Bridging musical gaps: creating educational songs with thematic learning for primary school students

Year 2024, Volume: 12 Issue: 3, 351 - 374, 30.09.2024

Wadiyo Wadiyo , Slamet Haryono , Joko Wiyoso , Malarsih Malarsih

https://doi.org/10.12975/rastmd.20241235

Abstract

This study investigates how elementary school teachers without musical backgrounds create educational songs to support thematic learning under Indonesia's Kurikulum Merdeka. Thematic learning aims to integrate various subjects into cohesive themes, fostering student-centered learning (SCL) and emphasizing active engagement and critical thinking. Although the government provided the guiding textbooks, teachers face challenges in implementing SCL. Eventually, they often revert to conventional, teacher-centered methods. Previous research indicates that songs can serve as effective educational tools, but there is still a lack of thematic songs that align with the curriculum's specific themes. Using a case study approach, this research involved classroom observations, document analysis, and interviews with two first-grade teachers who developed songs for an environmental theme. The study found that teachers could create educational songs by deriving lyrics from teaching materials and improvising melodies, although they needed formal musical notation skills. Teachers and students then used these songs in classroom instruction, engaging in singing and physical activities. Despite inconsistencies in musical performance, the findings indicated that students were enthusiastic and better understood the material through these songs. The study highlights teachers' adaptive nature in leveraging available resources to meet educational objectives and emphasizes the importance of integrating arts, particularly music, into educational practices. The research contributes to the broader discourse on educational innovation, suggesting that even teachers without musical training can effectively create and use educational songs to enhance learning. Empowering teachers with resources and training in songwriting could further enrich thematic learning, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration among students. This approach aligns with the goals of the Kurikulum Merdeka, supporting holistic educational reforms and improving learning outcomes in Indonesian elementary education.

Keywords

educational song, thematic learning with music, primary school student, primary school teacher, music-based interdisciplinary teaching

Ethical Statement

We are also profoundly grateful to the Ethics Committee and the funding provider, DPA LPPM UNNES year 2023 No. 195.12.4/UN37/ PPK.10/2023, for their financial assistance and approval. Lastly, we would like to acknowledge the specific contributions of the following individuals: Prof. Wadiyo Wadiyo, for his role as the research coordinator, providing guidance and oversight throughout the study. Dr. Slamet Haryono, for his meticulous work on document analysis, including the analysis of musical notations. Mr. Joko Wiyoso, for conducting detailed classroom observations and interviews, focusing on teacher activities related to song creation. Prof. Malarsih Malarsih, for her observations of student behavior, including gestures and movements, which were essential in understanding the impact of the musical activities on the students. CARE translation, a certified proofreader, for the invaluable assistance in proofreading this manuscript.

Thanks

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants from SD Labschool Unnes for their invaluable contributions to this research. Your engagement and support were crucial in making this study possible.

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