Implementation of Project Based Learning (PjBL) Based on Jambi Malay Local Wisdom to Improve Student Creativity in Bahasa Indonesia Subjects

Melisa Amanda; Muhammad  Muzakki; Novita Eka Paradina

doi:10.63922/ijevss.v5i03.5007

Melisa Amanda Universitas Islam Yasni Bungo, Indonesia
Muhammad Muzakki Universitas Islam Yasni Bungo, Indonesia
Novita Eka Paradina Universitas Islam Yasni Bungo, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63922/ijevss.v5i03.5007

Keywords: Project Based Learning, Jambi Malay Local Wisdom, , Student Creativity, Indonesian Language, Elementary Madrasah, Contextual Learning

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of Project Based Learning (PjBL) implementation based on Jambi Malay local wisdom in improving students' creativity in Indonesian Language subjects at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (Islamic Elementary School). The study was conducted at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Nailul Ikhsan, Sungai Arang, Muara Bungo, Jambi Province, with a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design . The research subjects consisted of 32 fifth-grade students selected through purposive sampling technique . The learning intervention was designed in four PjBL cycles that integrated Jambi Malay cultural elements, including pantun, folklore, woven motifs, and local wisdom values such as mutual cooperation , respect for elders , and protecting nature . Data collection instruments included a language creativity test (adapted from Torrance), learning activity observation sheets, semi-structured interview guidelines, and project assessment rubrics. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired sample t-test and Normalized Gain (N-Gain) , while qualitative data were analyzed thematically following the Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña model. The results showed a significant increase in students' creativity scores ( t = 8.421, p < 0.001) with an average N-Gain of 0.67 (medium-high category). Qualitative analysis revealed that the integration of local wisdom functions as a cultural scaffold that enriches imagination, facilitates divergent thinking, and strengthens students' cultural identity in the language process. The discussion shows that PjBL based on Jambi Malay local wisdom not only improves the dimensions of cognitive creativity (fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration), but also fosters affective and socio-cultural creativity. This study provides theoretical contributions to the development of contextual pedagogy in madrasas and practical implications for teachers, curriculum developers, and policymakers in integrating local wisdom into 21st-century learning.

References

Al-Attas, SMN (2022). Islam and the challenge of civilization: A tauhidic epistemology for contemporary education . IIUM Press.
Anwar, M., & Lestari, R. (2024). Project-based learning and language creativity of madrasah students: A meta-analysis study. Al-Ishlah Journal of Islamic Education , 16(2), 312–329. https://doi.org/10.35457/alishlah.v16i2.2451
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Thematic analysis: A practical guide . SAGE Publications.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2022). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (6th ed.). SAGE.
Fadillah, M., & Putri, AR (2023). Scaffolding creativity in language learning: A systematic review. Horizons of Education , 32(1), 88–102. https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v32i1.56789
Gay, G. (2021). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice (3rd ed.). Teachers College Press.
Hidayat, A., & Rahmawati, D. (2024). Local wisdom as a psychological mediator in creative learning. Journal of Islamic Educational Psychology , 5(1), 45–60. https://doi.org/10.24252/jppi.v5i1.1892
Hmelo-Silver, C.E., Eberbach, C., & Jordan, R. (2022). Project-based learning in the 21st century: Challenges and opportunities. Educational Psychology Review , 34, 1127–1150. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-022-09688-3
Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. (2023). Ethical guidelines for educational research in Indonesia . Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.
Kurniawan, D., & Setyawan, A. (2023). Madrasah teacher development ecosystem in 21st-century learning. Journal of Islamic Education Management , 11(3), 401–418. https://doi.org/10.18860/jmpi.v11i3.1987
Meltzer, D. E. (2021). Normalized gain: A practical guide for educators. Physical Review Physics Education Research , 17(2), 020145. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.17.020145
Prasetyo, A., & Nurhayati, S. (2022). Barriers to students' language creativity in conventional learning. Indonesian Language and Literature , 10(2), 134–147. https://doi.org/10.24256/bsi.v10i2.3210
Rahman, F., & Hakim, L. (2023). Integration of knowledge and values in contemporary Islamic education. Al-Tahrir: Journal of Islamic Thought , 23(1), 189–206. https://doi.org/10.21154/altahrir.v23i1.4521
Sari, IP, & Fauzi, A. (2021). Decontextualization of language learning and its impact on creativity. Journal of Language and Literature Education , 11(1), 77–90. https://doi.org/10.17509/jpbs.v11i1.3456
Thomas, JW (2021). A review of research on project-based learning . Autodesk Foundation. (Updated 2021 edition with the latest meta-analysis).
Vygotsky, L. S. (2021). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes (Reprint with critical commentary). Harvard University Press.
Widiastuti, N., Pratama, R., & Susanti, D. (2023). Language creativity in urban vs. rural schools: A comparative analysis. Indonesian Journal of Linguistics , 28(2), 201–215. https://doi.org/10.55324/jli.v28i2.412
Yusuf, M., & Mulyana, E. (2022). Local wisdom as a source of intrinsic motivation in learning. Journal of Cultural Studies , 15(3), 411–426. https://doi.org/10.24832/jkb.v15i3.3789
Zulkifli, A., & Rahim, R. (2024). Project-based learning based on Malay culture: An implementation model in Sumatra. Journal of Multicultural Education , 12(1), 55–72. https://doi.org/10.26499/jpm.v12i1.881
Mulyadi, S., & Iskandar, Z. (2023). Creativity assessment in the Independent Curriculum: Challenges and strategies. Journal of Educational Evaluation , 9(2), 145–160. https://doi.org/10.17509/jep.v9i2.5012
Nurhayati, S., & Firmansyah, A. (2025). Digitalization of local wisdom for language learning in madrasas. Journal of Islamic Educational Technology , 8(1), 22–38. https://doi.org/10.32934/jtpti.v8i1.614