Revitalizing local wisdom within character education through ethnopedagogy apporach: A case study on a preschool in Yogyakarta

Abstract

Ethnopedagogy serves as an educational approach capable of reshaping societal dynamics by preserving cultural values, thereby reinforcing a multicultural national identity. This study explored the potential of ethnopedagogy in revitalizing local wisdom within early childhood character education in Indonesia. This case study was performed at Pertiwi Kindergarten in Puro Pakualaman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data were gained through interviews and document analysis with teachers, parents, and school principals. Research data were checked for validity using data triangulation. The research findings demonstrated that ethnopedagogy enhanced children's awareness of local culture and nurtures character development by integrating local wisdom values into the learning process. Furthermore, involving local communities in character education improved community engagement in the educational journey, bolstering a sense of ownership over the school or learning environment, and strengthening social networks within the community. Ethnopedagogy is recommended to apply in early childhood education to develop children's character through the utilization of local wisdom.