ABSTRACT: The development of Civic Education cannot be isolated from globalization tendency that influences the students’ life. However, the recent fact in Indonesia is that learning is still dominated by conventional system. Thus, the implementation of learning oriented to “contextualized multiple intelligences” concept is still far away from its wish. This study aimed to describe the effect of contextual learning in Civic Education on students’ civic skills. The process of study used quantitative approach with survey method. The population of study was Junior High School students in West Java, Indonesia, taught by Civic Education teachers who had followed Competence-Based Integrated Training. The total sample was 1,004 students based on cluster, proportional, and systematic random sampling. The result of study showed that contextual learning in West Java Junior High Schools belonged to average category. The civic skills of Junior High School students in West Java were belonged to high category. There was significant effect of contextual learning on students’ civic skills, which was shown with correlation by 0.48 and contribution by 23%. Therefore, teachers should apply contextual learning, the government should develop effective training system to improve the teachers’ competence in contextual learning and teacher education institution should develop innovation of learning model involving school.

KEY WORDS: Contextual learning, civic education, students’ civic skills, thinking skill and participative skill, and good and democratic citizens.

About the Author: Dr. Hj. Kokom Komalasari is a Lecturer at the Department of Civic Education, Faculty of Social Studies Education UPI (Indonesia University of Education), Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No.229 Bandung 40154, West Java, Indonesia. She can be reached at: komsari36@yahoo.co.id

How to cite this article? Komalasari, Kokom. (2012). “The Effect of Contextual Learning in Civic Education on Students’ Civic Skills” in EDUCARE: International Journal for Educational Studies, Vol.4(2) February, pp.179-190. Bandung, Indonesia: Minda Masagi Press owned by ASPENSI in Bandung, West Java; and FKIP UMP in Purwokerto, Central Java, ISSN 1979-7877.

Chronicle of the article: Accepted (December 15, 2011); Revised (January 20, 2012); and Published (February 17, 2012).

Berns, R.G. & P.M. Erickson. (2001). “Contextual Teaching and Learning: The Highlight Zone, Research @ Work No.5” in http:/www.nccte.org/publications/infosynthesis/highlightzone/highlight05/index.asp [accessed in Bandung, Indonesia: 17 October 2011].

Blanchard, A. (2003). “Contextual Teaching and Learning” in www.horizonshelpr.org/contextual/contextual.htm-8k [accessed in Bandung, Indonesia: 17 October 2011].

Branson, M.S. (1999). Belajar Civic Education dari Amerika. Yogyakarta: Cooperation between LKIS and the Asia Foundation.

Brown, W.F. & W.H. Holtzman. (1967). Survey of Study Habits and Attitudes. New York: Psychological Corporation.

Bruner, J. (1977). The Process of Education. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

Forgarty, R. (1991). How to Integrate the Curricula. Illinois: Skylight.

Glasersfeld, E. (1989). Cognition, Construction of Knowledge, and Teaching. Washington D.C.: National Science Foundation.

Hull, D. & J.C. Sounders. (1996). “The Coming Challenge: Are Community Colleges Ready for the New Wave of Contextual Learners?” in Community College Journal, 67(2), October, pp.15-17.

Johnson, E.B. (2002). Contextual Teaching and Learning: What it is and Why it is Here to Stay? California, USA: Corwin Press, Inc.

Komalasari, K. (2008). “Pengaruh Pembelajaran Kontekstual terhadap Kompetensi Kewarganegaraan Siswa SMP (Sekolah Menengah Pertama)”. Unpublished Dr. Dissertation. Bandung: Post-Graduate Program UPI (Indonesia University of Education).

Mathews, B. & P. Cleary. (1993). Integrated Curriculum in Use: Practical Ideas for Planning and Assessment. Melbourne: Ashton Scholastic Pty Limited.

NCLC [National Center for Learning and Citizenship]. (2007). “Resources to Assess Student Civic Competencies and School Climate” in http://www.nclc.org [accessed in Bandung, Indonesia: 30 March 2011].

Piaget, J. (1951). The Child’s Conception of the World. Savage, Maryland: Littlefield Publishers.

Piaget, J. (1967). Six Psychological Studies. New York: Vintage Books.

Quigley, C.N., J.H. Buchanan & C.F. Bahmueller. (1991). Civitas: A Framework for Civic Education. Calabasas: CCE [Center of Civic Education].

Semiawan, C.R., A.S. Munandar & U. Munandar. (2002). Memupuk Bakat dan Kreativitas Siswa Sekolah Menengah: Petunjuk bagi Guru dan Orang Tua. Jakarta: PT Gramedia.

Singleton, R. et al. (1998). Approaches to Social Research. New York: Oxford University Press.

Sounders, J. (1999). “Contextually Based Learning: Fad or Proven Practice?” in http://www.uga.edu/fb070999.htm [accessed in Bandung, Indonesia: 16 June 2011].

Vygotsky, L.S. (1978). Mind in Society. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.