ENHANCING BASIC ENGLISH AND LEARNING MOTIVATION OF YOUNG LEARNERS THROUGH COMMUNITY SERVICE IN BONE REGENCY

Wahyu; Nirwana Darwis; Siti Nurul Ilmi Hl.; A. Aulia Nurfatihah; Irgi Ahmad Fahrezi

Authors

Wahyu Institut Agama Islam Negeri Bone, Indonesia
Nirwana Darwis Institut Agama Islam Negeri Bone, Indonesia
Siti Nurul Ilmi Hl. Institut Agama Islam Negeri Bone, Indonesia
A. Aulia Nurfatihah Institut Agama Islam Negeri Bone, Indonesia
Irgi Ahmad Fahrezi Institut Agama Islam Negeri Bone, Indonesia

Keywords:

asset based community development, community service, English for young learners, learning motivation, rural education, service learning

Abstract

English provides access to education, information, technology, and wider opportunity, yet many young learners in rural Indonesia meet the language only in formal lessons and rarely use it for real communication, which limits their proficiency and motivation. This community service program, conducted by lecturers and students of the English Education Department at Institut Agama Islam Negeri Bone, aimed to strengthen the basic English competence and learning motivation of young learners in Bone Regency, South Sulawesi. Grounded in asset based community development and service learning, it was delivered through four weekly sessions of about ninety minutes and a closing English Day, using enjoyable and communicative methods that included Total Physical Response, songs, games, picture cards, and simple pair and group tasks. Thirty young learners took part with three lecturers and eight student tutors. The program was evaluated through a vocabulary and expression test administered before and after the program, structured observation across the sessions, and a participant response questionnaire, all analyzed descriptively. The findings show clear gains in basic vocabulary and in willingness to use simple English, accompanied by rising participation, enthusiasm, and confidence, and the program also gave preservice teachers authentic, reflective teaching experience. Short, community based English programs that build on local strengths can make a meaningful contribution to rural young learners while supporting the professional development of student teachers.

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