Author Guidelines

I. General Instructions

• Language: Articles must be written in high-quality academic English. Authors are strongly encouraged to use professional proofreading services or advanced grammar checkers (e.g., Grammarly).
• Format: Manuscripts must be submitted in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) format, and follow the journal template (Download).
• Typography: Use Helvetica font, 12 pt (Title: 14 pt, Bold).
• Spacing: 1.15 line spacing with 3 pt paragraph spacing. Use Justified alignment.
• Page Layout: A4 size (21 x 29.7 cm) with 3 cm margins on all sides (Top, Bottom, Left, Right).
• Word Count: 5,000 to 7,000 words (excluding references).
• Originality: Maximum 20% similarity index via Turnitin. The work must not be under review elsewhere.

II. Manuscript Structure and Technical Examples

Title

The title should be effective, concise, and highlight the main findings. Avoid using institutional names unless it adds specific scientific value.

Example: The Influence of AI-Driven Gamification on Mathematical Problem-Solving Skills in Elementary Students

Author Affiliations

Write full names without titles (Prof., Dr., etc.). Provide full institutional names and the author's country of origin, and do not translate or abbreviate it.

Example:

Hamdan Husein Batubara¹, Dessy Noor Ariani²*

¹ Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang, Indonesia

² Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia

*Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract & Keywords

A single paragraph (150–220 words) covering: Background/ Objective, Methods, Main Findings, and Implications.

Example Abstract:

"This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of AI-based tools in enhancing digital literacy among fifth graders. Using a quasi-experimental design with 120 participants, data were collected through performance-based rubrics and analyzed using Independent T-tests. The results indicate a significant improvement in the experimental group (p < 0.05) with a mean score of 85.2 compared to 68.4 in the control group. These findings suggest that structured AI integration bridges literacy gaps in elementary education."

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Digital Literacy; Elementary Education; Pedagogical Innovation. (3-5 terms, separated by semicolons).

Introduction

The introduction should be a coherent, logically flowing narrative that guides the reader from a global problem to a specific research objective. This section begins by establishing a broad research context and highlighting the urgency of the topic to convince the reader of its current significance. Authors should present recent data or emerging trends to demonstrate that the issue is a real-world problem requiring immediate attention, such as explaining how digital acceleration has disrupted conventional pedagogical methods in primary education. By building this context, the reader understands the relevance of the study to both academic advancement and practical application before moving into a deeper discussion of the conceptual framework.

For example, a writer might state:

"In the era of Digital Transformation 4.0, the integration of Artificial Intelligence has become a cornerstone of modern educational systems; however, while AI offers unprecedented efficiency, its implementation at the elementary school level remains unevenly distributed and poorly understood in developing nations (Zheng et al., 2024)."

Following the research problems and research urgency, the narrative must be strengthened by explaining the relevant theoretical framework (grand and middle-range theories). The grand theory serves as the broad philosophical lens or overarching foundation of the study, such as Social Constructivism, which views knowledge as being constructed through social interaction and authentic experiences. This broad perspective is then narrowed down using a more operational middle-range theory that can be empirically tested, such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to analyze usage intentions or Cognitive Load Theory to evaluate the effectiveness of learning media. The integration of these two theoretical levels is crucial, as they provide the primary reference for the author to interpret research findings in the discussion section.

For instance, an author could write:

"This study is grounded in Constructivism, which posits that learners actively construct knowledge through experience, and is further operationalized through the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to evaluate how 'perceived usefulness' influences a teacher’s intention to adopt AI tools in the classroom."

The next essential step is to present a critical literature review to identify a specific research gap. Authors are required to examine what previous scholars have discovered and explicitly identify the limitations or unexplored areas of those prior studies. This identification of a gap serves as the primary justification for the study's novelty, ensuring that the research does not merely replicate existing work but provides a significant new contribution to the academic literature.

