PERAN PEMBELAJARAN IPS DALAM MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN SOSIAL SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR PADA ABAD KE-21

Abstract

The rapid transformation in this digital age has brought new thinking to the education sector, especially at the elementary school level. Students are not only required to master academic knowledge but also need to possess various skills relevant to the needs of the times, one of which is social skills. Social Studies (IPS) subjects have a strategic role in shaping students' social skills because they are closely related to social life. This study aims to describe the role of IPS learning in improving the social skills of elementary school students in the 21st century. This study uses a qualitative approach with a library research method. Research data was obtained from various literature sources such as scientific journals and books relevant to the research topic. The results of the study indicate that IPS learning plays a significant role in improving students' social skills through various interactive and collaborative learning activities, such as group discussions, cooperation in completing assignments, and discussions of various social issues that occur in the surrounding environment. In addition, the role of teachers as facilitators, motivators, and mentors is also crucial in creating a learning environment that supports the development of students' social skills. Thus, social studies learning that is designed innovatively and is student-centered can be an effective means of developing students' social skills so that they are able to adapt and participate actively in community life in the 21st century.