Internalization of the Value of Mutual Cooperation in Local Wisdom-Based Social Science Learning at MIN 2 Tanah Datar

Abstract

This study investigates the strategy of internalizing gotong royong (mutual cooperation) values in social studies (IPS) learning based on local wisdom at MIN 2 Tanah Datar. The research was driven by concerns over the declining spirit of communal cooperation among students, despite gotong royong being a core cultural value in the Minangkabau community. The objectives of this study were to describe the strategies used by teachers to internalize gotong royong, analyze student engagement, identify forms of Minangkabau local wisdom integrated into learning, and evaluate the effectiveness of contextual and cultural approaches. This research employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data were collected through interviews with teachers and students, classroom observations, and document analysis of lesson plans and learning materials. The findings revealed that gotong royong was meaningfully integrated through collaborative learning activities, storytelling, and real-life cultural examples such as goro nagari and majalang. Students demonstrated active participation and moral sensitivity during group tasks, showing signs of internalizing cooperative values. Teachers deliberately connected local traditions with national curriculum content, making the learning experience both relevant and value-driven. The study concludes that integrating local wisdom into social studies learning is an effective pedagogical strategy for character education. It highlights the importance of contextualized teaching in preserving cultural identity and fostering social values among young learners in madrasah settings.