Incorporating Javanese Gamelan Music As Democratic Pedagogy: A Junior High School Social Studies Teacher’s Perspective

Abstract

Previous research of Javanese gamelan emphasized theory, history, and culture, but there are no studies integrating gamelan music as instruction to enhance learners' democratic habits of mind. The purpose of the study is to examine how junior high school teachers perceive Javanese gamelan as a method of cultivating democratic thinking and values in social studies. This study employed qualitative analysis which asked social studies teachers to respond questions about elements of democracy when they integrate Javanese gamelan music in their social studies classroom. This phenomenological study obtained data from six purposive selected participants in two junior high schools which described the result through focus group discussion and interview.The result of the study identified five themes from the data: (1) rights (2) responsibility (3) participation, (4) leadership, and (5) cooperation. Implications for collaboration between gamelan teachers, teacher educators, and future research are considered.

From Screen to Society: How Popular Culture Shapes Values and Beliefs in Indonesian Teenagers

“…Indonesia is indeed a diverse nation Traditional cultural expressions like wayang kulit (shadow puppetry) and gamelan music continue to be significant in shaping Indonesia's cultural landscape [24], [25]. Wayang kulit, for example, has been adapted to modern times, influencing contemporary artists who incorporate elements of the ancient performance art form into their work [26].…”

“…Wayang kulit, for example, has been adapted to modern times, influencing contemporary artists who incorporate elements of the ancient performance art form into their work [26]. Gamelan music has also been integrated into social studies classrooms, helping students understand its historical and cultural significance [25].…”

Making Connection: Integrating Gamelan Music into Social Studies Classroom

“…This notion of shared concept supports the arts integration, especially gamelan music in social studies that can address larger issues or inquiry of democratic values in the curriculum. The research results on how social studies and gamelan teachers perceived the teaching of gamelan have been published in a separate article (Mardiati et al, 2019).…”