Enhancing multiculturalism through culturally responsive teaching

Evidence from local history learning in metro city senior high schools

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/w2tsnb94

Keywords:

Culturally Responsive Teaching, Local History, National Integration, Multicultural Education

Abstract

This study addresses the limited integration of affective dimensions in Indonesian history education, which often prioritizes cognitive mastery over fostering students’ multicultural awareness. To address this gap, this research examines the effectiveness of culturally responsive teaching (CRT)-based local history materials in enhancing students’ multicultural attitudes. Using a quantitative quasi-experimental design involving 364 senior high school students in Kota Metro, an experimental group taught with CRT-based materials and a control group taught with conventional textbooks were compared. Data were collected using pretests and posttests with a validated Likert-scale instrument measuring tolerance, solidarity, respect for cultural differences, and inclusiveness. The findings reveal a significant improvement in the experimental group’s multicultural attitudes, reflected by higher gain scores and strong positive correlations between perceptions of CRT and attitude enhancement. The study concludes that CRT-based history instruction effectively strengthens empathy, intercultural understanding, and civic awareness, offering practical strategies for fostering multicultural competence in Indonesia’s classrooms.

Author Biographies

  • Prof.Dr.Warto,M.Hum, Sebelas Maret University

    Warto is a Professor at the Department of History, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Sebelas Maret University, Indonesia. His expertise focuses on local history, culture, and history education. He is actively involved in research and publications related to cultural heritage preservation, community history, and the development of history learning in schools

  • Prof.Dr.Sariyatun,M.Pd,M.Hum, Sebelas Maret University

    Sariyatun is a Professor at the History Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Sebelas Maret University, Indonesia. Her areas of expertise include local history, multicultural education, and innovative approaches to history pedagogy. She has produced numerous national and international publications on history education and curriculum development

  • Dr. Hieronimus Purwanta M.A, Sebelas Maret University

    Hieronimus Purwanta is a senior lecturer at the History Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Sebelas Maret University, Indonesia. His research interests include European history, Indonesian cultural history, and history education. He is also actively engaged in writing and developing history textbooks, as well as publishing scholarly works in the field of history and history education

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Additional Files

Published

2026-06-15

Issue

Section

Education, Technology, and Scientific Innovation

How to Cite

Amboro, K., Warto, Sariyatun, & Purwanta , H. (2026). Enhancing multiculturalism through culturally responsive teaching: Evidence from local history learning in metro city senior high schools. Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Education, 15(4), 311-330. https://doi.org/10.32674/w2tsnb94