Exploring Ethnopedagogy Through The “Manten Tebu” Dance to Enhance Character Education in Elementary School Students

Abstract

This study explores the implementation of ethnopedagogy through the traditional dance “Manten Tebu” as a medium for character education in elementary schools. Inspired by the local ritual “Buka Giling” from PG Lestari in Patianrowo, Nganjuk, the “Manten Tebu” dance represents cultural values that are deeply rooted in the local community’s traditions. Using a qualitative descriptive approach with ethnographic methods, this research involved cultural experts, dance trainers, teachers, and elementary students. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. The study reveals that the dance serves not only as a cultural expression but also as an effective learning tool for internalizing character values such as religiosity, discipline, cooperation, mutual assistance (gotong royong), and responsibility. These values are reflected in the symbolic movements of the dance and the collaborative learning process. Students engage actively and meaningfully while simultaneously developing a deeper understanding of their cultural identity. Furthermore, the integration of local wisdom into the curriculum supports the preservation of cultural heritage amidst the challenges of globalization. This research contributes to the discourse on culturally responsive education and highlights the importance of developing pedagogical strategies that are rooted in local culture. The findings suggest that ethnopedagogy can be a powerful approach to strengthening character education while maintaining the relevance of traditional values in modern educational contexts.