Enhancing communication and collaboration skills through discovery, cooperative and problem-based learning models in Social Studies education

This study examines the effects of Discovery Learning (DL), Cooperative Learning (CL) and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) models on the enhancement of communication and collaboration skills among junior high school students in Social Studies (IPS). Acknowledging the critical role of social skill development in contemporary education, a quasi-experimental Posttest-Only Control Group Design was implemented. The research encompassed 450 eighth-grade students from the Kerinci region, evenly distributed into three groups. Communication and collaboration skills were evaluated using validated assessments, and the data were analyzed through parametric statistical methods. The findings indicate that all three educational models significantly enhanced students’ skills, with PBL proving to be the most effective. This highlights the potential of innovative, interactive learning models to foster essential social skills required for success in a globalized environment. The results offer valuable insights for educators and policymakers, advocating for the adoption of these models to better prepare students for future societal challenges. Further research is encouraged to investigate diverse educational contexts and evaluate the long-term effects of these pedagogical strategies.