INNOVATIVE PEDAGOGY OF CHARACTER LEARNING IN MANAGING CHANGE: THE ARA MODEL (AWAKEN, REFLECT, ACT)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21009/ishel.v2i1.70481Keywords:
ARA model, character learning, managing change, experiential-blended learning, pedagogical innovationAbstract
Managing change has become an essential competency for public organizations operating in the VUCA/BANI era, where rapid transformation requires employees to adapt continuously while sustaining organizational performance. However, conventional training approaches often emphasize cognitive knowledge rather than the character strengths needed to navigate change effectively. This study developed and evaluated the ARA (Awaken–Reflect–Act) model, an innovative pedagogical framework that integrates Experiential-Blended Learning, the Aware–Explore–Apply (AEA) character model, psychological approaches to change, and the PROSCI ADKAR change management model. A descriptive quantitative pretest–posttest design was employed involving 27 Junior Expert Civil Servants from the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation. Data were collected through knowledge tests and a 32-item character-strength questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, and Normalized Gain (N-Gain). The findings demonstrated significant improvements in learning achievement (Z = −4.371, p < .001; N-Gain = 0.7876, high) and managing-change character strength (Z = −4.205, p < .001; N-Gain = 0.506, moderate). These results indicate that the ARA model effectively enhances both cognitive learning outcomes and adaptive character competencies. The study contributes a novel pedagogical framework for character-based change management training and offers practical implications for developing adaptive civil servants who can lead sustainable organizational transformation.
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