STEAM BERBASIS BUDAYA LOKAL DALAM PEMBELAJARAN ILMU SOSIAL: INOVASI KREATIF UNTUK SISWA MI

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness and describes the process of applying the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) approach based on local wisdom in Social Sciences (IPS) learning as an innovative strategy to increase the creativity and concept understanding of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI) students. Although STEAM-based learning has been widely recognized as being able to encourage interdisciplinary thinking, empirical studies on its integration with the local Indonesian context are still limited. This study uses qualitative-descriptive design through classroom observation, teacher interviews, and analysis of student learning products. Local elements of Batik, Jamu, Ting-ting, Telo as well as social practices and environmental issues are integrated in the STEAM project activities to strengthen the relevance and meaning of learning. The results of the study show that STEAM based on local culture is able to stimulate students' creative thinking skills, encourage collaborative work, and deepen understanding of social studies concepts, especially on the themes of community life, cultural diversity, and environmental concern. Teachers also report increased motivation and active student engagement as well as more dynamic learning interactions. It can be concluded that local culture-based STEAM is an effective pedagogical model for social studies learning in MI as it is aligned with students' socio-cultural realities and innovative strategies to address contextualization issues and low student engagement Further research is recommended to examine its long-term impact on higher-level thinking skills as well as their potential to be applied in various educational contexts.

Keywords : STEAM Based on Local Culture, Social Studies Learning, Creativity, Educational Innovation, Madrasah Ibtidaiyah