Innovative learning as a strengthening of 21st-century skills of elementary school students
21st-century skills are essential competencies that need to be developed from the elementary school level to prepare students for future challenges. This study aimed to explore the role of innovative learning in strengthening 21st-century skills among elementary school students within the context of the Merdeka Curriculum. This study employed a qualitative case study design. The participants consisted of three elementary school teachers from two districts in Bogor Regency, Indonesia, who had implemented innovative learning practices in their classrooms. Data were collected through open-ended questionnaires and thematically analyzed in NVivo 12 using the stages of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The findings revealed that innovative learning practices, such as project-based learning, problem-based learning, collaborative discussion, and the integration of digital media, contributed positively to strengthening students’ critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Innovative learning also encouraged active student participation, increased students’ confidence, and created more meaningful and student-centered learning experiences. Teachers played an important role as facilitators, guiding students through collaborative, context-based learning activities. However, the implementation of innovative learning still faced several challenges, including limited learning facilities, time constraints, and differences in students’ learning abilities. This study concludes that innovative learning plays an important role in strengthening 21st-century skills in elementary schools and highlights the need for continuous teacher support, adequate learning facilities, and collaborative learning environments to sustain implementation.