Malang, September 21, 2024 – In order to improve cognitive development and character building through traditional games and arts, the Lecturer Team of the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Brawijaya University, held a Community Service activity at SDN 1 Kucur, Dau, Malang City. This educational activity, which was carried out on September 20, 2024, also aims to reduce the dependence of elementary school students on excessive use of cellphones. This Community Service involves students in grades 3 to 5, and is expected to be a means to strengthen motor skills, critical thinking, cooperation, and sportsmanship among children.
This community service program is led by Rispa Ngindana, with team members Asti Amelia, I Gede Eko, and Endry Putra. This activity also received full support from the Principal of SDN 1 Kucur, Mr. Tohari. In addition, this activity is also inseparable from the support of the Library Science Study Program Student Association or HMPIP with Ara Farhana as the activity coordinator.
The main objective of this program is to reintroduce traditional games such as traditional dance, congklak, jump rope, and engklek, which contain educational values to support children's mental, physical, and social development. "In the digital era, children tend to be more exposed to technology-based games. Through this activity, we want to reintroduce local games that are full of educational and cultural values," said Rispa Ngindana, head of the community service group.
Doc. Traditional Dance Practice Activities by Students of SDN 01 Kucur, Dau, Malang Regency (2024)
Pre-test and post-test evaluations showed significant improvements in critical thinking skills and character understanding, especially in grades 3 and 4. The test results showed significant improvements in aspects such as motor coordination and logic, as well as the development of character values such as cooperation and empathy. Although grade 5 students showed more stable results, the evaluation still reflects the success of the program in forming students with character.
The Principal of SDN 1 Kucur, Mr. Tohari, expressed his appreciation for the program. "This program is a real step in integrating local culture-based learning into elementary school students' activities, so that students not only learn theory but also understand local wisdom values directly," he explained.
It is hoped that this activity can continue to be implemented sustainably, with project-based learning methods and deeper reflection, so that children can understand the benefits of traditional games holistically.
Source: Brawijaya University Community Service Team
