Journal of Education Action Research
Vol 9 No 4 (2025): November

Meaningful Learning Planning through Understanding by Design

Rini Nur Latifah (Universitas PGRI Madiun, Madiun, Indonesia)
Elva Nuraina (Unversitas PGRI Madiun, Madiun, Indonesia)
Siti Nur Handayani (SMK Negeri 5 Madiun, Madiun, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Nov 2025

Abstract

Graduates of vocational high schools are expected to be job-ready, which requires mastery of specific competencies. However, pre-test results indicated low student achievement due to various contributing factors. This study aims to analyze and address low student learning outcomes by designing more structured instruction oriented toward deep understanding through the Understanding by Design (UbD) approach. The research employed a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design conducted in two cycles involving 18 students, with stages consisting of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. Data were collected through tests and interviews and analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods with source triangulation. The results demonstrated an improvement in the average score from 77.65 in Cycle I to 97.50 in Cycle II, with all students exceeding the minimum mastery criteria. The instructional model also enhanced student motivation and engagement in the learning process. Therefore, the discovery learning model integrated with the Understanding by Design framework proved to be effective and relevant in improving teaching and learning processes in vocational education. This study has positive implications for enhancing instructional quality and is relevant as an alternative strategy for meaning-oriented lesson planning.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JEAR

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

Journal of Educational Action Research is concerned with exploring the dialogue between research and practice in educational settings. This journal publishes accounts of a range of action research and related studies, in education and across the professions, with the aim of making their outcomes ...