Reog Ponorogo-Based Discovery Learning to Enhance Science Motivation and Cognitive Abilities of Junior High School Students

Abstract

A person’s success in achieving educational competencies is influenced not only by intellectual factors but also by non-intellectual factors, such as learning motivation. Cognitive ability is another essential component of successful science learning. However, students’ learning motivation and cognitive abilities in science remain relatively low. Therefore, this study aimed to improve students’ learning motivation and cognitive abilities through the implementation of a local wisdom-based discovery learning model. A pre-experimental study employing a one-group pretest-post-test design was conducted. Learning motivation was measured using a questionnaire, cognitive abilities were assessed through pre-test and post-test instruments, and learning implementation was evaluated using an observation sheet. The data were analyzed using N-Gain and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results showed significant improvements in both learning motivation and cognitive abilities after the implementation of the learning model (Wilcoxon, p < 0.001). The N-Gain score for learning motivation was 0.67 (medium), while the N-Gain score for cognitive abilities was 0.54 (medium). The average implementation of learning across three meetings reached 92%, indicating excellent implementation fidelity. This study contributes empirical evidence by demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating Reog Ponorogo local wisdom into the discovery learning model to enhance students’ learning motivation and cognitive abilities in Indonesian junior secondary science education. These findings suggest that integrating local cultural contexts into science instruction can serve as an effective strategy for improving students’ learning outcomes.