Interactive Local Wisdom-Based History Teaching Material: Enhancing Cultural Understanding Among Senior High School Students in Kerinci

Background/purpose. The lack of culturally contextualised teaching materials in history education has led to limited understanding of local traditions among senior high school students. This study aimed to develop interactive history teaching materials based on Kenduri Sko, a significant cultural practice in Kerinci, to enhance students' cultural understanding and engagement in history learning. Materials/methods. This developmental research adopted the Four-D model (Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate). A total of 120 senior high school students (62 females and 58 males) aged 16–18 from three schools in Kerinci Regency, Indonesia, participated in the study. The materials were implemented over four weeks. Data were collected using pre-tests, post-tests, expert validation forms, and student questionnaires. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and an independent samples t-test to measure the materials' effectiveness. Results. The findings revealed a significant improvement in students' cultural understanding, with post-test scores increasing by 35% compared to pre-test results (p < 0.01). Students reported higher engagement and motivation when using the interactive teaching materials compared to conventional textbooks. Expert evaluations rated the materials as “excellent” in terms of content quality, pedagogical approach, and cultural relevance. Conclusion. The study concludes that interactive history teaching materials based on Kenduri Sko effectively enhance students' cultural understanding and engagement in learning. This approach not only enriches students' historical knowledge but also fosters an appreciation for local wisdom. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of these materials in different educational settings.