THE EFFECT OF IMPLEMENTING DEEP LEARNING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF DISCIPLINARY CHARACTER AND CRITICAL THINKING AMONG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of implementing deep learning on the development of students’ disciplinary character and critical thinking skills in elementary school. The research was conducted at SD Dharma Wanita Medan in the 2025/2026 academic year using a quantitative quasi-experimental approach with a pretest-posttest control group design. The population included all fifth-grade students from four classes, with two classes randomly selected as the experimental and control groups. Research instruments consisted of a discipline character questionnaire and a critical thinking test. The analysis results revealed that the t value for discipline (5.87) and critical thinking (6.21) were greater than the t table value (2.00) at a significance level of 0.05, indicating a significant effect of deep learning implementation on students’ disciplinary character and critical thinking improvement. The deep learning approach proved effective in fostering responsibility, orderliness, and reflective thinking through active and meaningful learning processes.