Collaborative Inquiry Approach in Improving Graduate Quality

(A Qualitative Descriptive Study at SMKN 1 Sukatani Purwakarta)

Abstract

The gap between the competencies of Vocational High School (SMK) graduates and the needs of the Business and Industrial World (DUDIKA) remains a national challenge. SMKN 1 Sukatani Purwakarta, with its vision of "Realizing Graduates with Pancawaluya Character and Global Competitiveness," faces the reality of low quality indicators, especially in graduate absorption and curriculum alignment based on the 2025 Education Report. A Collaborative Inquiry Approach integrated with the values of the local wisdom Pancawaluya is proposed as a transformative solution. This study aims to: (1) analyze the process of formulating and implementing the school's vision and mission, (2) identify inhibiting and supporting factors for improving graduate quality, and (3) design a Pancawaluya values-based Collaborative Inquiry model to bridge the gap between planning and results. The study uses a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with the Principal, Vice Principals, and Heads of Expertise Competencies; Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with teachers and educational staff; participatory observation; and document analysis (2026-2030 Vision-Mission and the 2025 Education Report). Data analysis followed the interactive model by Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña with triangulation techniques to ensure validity. The findings reveal that the strategic planning process is still top-down and not fully participatory. DUDIKA involvement is incidental, Pancawaluya values (especially Pinter/collaboration and Bener/critical thinking) have not been internalized operationally, and the monitoring system is not yet effective. The study designs an integrative model that connects the collaborative inquiry cycle with the operationalization of Pancawaluya values as the foundation for a collaborative and reflective work culture. The Collaborative Inquiry Approach contextualized with Pancawaluya values has significant potential to improve the quality of SMK graduates. Its successful implementation requires a paradigm shift from administrative planning towards a participatory, data-based organizational learning process, supported by a sustainable collaboration system between the school and industry