Pendidikan dual track sebagai strategi pengembangan life skills siswa SMA di daerah penyangga Ibu Kota Nusantara

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the implementation of dual track education as a strategy for developing students’ life skills at SMA Negeri 3 Penajam Paser Utara, a supporting region of Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara. This research employed a descriptive mixed methods approach with a limited sequential explanatory design. The quantitative stage was conducted through a questionnaire administered to 10 students who participated in or were familiar with the dual track program. The findings were then complemented by observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation to explain the questionnaire results. Data were analyzed descriptively using means, standard deviations, and qualitative themes. The findings provide an initial picture that vocational activities had been implemented fairly regularly, with an average intensity of 2.4 sessions per week and a duration of 4.2 hours per week. However, facility quality and teacher involvement still need to be strengthened. The program indicates potential improvement in time management, independence, and teamwork, while communication and problem-solving skills remain relatively weak. These limited findings suggest that dual track education is relevant for schools in supporting regions of Nusantara when supported by adequate facilities, teacher training, integrated scheduling, and sustainable industry partnerships.