For instance, an author could write:

"Extensive research by Batubara (2021) has demonstrated the benefits of digital learning media for student engagement; nevertheless, most existing literature focuses on higher education, leaving a significant gap in our understanding of how AI-driven tools influence the foundational literacy skills of primary school pupils."

To conclude the introduction, the author must explicitly formulate the research focus and objectives based on the previously discussed gaps and theoretical frameworks. The research objective should be stated with firm language using active verbs that reflect the depth of the analysis, such as to evaluate, analyze, or determine the effectiveness of certain variables. This final section should also briefly mention the expected practical or theoretical contributions of the findings. By structuring the introduction comprehensively without the interruption of subheadings or numbering, the manuscript achieves a strong, professional argumentative flow that meets the high standards of reputable international scientific publications.

An example of this concluding focus is:

"To address this deficiency, the present study aims to evaluate the impact of interactive AI modules on reading comprehension using the TAM framework, thereby providing a new pedagogical model for integrating AI in elementary curricula while maintaining the core values of social constructivism."

Methods

The research method should be written in a concise, comprehensive, and transparent manner so as to allow other researchers to replicate the research or evaluate the validity of the findings. This section can begin by clearly defining the research design and the philosophical approach used to answer the research question. Whether employing a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods design, the author must justify why the chosen approach is the most appropriate for investigating the phenomenon.

For instance, a researcher might state:

"This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group to rigorously evaluate the impact of AI-based gamification on student engagement, as this design allows for the examination of causal relationships within a natural classroom setting." By providing this justification, the author demonstrates methodological rigor and ensures that the research framework is aligned with the overall study objectives.

After establishing the research design, the narrative continues by describing the research participants and high-precision sampling techniques. It is essential to provide demographic details such as age, gender, grade level, and geographic location, while also describing the criteria used for selection to ensure data representativeness.

For example, a description might be written as follows:

"The participants consisted of 120 fifth-graders from three diverse elementary schools in Semarang, Indonesia, selected through purposive sampling to represent different levels of digital infrastructure availability." Following the participant's description, the author should describe the instruments used for data collection, including their development, validation process, and reliability scores. If a Likert-scale questionnaire or interview protocol is used, it is very important to specify how the items were developed from the theories introduced in the introduction. For example: "Data was collected using a 20-item Digital Literacy Scale adapted from the TAM framework, which underwent expert validation and generated an Alpha Cronbach coefficient of 0.89, demonstrating high internal consistency."

Crucially, the manuscript must explicitly address the ethical considerations of the research to ensure the protection of human subjects and the integrity of the publication process. This involves obtaining ethical clearance from an institutional review board and ensuring that all participants—or their legal guardians in the case of minors—provided informed consent prior to the study. The narrative should detail how anonymity and data confidentiality were maintained throughout the research process.

For example:

"Ethical approval for this study was granted by the institutional review board of State Islamic University of Walisongo Semarang. Informed consent was obtained from all participants' parents, and data were anonymized using alphanumeric coding to protect student privacy."

Furthermore, authors must declare that the study adheres to publication ethics, including the absence of plagiarism, fabrication, or duplicate submission, and disclose any assistance provided by artificial intelligence tools during the writing process to maintain academic honesty.

The final part of the research methods section should describe the data collection procedures and analytical techniques used to interpret the results. This includes an explanation of the steps for implementing the intervention in the research, or how the interview process is conducted, and is followed by a clear explanation of the software or statistical tests used for the analysis of the research data. For quantitative studies, a technical explanation of data analysis can explain how to use descriptive statistics, t-tests, or ANOVA, while qualitative studies will describe thematic analysis and the software used, such as NVivo or Atlas.ti.

An example of the narrative is:

"The intervention was conducted over eight weeks, during which the experimental group used AI-assisted stationery for two hours per week. Furthermore, the collected data were analyzed using Descriptive Statistics and Independent Sample T-Tests through SPSS 26 to determine significant differences between groups." By presenting these ethical procedures and safeguards in a seamless narrative, the authors provide a professional roadmap of the research journey to ensure the manuscript meets the highest standards of international scientific publications.

