Enhancing Students’ Cultural Awareness through Local Literature-Based Learning Activities in Maluku
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21009/ishel.v1i1.66390Keywords:
cultural awareness, local literature, cultural heritage, literature based learning, culturally responsive pedagogy, MalukuAbstract
Cultural awareness plays a crucial role in education, particularly in culturally rich regions such as Maluku, Indonesia, where local cultural heritage represents an essential component of students’ identity formation. However, the integration of local literature into classroom learning activities remains limited, resulting in insufficient student engagement with their own cultural heritage. This study aims to examine how local literature-based learning activities enhance students’ cultural awareness in Maluku. The research employed a qualitative case study design involving secondary school students in Maluku. Data were collected through classroom observations, student reflections, and semi-structured interviews to explore students’ responses and cultural awareness development during the implementation of local literature-based learning activities. The learning activities included reading and discussing Maluku folklore, identifying cultural values, and engaging in reflective discussions. The findings indicate that the integration of local literature into learning activities significantly enhanced students’ cultural awareness, as reflected in their increased understanding of cultural values, appreciation of local traditions, and strengthened sense of cultural identity. Students demonstrated active engagement and positive responses throughout the learning process, suggesting that local literature provides meaningful and relevant cultural learning experiences. Furthermore, local literature-based learning created opportunities for students to connect academic content with their cultural environment. These findings suggest that incorporating local literature into educational practices can serve as an effective strategy for promoting cultural awareness and preserving cultural heritage among students. This study contributes to the growing body of research on culturally responsive pedagogy and highlights the importance of integrating local cultural resources into formal education
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