Strengthening Civic Education in a Multicultural School: A Local Wisdom Approach

Abstract

Purpose: This research examines how schools effectively address diversity by integrating local wisdom within the educational context. It further investigates the participation of diverse ethnic and religious groups in school rituals and explores the implementation of an inclusive and participatory education system within a multicultural school environment, utilizing a local wisdom framework. Method: Employing a descriptive qualitative research design with a case study approach, data collection involved observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The data analysis process encompassed data condensation, data presentation, and drawing appropriate conclusions. Findings: The study's finding conducted in a public senior high school in Gorontalo City, Gorontalo Province, underscored the implementation of the local wisdom of ilohelumo (consensus) and mohoyula (communal responsibilities) as crucial components in strengthening civic education. Implications for Research and Practice. This is evidenced in the multicultural school setting where students, teachers, school principals, and other academic stakeholders actively foster positive outcomes through student participation, cultural diversity empowerment, and heightened civic awareness. Such outcomes are achieved by accommodating differences within the educational space, involving ethnic groups in collective rituals, and establishing an inclusive and egalitarian education system.