Results

The results section should present primary findings with a systematic, objective narrative, without subjective interpretation. To ensure clarity and structural integrity, it is highly recommended to organize this section into several sub-sections that directly correspond to the number of research questions or problems formulated in the introduction. This thematic organization allows the reader to follow the logical progression of the evidence and immediately understand how each research investigation is handled.

For example, an author could set the flow as follows:

"The findings of this study are presented in three sub-sections according to the objectives of the study: first, an analysis of the current level of student engagement; second, evaluation of interventions that integrate AI; and third, the correlation between digital literacy and academic performance."

To enhance the clarity of these findings, the use of illustrative elements such as tables, figures, and graphs is strongly advised, provided they follow the prescribed academic format. These illustrations should simplify complex data, but the accompanying text must not merely repeat the numbers within them; instead, the narrative should highlight key trends, significant differences, or notable anomalies. In a formal manuscript, every visual aid must be explicitly cited in the text before it appears.

For instance:

"As illustrated in Figure 2, there was a sharp upward trend in student participation during the sixth week of the intervention, which coincided with the introduction of the gamified AI module. This visual representation highlights the immediate impact of interactive tools on classroom dynamics."

Furthermore, tables must be presented in a clean, professional format—typically using only horizontal lines without vertical dividers—to meet international journal standards. Each table or figure should be accompanied by a descriptive title that allows it to be understood independently of the main text.

An example of a descriptive report would be:

"Table 1 presents the comparative analysis between the experimental and control groups. The data indicate a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the post-test results, where the experimental group showed a 25% higher mastery of the subject matter compared to the control group."

In closing the research results section, the author can summarize the findings briefly to provide direct answers to the research questions. This summary should be factual, as a deeper analysis and comparison with existing theories will be presented for the discussion section.

An example of his writing is:

"In summary, results across all sub-sections consistently show that the structured application of AI tools leads to measurable improvements in cognitive outcomes and digital etiquette." By utilizing this organized, illustrated, and descriptive approach, the manuscript will achieve a high level of academic transparency and rigor.

The manuscript should be typed using word processors (Microsoft Word, Open Office, or Rich Text Format) software. The font used throughout the paper is Helvetica. The paper size is A4 (i.e., 210 x297 mm), with a 3 cm margin at the top, bottom, left, and right. The text is set at 1.15 line spacing and 3 pt paragraph spacing, justified, uses a 12-point font; employs italics rather than underlining (except for URLs); and tables are placed within the text at appropriate points rather than at the end. Page numbers should be included in the header of each page. The use of pronouns such as I, we, etc., should be avoided.

When submitting a manuscript, the author guarantees that the same manuscript or a similar version has not been submitted to any other journal or publication. Submissions must be accompanied by in-text citations and a full bibliography of works cited in the text. Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation must be consistent within each article.

Discussion

This section should interpret the results of the research critically and in-depth. Avoid just repeating the presentation of the research results. Focus this section on: (1) Meaning: Explain why the results occur using the theory mentioned in the introduction; (2) Comparison: Compare your findings with at least 5-10 recent studies (pros and cons); (3) Implications: Describe the practical and theoretical impacts; and (4) Limitations: Honestly acknowledge the limitations of research and suggest future research.

Example:

"These findings are in line with Zheng (2024), but expand the discourse by revealing that teachers' digital self-efficacy is a moderating factor in AI adoption."

To ensure a structured and comprehensive analysis, this section should be organized into several thematic sub-sections that align with the number of primary research findings or objectives. This organizational approach allows the author to provide a deep and focused explanation of the meaning and implications of each discovery, rather than merely summarizing the data.

For instance, a researcher might structure the narrative as follows:

"The discussion is organized into three thematic pillars: first, the cognitive transformation facilitated by AI integration; second, the socio-emotional shifts in student engagement; and third, the pedagogical shifts required for sustainable technology adoption."

