A lecturer at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), Dr. Margi Wahono, S.Pd., M.Pd., is developing the use of Deep Learning, or Pembelajaran Mendalam, in Pancasila Education at SMA Negeri 5 Semarang.
The initiative, carried out on June 23, 2026, is part of a research project titled “Implementing Deep Learning in Pancasila Education to Strengthen Civic Engagement and Civic Literacy for Quality Education.”
Through the program, students at SMA Negeri 5 Semarang were introduced to a more contextual approach to Pancasila Education. Rather than concentrating primarily on theories and memorization, the lessons connected classroom concepts with social issues students encounter in everyday life.
During the learning process, students were encouraged to identify social problems, examine their underlying causes, discuss different perspectives and consider possible solutions they could contribute as members of society.
Margi said Pancasila Education should be designed to develop students’ civic competencies, not simply their ability to recall concepts.
“Pancasila Education should not stop at memorizing texts or theories in the classroom,” Margi said. “Its values should become part of everyday life and have a tangible impact on society.”
He said the Deep Learning approach gives students greater space to move beyond conceptual understanding and develop critical thinking as well as awareness of their social environment.
“Through Deep Learning, we want students to think critically, understand the roots of social problems around them and have the courage to take meaningful action as responsible citizens,” he said.
The approach is also intended to strengthen civic engagement and civic literacy, two areas considered central to preparing students to participate more actively in public and community life.
Officials at SMA Negeri 5 Semarang welcomed the research collaboration, saying the approach had made Pancasila Education more relevant and interactive for students.
“We welcome this research collaboration,” a school representative said. “The Deep Learning approach has helped make Pancasila Education in the classroom more relevant and interactive.”
The school also reported greater student involvement during the learning process.
“We have seen firsthand that students are not only understanding theories and concepts in Pancasila Education,” the representative said. “They are becoming more engaged, more concerned about issues in society and more willing to think about possible solutions.”
Through the use of Deep Learning, Pancasila Education is being positioned as more than a classroom subject. It is also becoming a space where students can develop the ability to understand social problems, exchange ideas, take positions and participate responsibly in society.
