Deep Learning as a Transformative Pedagogical Model for Critical Thinking Development in Indonesian Vocational English Education

Vol 9 No 3 (2026): Volume 09 Issue 03 March 2026

Article Date Published : 26 March 2026 | Page No.: 1533-1547 | Google Scholar | Crossref doi for this article

Abstract :

The integration of critical thinking in vocational English education is increasingly urgent for 21st-century workforce preparation. However, vocational schools in developing countries like Indonesia struggle to move beyond rote memorization toward reflective learning. This study investigates how deep learning is enacted to develop critical thinking in English classrooms and identifies implementation challenges in Indonesian vocational education. Using a qualitative design, in-depth interviews were conducted with five English teachers at vocational high schools in Tana Toraja, Indonesia. Data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model. Findings reveal that teachers enact deep learning through contextualized materials aligned with students’ vocational fields, higher-order questioning, collaborative activities (project-based learning and discussions), facilitative teaching roles, and supportive classroom climates. These practices foster students’ ability to analyze problems, question information, defend arguments, and transfer critical thinking beyond the classroom. However, implementation faces significant challenges: teacher-level factors (time limitations, conceptual gaps, administrative burden); student-related challenges (mixed abilities, low confidence, unpreparedness for independent learning); institutional barriers (limited technology, assessment complexities); and cultural factors where respect for authority hinders questioning. The study implies that sustainable critical thinking development requires multi-level interventions: context-specific professional development, reduced administrative workload, improved infrastructure, curriculum reforms prioritizing depth over breadth, and culturally responsive pedagogies.

Keywords :

Critical Thinking, Deep learning, English language teaching, Pedagogical transformation, vocational education

References :

