The Concept of an Independent Curriculum with an Agrarian Insight in Early Childhood: Perspectives of Indonesian Teachers

Abstract

The current condition of agriculture in Indonesia shows a decline in productivity. One reason for this decline is the low interest of children and young people in the agricultural sector. For this reason, the introduction and cultivation of a love of agriculture needs to be done from an early age. Schools must design curriculum and learning that is oriented towards agriculture. The independent curriculum implemented in Indonesia provides ample opportunities to develop agrarian insights in schools. This study aimed to discover teachers' views in Indonesia on the concept of an independent curriculum with an agrarian perspective as a medium for introducing and instilling the love of agriculture in early childhood at school. This research uses descriptive qualitative methods. The research data were obtained through in-depth interviews with early childhood education teachers in Indonesia. The results showed that the concept of an independent curriculum with an agrarian perspective is a curriculum that frees teachers to be creative and innovative in carrying out learning activities with the theme of agriculture. This agrarian-oriented learning consists of planting crops in the fields, planting grains in the schoolyard, visiting agro-tourism, and watching agricultural videos together. Hopefully, these activities can foster a love of agriculture in early childhood.