Learning media can convey teaching material that can stimulate thoughts, feelings, attention, and interest in learning. Interesting media will make the learning process more enjoyable so that the understanding gained will be absorbed optimally. According to Edward, culture is a complex whole that includes knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, laws, customs, and other abilities acquired by humans, learned, and passed down from generation to generation. Learning Media (LM) aims to provide convenience in understanding foreign cultures.
This year Learning Media took the theme “Circus Carousel: Spinning into Knowledge”. The “Circus Carousel: Spinning into Knowledge” is an educational activity that combines the excitement of a circus with the thrill of a game, creating a unique learning experience. This learning media utilizes a spin wheel game to engage participants in an interactive journey through world cultures. The activity aims to broaden students’ knowledge and appreciation of global diversity by challenging them with questions related to the cultures of various countries. The playful format makes learning about different cultures both fun and memorable. Players will be invited to take part in exciting challenges designed to introduce aspects of foreign cultures interactively and entertainingly from various countries, namely England, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and China.
Learning Media was held offline at the Student Centre of Yogyakarta State University. The event runs from 15 June to 21 June 2024, with sessions running from 8 am to 8 pm every day for a week. As each participant spun the wheel, the spin wheel would land on one of the six countries, prompting the facilitator to ask a question related to that country’s culture. The questions varied in difficulty and covered various topics, including traditional customs, famous landmarks, popular foods, and important historical events. For example, if the wheel landed on Japan, a question might involve identifying a traditional Japanese festival or describing the significance of sushi in Japanese culture. This format ensured that participants not only learned new information but also engaged with the material dynamically and interactively. The element of chance introduced by the spin wheel added an element of excitement, as participants eagerly awaited which country they would learn about next.
The “Circus Carousel: Spinning into Knowledge” was a resounding success, offering participants a fun and educational experience that deepened their understanding of world cultures. The spin wheel game proved to be an effective learning tool, capturing the participants’ attention and making the acquisition of knowledge an enjoyable process. By the end of the activity, students had not only enhanced their cultural awareness but also developed a greater appreciation for diversity worldwide. The positive reception of the event underscores the value of using innovative, game-based learning media to enrich educational experiences.
-Devita