  1. Ali Memon, M., Thurasamy, R., Ting, H., & Cheah, J.-H. (2025). Journal of Applied Structural Equation Modeling PURPOSIVE SAMPLING: A REVIEW AND GUIDELINES FOR QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH. Journal of Applied Structural Equation Modeling, 9(1).
  2. Apriliyana, N. P. (2025). Transforming Education Through Deep Learning Design: Integrating Four Key Elements in School Practice. Molang: Journal Islamic Education, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.32806/jm.v3i1.843
  3. Balasubramanian, C. (2022). World Englishes in the EFL Classroom: The Reality. In World Englishes, Global Classrooms: The Future of English Literary and Linguistic Studies. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-4033-0_1
  4. Barella, Y., Fergina, A., Mustami, M. K., Rahman, U., & Alajaili, H. M. A. (2024). Quantitative Methods in Scientific Research. Jurnal Pendidikan Sosiologi Dan Humaniora, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.26418/j-psh.v15i1.71528
  5. Brahim, Y. (2021). Developing Critical Thinking Skills in Omani EFL Foundation Programme: Constraints and Possibilities. IJOHMN (International Journal Online of Humanities), 7(1). https://doi.org/10.24113/ijohmn.v7i1.217
  6. Brands, S., Endedijk, M. D., Kollöffel, B., & Savelsbergh, E. R. (2025). Exploring professional vision of vet students and tutors: noticing, evaluating and reasoning about practice. Vocations and Learning, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12186-025-09375-4
  7. Brinkmann, S., & Kvale, S. (2018). Doing interviews (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
  8. Campbell, S., Greenwood, M., Prior, S., Shearer, T., Walkem, K., Young, S., Bywaters, D., & Walker, K. (2020). Purposive sampling: complex or simple? Research case examples. Journal of Research in Nursing, 25(8). https://doi.org/10.1177/1744987120927206
  9. Cheron, C., Salvagni, J., & Colomby, R. K. (2022). The Qualitative Approach Interview in Administration: A Guide for Researchers. Revista de Administracao Contemporanea, 26(4 Special issue). https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-7849rac2022210011.en
  10. Cooper, T., Averbook, J., & Holincheck, J. (2024). AI Copilots: Improving the HR Experience for Employees. World at Work.
  11. Daulika, A., Junus, K., Santoso, H. B., Michael, J., & Mannix, I. A. (2025). The Influence of Critical Thinking Implementation in Education: A Systematic Literature Review. Eduvest – Journal of Universal Studies, 5(9). https://doi.org/10.59188/eduvest.v5i9.51391
  12. Ebekozien, A., Aigbavboa, C. O., & Ramotshela, M. (2024). A qualitative approach to investigate stakeholders’ engagement in construction projects. Benchmarking, 31(3). https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-11-2021-0663
  13. Fitrah, M., Sofroniou, A., Yarmanetti, N., Ismail, I. H., Anggraini, H., Nissa, I. C., Widyaningrum, B., Khotijah, I., Kurniawan, P. D., & Setiawan, D. (2025). Are Teachers Ready to Adopt Deep Learning Pedagogy? The Role of Technology and 21st-Century Competencies Amid Educational Policy Reform. Education Sciences, 15(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15101344
  14. Fox, A., Baker, S., Charitonos, K., Jack, V., & Moser-Mercer, B. (2020). Ethics-in- practice in fragile contexts: Research in education for displaced persons, refugees and asylum seekers. British Educational Research Journal, 46(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/berj.3618
  15. Franklin, R. (2022). Quantitative methods I: Reckoning with uncertainty. Progress in Human Geography, 46(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/03091325211063635
  16. Garrard, K. A. (2022). Finding a way in for interculturality: Analysing History teachers’ conceptualisations at the secondary school level. Discourse, 43(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/01596306.2020.1825288
  17. Hafiz Abdul Sami, SairaNiaz, & Muhammad Ahsan Raza. (2025). IMPLICATIONS OF TASK- BASED LEARNING AND COGNITIVE THEORY ON LANGUAGE LEARNING. Journal of Applied Linguistics and TESOL (JALT), 8(2). https://doi.org/10.63878/jalt797
  18. Idrus, F., & Sohid, M. (2023). Teachers’ expectations and challenges in using culturally responsive teaching (CRT) strategies in the ESL classroom. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 14(3), 629–635. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1403.10
  19. Idrus, F., Ramli, L. N., & Habib, N. J. (2023). Exploring preservice teachers’ experiences of implementing culturally responsive teaching in the ESL classrooms. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 13(3), 766–776. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1303.26
  20. Jazayeri, D., Banfield, M., Tapp, C., Tjung, C., Stettaford, T., Stewart, V., Valuri, G., Chong, T., Cullen, P., McGrath, M., Cooper, R., Wheeler, A. J., Neil, A. L., Kisely, S., Bennett, J., Preen, D., Eades, S., Sanci, L., Baker, E., & Palmer, V. J. (2025). Capacity-building strategy for next-generation mental health research: Embedding a national network infrastructure to grow mental health researcher capabilities and mental health lived-experience research leaders. BMJ Mental Health, 28(1). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjment-2025-301554
  21. Jimenez, B. A. (2024). TEACHING AND LEARNING WITH PORTFOLIOS. In Methods for Facilitating Adult Learning: Strategies for Enhancing Instruction and Instructor Effectiveness. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003446019-15
  22. Juwanto, J., Nurihsan, J., Rusmana, N., Maya, D. M., & Nalman, A. R. (2024). Assessing the Career Readiness of Students in Bengkulu and Understanding How the Secondary Cultural Values of the Serawai Tribe Provide a Framework for Career Guidance in Vocational Schools. KONSELOR, 13(3). https://doi.org/10.24036/0202413266-0-86
  23. Kallio, H., Pietila, A. M., Johnson, M., & Kangasniemi, M. (2016). Systematic methodological review: Developing a framework for a qualitative semi-structured interview guide. Journal of  Advanced Nursing, 72(12), 2954–2965. Resilient Educator https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13031
  24. Lukie, A. M., Muhammad, A. S., Eko, P., & Ganno, K. T. (2025). Implementation of Deep Learning in Education: Towards Mindful, Meaningful, and Joyful Learning Experiences. Journal of Deep Learning, 1(1).
  25. Massaty, M. H., Fahrurozi, S. K., & Budiyanto, C. W. (2024). The Role of AI in Fostering Computational Thinking and Self-Efficacy in Educational Settings: A Systematic Review. IJIE (Indonesian Journal of Informatics Education), 8(1). https://doi.org/10.20961/ijie.v8i1.89596
