Implementation of Thematic Instructional Model in Elementary School

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to know the implementation of thematic instructional model and the achievement of student learning outcomes in the field of knowledge, skills, and attitude/character. This quantitative research was conducted in Elementary School in Surakarta City, from November 2015 to February 2016. The teachers and 63,433 students from 253 elementary schools became the population of this study. Samples were obtained through multistage cluster random sampling technique. The samples were eight classes from six schools in Laweyan Sub-district. Data collection involved observation, interview, questionnaire, and documentation technique. Data analysis used comparative analysis technique. The result of the research showed that in general, the thematic learning works appropriately. It can be elaborated as follows: (1)The planning and implementation of thematic learning is classified appropriate, (2) Student learning activity is less optimal mainly due to direct learning methods, (3) Average score of learning implementation is 76.5 on a scale from 0-100, (4) Average score of learning outcomes in terms of knowledge and skills is 83.5 on a scale from 0-100, (5) Average score of attitude aspect (behavior, craft, and neatness) is classified as ‘Good’, (5) Average score of student characters is 2.77 on a scale from 0-4. The score is categorized ‘Good’ or ‘in progress’, in which the students have shown particular but inconsistent behaviors. This character should be improved. In overall, the thematic model in Elementary School has been successfully implemented.