The Development of 6Cs Skills through Project-Based Learning ‘Masyarakat Belajar Sejarah’ (History Learning Society)

Abstract

This study aims to develop students’ 6Cs skills—critical thinking, creativity, com-munication, collaboration, character/compassion, and citizenship/culture—through the implementation of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in a program titled Masyarakat Belajar Se-jarah (History Learning Society). The research responds to the relatively low competitiveness of students in East Kalimantan amid the challenges of the 21st-century VUCA world, Indo-nesia’s demographic bonus, and the development of the new national capital (IKN) in East Kalimantan. Using Kemmis & McTaggart’s action research model, the study involved students from the History Education Program, FKIP, Mulawarman University, across three cohorts (2020–2022). Data was collected through observation, documentation, question-naires, and interviews in March and June 2023. Students collaborated with schools, non-formal institutions, professionals, and local communities in Samarinda to design creative, contextual historical learning products. The findings show significant improvements across all 6Cs indicators. The project enhanced students’ academic and social competencies and bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-life community engagement. The results highlight the potential of PjBL as a transformative learning strategy for equipping future educators with essential 21st-century skills. This research contributes to history education innovation by positioning students as agents of change within their communities.