Incorporating Local Wisdom: A Needs Assessment for Developing an English Language Learning Textbook for Senior High Schools in Coastal Mining Communities
Description
The current endeavor does a thorough requirements analysis to create an English learning book that integrates local knowledge for senior high school students in coastal mining districts. The study finds a gap between the socioeconomic realities of students in these areas, where mining activities significantly impact daily life, and the English language learning resources now in use. The study used a mixed-methods methodology to collect data from 5 English teachers and 397 students from five different schools in South Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The results show that students are drawn to community rights, environmental stewardship, and local industries. They also favor experiential and group learning approaches like field excursions and small group projects. The study emphasizes how crucial it is to include aspects of the local environment and culture in instructional materials to improve learning outcomes, relevance, and student engagement. This strategy encourages the creation of English language learning materials that capture the distinctive cultural background of coastal mining communities, providing a template for other areas with comparable socioeconomic dynamics. The study adds to the current conversation on the necessity for locally relevant educational content and culturally sensitive teaching.