<![CDATA[Abstract: This study is motivated by the phenomenon of social exclusivity in a Grade X class of a senior high school, where students tend to form closed peer groups (circle) based on shared backgrounds, negatively affecting cognitive performance, learning engagement, and classroom climate. The study aims to describe the implementation of the Case Based Learning (CBL) model based on the Deep Learning approach in addressing social exclusivity and improving students' cognitive abilities. This research employs the Classroom Action Research (CAR) method using the Kemmis & McTaggart model conducted in three cycles. Research subjects comprised 34 students of one Grade X class. Data were collected through a social interaction observation sheet, HOTS-based cognitive tests, and individual exit tickets, and were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach: quantitative data were analyzed descriptively (percentage, mean, and gain score), while qualitative data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model (data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing). Success was indicated by two criteria: a cross-group interaction index of at least 65% and cognitive mastery of at least 75%. Results demonstrated significant improvement: the cross-group interaction index increased from 28% in the initial condition to 71% in Cycle III, surpassing the target, and cognitive mastery improved from 34% to 81%, also surpassing the target. These findings imply that Deep Learning-based CBL can simultaneously serve as a pedagogical strategy for dismantling exclusive peer boundaries and an instructional design for strengthening higher-order thinking skills, offering teachers a replicable model for addressing similar social-cognitive challenges within the Kurikulum Merdeka framework.Abstrak: Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh fenomena ekslusivitas sosial di salah satu kelas X SMA, di mana murid cenderung membentuk kelompok tertutup (circle) berdasarkan kesamaan latar belakang, yang berdampak pada menurunnya kemampuan kognitif, keterlibatan belajar, dan iklim kelas yang tidak kondusif. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mendeskripsikan penerapan model Case Based Learning (CBL) berbasis pendekatan Deep Learning dalam mengatasi ekslusivitas sosial dan meningkatkan kemampuan kognitif murid. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK) model Kemmis & McTaggart yang dilaksanakan dalam tiga siklus. Subjek penelitian adalah 34 murid kelas X. Data dikumpulkan melalui lembar observasi interaksi sosial, tes kognitif berbasis HOTS, dan exit ticket individu, kemudian dianalisis menggunakan pendekatan mixed methods: data kuantitatif dianalisis secara deskriptif (persentase, rata-rata, dan gain score), sedangkan data kualitatif dianalisis menggunakan model Miles dan Huberman (reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan). Keberhasilan tindakan ditetapkan berdasarkan dua indikator, yaitu indeks interaksi lintas kelompok minimal 65% dan ketuntasan kognitif minimal 75%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan peningkatan signifikan: indeks interaksi lintas kelompok meningkat dari 28% pada kondisi awal menjadi 71% pada siklus III, melampaui target yang ditetapkan, dan ketuntasan kognitif meningkat dari 34% menjadi 81%, juga melampaui target. Temuan ini berimplikasi bahwa CBL berbasis Deep Learning dapat sekaligus berfungsi sebagai strategi pedagogis untuk meruntuhkan batas kelompok sosial yang eksklusif dan sebagai desain pembelajaran untuk menguatkan kemampuan berpikir tingkat tinggi, sehingga dapat dijadikan acuan bagi guru dalam mengatasi tantangan sosial-kognitif serupa di kelas dalam kerangka Kurikulum Merdeka.]]>
