Utilizing Digital Media for Embedding Local Cultural Values: Vocational High Schools Context

Abstract

Culture and language are truly inseparable. This study explored how teachers of Vocational High Schools (VHS) embedded local cultural values in their language learning by utilizing digital media. This was a small scale exploratory case study involving six participants comprising of three Indonesian language teachers, and three English teachers of Vocational High Schools in three different regencies of Central Java, Indonesia. The data were primary collected through interview and focus group discussion (FGD). To analyse the data, the interactive models of qualitative data analysis of Miles & Huberman (2014) was employed. Evidences showed that teachers used texts or video materials containing local culture in form of (1) ideas: norms, moral, religious values; (2) activities: traditional ceremonies, and (3) artefacts: historical places, foods, or customs. Teachers reported that among of methods recommended in 2013 Curriculum implementation, Inquiry and Project-Based Learning became teachers' preferences. Students' projects in form of texts writing or video making of certain local culture were resulted from the learning. Teachers supported their learning by the use of various digital medias, such as internet, animated video or You tube, WhatsApp group. Whereas google classroom and quipper school were other forms of digital learning presented while students were on the job training program. Teachers- students were connected by the presentation of the materials and assignments. Overall, embedding local culture in language learning raised students' interest, increased their participation as well as developed their' local cultural awareness.