In explaining the meaning of the results, the author must use the "lens" of the grand and middle-range theories established in the introduction to provide a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. It is not enough to state that a variable increased; the author must explain why it occurred within a theoretical context.

For example:

"The significant improvement in students' cognitive scores reinforces the principles of Social Constructivism, demonstrating that AI tools do not merely deliver information but serve as 'more knowledgeable others' that scaffold students through their Zone of Proximal Development." Following this interpretation, the findings must be rigorously compared with prior studies to highlight the study's novelty. An example of this dialogue is: "While this study aligns with Zheng (2024) regarding the motivational benefits of digital tools, it offers a new perspective by revealing that the success of AI integration is highly contingent upon the teacher's digital self-efficacy, a variable that remains under-explored in primary education contexts."

Furthermore, the discussion must explicitly articulate the research's implications, both theoretically and practically. This involves explaining how the results change the current understanding of a theory or how they should influence educational policy and classroom practice.

A formal way to express this would be:

"The practical implications of these findings suggest a paradigm shift in teacher training; rather than focusing solely on technical proficiency, professional development should prioritize pedagogical agility in AI-augmented environments." By detailing these implications, the author demonstrates the "real-world" value of the research to stakeholders and the broader academic community.

Finally, a high-quality discussion must maintain academic integrity by honestly acknowledging the limitations of the study and providing specific directions for future research. Recognizing limitations, such as a small sample size or a short intervention period, does not weaken the study but rather clarifies the boundaries of its generalizability.

For instance:

"Despite the positive outcomes, this study is limited by its eight-week duration, which may not fully capture the long-term retention of digital skills. Future research should employ longitudinal designs to track the sustainability of AI-enhanced learning over multiple academic years."

By synthesizing these elements—thematic structure, theoretical meaning, practical implications, and critical self-reflection—the author creates a professional and authoritative discussion that meets the rigorous standards of international journal publications.

Conclusion

The conclusion of a scientific article must be presented as a concise yet comprehensive narrative that synthesizes the entire research journey without the use of bullet points or subheadings. This section begins by providing a clear, direct answer to the research questions, drawing on the evidence presented in the results and discussion sections. It is essential to transition from empirical findings to a broader conceptual summary, ensuring that the final message is grounded in the study's data.

For example, an author might conclude:

"The findings of this study lead to the conclusion that the integration of AI-assisted writing tools significantly enhances the academic literacy and self-efficacy of elementary students, as evidenced by the substantial increase in both post-test scores and qualitative engagement markers."

By starting with a definitive summary of the findings, the author reinforces the success of the research in achieving its primary objectives.

Following the summary of findings, the narrative should shift toward articulating the theoretical and practical contributions of the study. This part of the conclusion emphasizes how the research advances the existing field of study and provides actionable insights for stakeholders, such as educators and policymakers. It is important to avoid simply restating the abstract; instead, the author should offer a refined reflection on the study's impact.

For instance:

"Theoretically, this research contributes to the Technology Acceptance Model by demonstrating that in a primary education context, 'perceived ease of use' is heavily mediated by the teacher’s digital pedagogical agility. Practically, these results suggest that educational institutions should prioritize the development of ethical AI guidelines alongside technical training to ensure a balanced and responsible digital transformation in the classroom."

This approach highlights the "real-world" value of the work and its academic significance.

The final part of the conclusion should provide a forward-looking perspective by acknowledging the study's limitations and suggesting specific avenues for future research. Acknowledging limitations—such as the study duration or the sample's specificity—is a mark of academic maturity and helps define the boundaries of the findings. The conclusion ends with a strong, final statement that encapsulates the long-term vision of the research topic.

An example of this descriptive flow is:

"While this study provides a robust foundation for AI integration, its scope was limited to a single semester, suggesting that future investigations should explore the longitudinal effects of AI on student cognitive development over several academic years. Ultimately, fostering a synergistic relationship between human pedagogy and artificial intelligence remains the most promising path toward creating an inclusive and future-ready educational environment."

