The Impact of Culture-Based Pedagogy on Student Engagement in Southeast Asian Classrooms

Abstract

This article explores the impact of culture-based pedagogy on student engagement in classrooms in Southeast Asia. Against the backdrop of the region’s rich cultural diversity, this study aims to identify how a pedagogical approach that values ​​and leverages local cultural aspects can influence levels of student engagement. The method used in this study is a qualitative case study involving data collection through interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis from schools in several Southeast Asian countries. The findings of the study indicate that a culture-based pedagogical approach that integrates local values, traditions, and practices into the curriculum significantly increases student engagement, both in terms of active participation during the teaching and learning process and overall motivation to learn. The article also identifies challenges and strategies in implementing culture-based pedagogy, including the need for teacher training and adaptation of the curriculum to suit local cultural contexts. The conclusions of this study emphasize the importance of cultural integration in education to improve the quality and effectiveness of learning processes in Southeast Asian classrooms.