize Transformative Education in Elementary School. JIP (Jurnal Ilmiah PGMI), 11(2), 109–119.
Prihantini, P., Sutarto, S., Apriliyani, E. S., Stavinibelia, S., Arsyad, M., & Mukhtar, D. (2025). Deep Learning Approaches in Education: A Literature Review on Their Role in Addressing Future Challenge. TOFEDU: The Future of Education Journal, 4(5), 1213–1220. https://doi.org/10.61445/tofedu.v4i5.532
Putra, D. A. (2026). Systematic Review of Deep Learning in Primary Education. Pedagogia: Jurnal Pendidikan, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.21070/pedagogia.v15i1.2106
Rahman, E. Y., & Maulana, A. D. (2024). Project-Based Learning as a Catalyst for Enhanced Student Achievement in Social Studies at Islamic Junior High School. Indonesian Journal of Education Research (IJoER), 5(4), 154–165. https://doi.org/10.37251/ijoer.v5i4.1085
Rivas, S. F., Saiz, C., & Ossa, C. (2022). Metacognitive Strategies and Development of Critical Thinking in Higher Education. Frontiers in Psychology, 13(June). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.913219
Salamah, S., S, D. A., Pramudyo, A., & Novianto, V. (2023). Improving Critical Thinking Skills and Learning Outcomes through the Implementation of the Inquiry Learning Model in Social Studies. Research and Innovation in Social Science Education Journal (RISSEJ), 1(2), 47–53. https://doi.org/10.30595/rissej.v1i2.125
Sari, A. W., & Arta, D. J. (2025). Implementasi Deep Learning: Suatu Inovasi Pendidikan. WASPADA (Jurnal Wawasan Pengembangan Pendidikan), 13(1), 121. https://doi.org/10.61689/waspada.v13i1.727
Sari, R. K. (2021). Penelitian Kepustakaan dalam Penelitian Pengembangan Pendidikan Bahasa Indonesia. Jurnal Borneo Humaniora, 4(2), 60–69.
Syafruddin, S., Fadhilah, F., Rahmawati, A., Komalasari, A., & Rizqan, N. (2024). The Nature of Social Studies Learning for Elementary School Students. JUPE : Jurnal Pendidikan Mandala, 9(2), 237. https://doi.org/10.58258/jupe.v9i2.6957
T., A. M., & Purwoko, B. (2017). Studi Kepustakaan Mengenai Landasan Teori dan Praktik Konseling Expressive Writing. Jurnal BK Unesa, 8(1).
Taufik, Nurtamam, M. E., Dewanto, & Santosa, T. A. (2025). The Effectiveness of Deep Learning based PjBL on Student’s Scientific and Critical Thinking Skills at Indonesia. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 11(9), 228–236. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v11i9.12857
Yamin, M., Wahab, A., Haryanto, L., & Faidin. (2025). Implementing the Merdeka Belajar Policy through Deep Learning: A Case Study in Social Studies Education in Bima Regency. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 17(3), 4888–4900. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v17i3.7946
Yuniar, I., Maylani, F., & Soro, S. H. (2025). Implementation of Deep Learning in Improving Critical Thinking Skills (Case Study of SDN Pasawahan Kidul and SDN 3 Selaawi Purwakarta 2 Regency). Global Education Journal, 3(3), 291–298. https://doi.org/10.59525/gej.v3i3.1239
Published
2026-04-20
How to Cite
Muh. Abid Mustahar. AM, Alimin Alwi, Najamuddin, & Supriadi Torro. (2026). Innovations in Social Studies Learning Based on Deep Learning in Developing Students’ Critical Thinking Skills. International Journal of Technology and Education Research, 4(02), 133-150. https://doi.org/10.63922/ijeter.v4i02.3210
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