By presenting these elements in a seamless, formal narrative, the conclusion provides a professional and authoritative finish to the manuscript.

References

• Minimum 30 references.
• 80% from reputable journals published within the last 5 years.
• Use APA 7th Edition style with a reference manager (Mendeley/Zotero). For example, a citation should look like this: (Heung et al., 2025), or (Branch, 2009, p. 12), or (Batubara et al., 2018, 2023), or (Batubara et al., 2025), or (Pritiya et al., 2022).
• If available, include the DOI or URL of references from web pages, such as journal articles and online books, in the reference list.

An example is as follows:

Books

Batubara, H. H. (2021). Media Pembelajaran Digital. PT. Remaja Rosdakarya.

Batubara, H. H., Sumantri, M. S., & Marini, A. (2023). Media Pembelajaran Komprehensif. Graha Edu.

Cresswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (Fifth). SAGE Publications.

Journals

Gan, H.-H. (2022). Working Situation And Research Willingness: A Case Of Primary School Teachers In The Southeast Of China. Journal of Integrated Elementary Education, 2(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.21580/jieed.v2i1.11184

Purwanti, K. L., & Mujiasih, M. (2021). Kemampuan Literasi Matematika Siswa Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Ditinjau Dari Self-Efficacy. Journal of Integrated Elementary Education, 1(1), 50–65. https://doi.org/10.21580/jieed.v1i1.6975

Newspaper Article

Carey, B. (2019, March 22). Can we get better at forgetting? The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/22/health/memory-forgetting-psychology.html.

Magazine Article

Schulman, M. (2019, September 9). Superfans: A love story. The New Yorker. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/09/16/superfans-a-love-story.

Web Page on News Website

Toner, K. (2020, September 24). When Covid-19 hit, he turned his newspaper route into a lifeline for senior citizens. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/04/us/coronavirus-newspaper-deliveryman-groceries-senior-citizens-cnnheroes-trnd/index.html.

III. Submission Checklist

[ ] Is the title within the 16-word limit?

[ ] Does the abstract follow the 150-220 word requirement?

[ ] Are all in-text citations listed in the References (and vice-versa)?

[ ] Have all vertical lines been removed from the tables?

[ ] Is the similarity index below 20%?

Online Submission Guidelines

Manuscripts must be sent online to the online portal of the Journal of Integrated Elementary Education on page https://journal.walisongo.ac.id/index.php/jieed/index.

Steps for Submitting Manuscripts:

The author registers as an author (checking the author role) on the "Register" section on the page: https://journal.walisongo.ac.id/index.php/jieed/user/register.
After the author logs in as an Author, click  "New Submission."
The stages of article submission consist of 5 stages:

1. In the Start section, check all checklists, then click save & continue.
2. In the Upload Submission section, please upload the article manuscript file in MS Word in this section. After that, click save & continue.
3. In the Enter Metadata section, enter the data of all authors and affiliates. If the author is more than one person, please click "add author," then fill in the author's data, like the first author, and so on. Next, fill in the title, abstract, keywords, research methods, and bibliography in each available column.
4. In the Upload Supplementary Files section, it is permissible to upload supporting files, cover letters, or other documents.
5. Please click "Finish Submission" in the Confirmation section if all data is correct. 

IV. Reviewing of manuscripts

Every submitted paper is independently reviewed by at least two peer-reviewers. The decision for publication, amendment, or rejection is based upon their reports/recommendation. If single or more reviewers consider a manuscript unsuitable for publication in this journal, a statement explaining the basis for the decision will be sent to the authors within three months of the submission date.

V. Revision of manuscripts

Manuscripts sent back to the authors for revision should be returned to the editor without delay. Revised manuscripts can be sent to editorial office through the Online Submission Interface. The revised manuscripts returned later than three months will be considered as new submissions.