Social Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers: Effective Communication in Learning Evaluation at SD Negeri 091292 Simpang Raya

Abstract

Christian Religious Education (CRE) plays a pivotal role in shaping students’ moral and spiritual character within Indonesia’s pluralistic educational landscape. This study investigates how CRE teachers implement social competence through effective communication during learning evaluation at SD Negeri 091292 Simpang Raya. Social competence, encompassing empathy, openness, and relational skills, is essential for transforming evaluation from a technical measurement of knowledge into a holistic process that supports cognitive, affective, and spiritual development. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, involving participant observation, semi-structured interviews with the CRE teacher, students, parents, and school administrators, as well as document analysis. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns of communication and evaluate their impact on learning. Findings reveal that the CRE teacher consistently demonstrated empathetic listening, constructive feedback, and dialogical engagement, enabling students to feel respected and actively involved in the evaluative process. Communication extended beyond grading to fostering trust, character formation, and Christian values such as honesty, love, and responsibility. Parent–teacher collaboration further reinforced evaluation outcomes, particularly in strengthening students’ affective and spiritual dimensions. Nonetheless, challenges were identified, including limited time for personalized feedback, insufficient formal training in communicative strategies, and diverse student personalities requiring differentiated approaches. The study concludes that the enactment of social competence in communication not only enhances learning quality but also fosters resilience, integrity, and responsibility among students. These insights underscore the necessity of integrating communication-focused training into teacher professional development and affirm CRE’s transformative role in preparing Indonesia’s Golden Generation 2045.