Analysis of Learning Needs for Contextual Mechanics Based on Local Wisdom among Students in Maluku

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the needs of contextual mechanics learning based on local wisdom for students in archipelagic areas such as Maluku. The study uses a mixed-methods approach. The research subjects consisted of 72 students from two educational institutions in Maluku. Data were collected through questionnaires, observations, and interviews with teachers and students, and were then analysed descriptively both quantitatively and qualitatively. The results show that students' difficulties are not only in solving calculation problems (77.78%), but also in understanding the concepts of force and motion, as well as in having low self-confidence in learning physics. The learning process is still dominated by lectures and problem-solving exercises (81.94%), with minimal practical activities and rare connections to everyday life phenomena. On the other hand, the majority of students (>90%) expressed a need for interactive and contextual learning, as well as support for integrating local phenomena such as boat activities and fishermen as learning resources. Therefore, the development of contextual mechanics learning based on Maluku's local wisdom becomes an urgent pedagogical need to enhance students' conceptual understanding, scientific literacy, and meaningful learning for students in the archipelago.