  26. Maxmudovna, N. M. (2025). Creative approach to logical thinking in primary education. International Journal of Pedagogics, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.37547/ijp/volume05issue03-37
  27. Memon, M. A., Thurasamy, R., Ting, H., & Cheah, J. H. (2025). PURPOSIVE SAMPLING: A REVIEW AND GUIDELINES FOR QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH. Journal of Applied Structural Equation Modeling, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.47263/JASEM.9(1)01
  28. Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2020). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  29. Mutiaraningrum, I., Suminar, J. R., Damaianti, V. S., & Mulyati, Y. (2024). Indonesian vocational college students’ attitudes towards project-based learning in English courses. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 13(5), 3177–3184. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v13i5.28406
  30. Nurbatra, L. H., & Masyhud, M. (2022). Infusing culturally responsive teaching in higher education: Insights for multicultural education in Indonesia. Journal of Innovation in Educational and Cultural Research, 3(4), 722–730. https://doi.org/10.46843/jiecr.v3i4.321
  31. Nurhasanah, S., Sutiana, D., Nabil, F., Fauji, I., Hendriyan, S., & Dian, D. (2025). Bridging the Gap: A Systematic Review of Deep Learning Pedagogy for Indonesia’s Curriculum Reform. Tarbawi: Jurnal Keilmuan Manajemen Pendidikan, 11(02). https://doi.org/10.32678/tarbawi.v11i02.11368
  32. Özaltun, G. (2025). The Contribution of Art Education to Creativity: From Individual Development to Social Integration. ARTic. https://doi.org/10.34010/artic.v8i1.17616
  33. Phillippi, J., & Lauderdale, J. (2018). A guide to field notes for qualitative research: Context and Qualitative Health Research, 28(3), 381–388. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732317697102
  34. Rampeng, R., Hamid, R. J., Maing, R. A., & Sujariati, S. (2025). Integrating project- based learning and deep learning principles to foster speaking fluency and critical thinking in EFL. Jo-ELT (Journal of English Language Teaching), 12(2), 510–520. https://doi.org/10.33394/jo-elt.v12i2.17578
  35. Rapti, S., Tselegkaridis, S., Sapounidis, T., & Triantafyllou, S. A. (2025). A bibliometric and content analysis of educational robotics’ impact on communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity in kindergarten. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2025.101849
  36. Ras, G., Xie, N., van Gerven, M., & Doran, D. (2022). Explainable Deep Learning: A Field Guide for the Uninitiated. Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research, 73. https://doi.org/10.1613/JAIR.1.13200
  37. Santoso, Y. I., Prasetyawan, A., Sugiharto, A., Putri, R., Mohammad, & Wibisana, A. (2025). The Effectiveness of Reflection E-Portfolio in English Language Learning Based on Deep Learning and Case-Based Learning. PROCEEDINGS International Conference on Education Faculty of Tarbiyah.
  38. Sardana, N., Shekoohi, S., Cornett, E. M., & Kaye, A. D. (2023). Qualitative and quantitative research methods. In Substance Use and Addiction Research: Methodology, Mechanisms, and Therapeutics. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-98814-8.00008-1
  39. Sari, R. P., & Atmojo, A. E. P. (2023). Contextual teaching and learning in vocational English classes: A case study. Journal of English for Academic and Specific Purposes, 6(1), 14–27. https://doi.org/10.18860/jeasp.v6i1.18786
  40. Seiler, S. (2024). Post-qualitative inquiry. In Encyclopedia of Sport Management, Second Edition. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch430
  41. Soerjaningsih, W., Wibowo, M. A., & Arifianto, S. (2025). Are teachers ready to adopt deep learning pedagogy? The role of technology and 21st-century competencies amid educational policy reform. Education Sciences, 15(10), 1344. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15101344
  42. Pierre, E. A. (2025). A primer for post qualitative inquiry. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 22(3). https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2024.2347579
  43. Vengaluvakkel, T. G. (2020). IMPACT OF LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION AND SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE ON ADOLESCENCE IN CURRENT SCENARIO OF EDUCATION. International Research Journal of Management Sociology & Humanity, 11.
  44. Wang, Y., Fu, Y., Wu, X., Deng, H., Ruan, Y., Liu, C., Chen, C., Gao, Y., You, H., Sun, C., Liu, Y., Zhang, X., Zhang, J., Huang, J., Dong, S., & Wu, J. (2025). Integrating experiential learning theory with innovation and entrepreneurship education: a qualitative study on Chinese medical students. BMC Medical Education, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07804-5
  45. Wardani, Hestiningtyas, W., Kesuma, T. A. R. P., & Kurniawan, A. T. (2025). Designing social studies instruction grounded in ecopedagogy and engagement theory: Cultivating university students’ critical consciousness of environmental issues. Jurnal Teori Dan Praksis Pembelajaran IPS, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.17977/um022v10i22025p204-227
  46. Welch, C., & Piekkari, R. (2006). Crossing language boundaries: Qualitative interviewing in international business. Management International Review, 46(4), 417–437. Noyam Journals  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11575-006-0099-1
  47. Yoon, J., & Coble, C. (2024). Experiential learning. In Encyclopedia of Sport Management, Second Edition. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch200

Author's Affiliation

   Agustinus Salu
Universitas Kristen Indonesia Toraja, Jakarta, Indonesia

   Rigel Sampelolo
Universitas Kristen Indonesia Toraja, Jakarta, Indonesia

   Nehru P. Pongsapan
Universitas Kristen Indonesia Toraja, Jakarta, Indonesia

Copyrights & License

Agustinus Salu, Rigel Sampelolo, Nehru P. Pongsapan, 2026

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Article Details

How to Cite :

Deep Learning as a Transformative Pedagogical Model for Critical Thinking Development in Indonesian Vocational English Education. Agustinus Salu, Rigel Sampelolo, Nehru P. Pongsapan, 9(3), 1533-1547. Retrieved from https://ijcsrr.org/single-view/?id=25805&pid=25621

Most read articles by the same author(s)

Agustinus Salu, Rigel Sampelolo, Nehru P. Pongsapan,

View

98

Citation

Downloads

Article Details