Abstract:
This study aims to find out efforts to increase the sense of nationalism
through the comic media Cermat Bhineka at the 'Aisyiyah Pandan
Guidance Studio, Malaysia. Nationalism is an important value in the
formation of national identity that must be instilled in the younger
generation, especially in a multicultural context. Cermat Bhineka's comic
media was chosen as a tool to convey national messages in a more
interesting and easy-to-understand way for children. This study uses a
qualitative approach with the classroom action research method, which
involves planning, implementation, observation, and reflection activities
in certain cycles. Data were collected through observation, interviews,
and documentation during the learning process at the 'Aisyiyah Pandan
Guidance Center. With the subject, namely 22 students. The results of
the study showed that there was a significant increase in students' sense
of nationalism after the implementation of Cermat Bhineka's comic
media. At the pre-action stage, most of the students were in the low
category, with a percentage of 41.4%. However, after the application of
the Cermat Bhineka comic in Cycle I, there was an increase with a better
average score of 60.8%. Further improvements were recorded in Cycle
II, where all students were in the high category with an average excellent
score of 85.3%. In addition, the assessment of the practicality of Cermat
Bhineka's comic media showed that the use of this media was very
practical in improving student understanding, with the percentage of
practicality reaching 90.75%. The use of Cermat Bhineka comics can
increase students' understanding and sense of nationalism, which is
reflected in increased participation, discussion, and appreciation of
cultural diversity and national values. Based on these findings, it is
recommended that comic media continue to be developed and used as
one of the learning methods to arouse the spirit of nationalism in the
younger generation, especially in a multicultural environment such as
Malaysia.
