INTEGRATING BANYUMAS LOCAL WISDOM INTO AI-BASED INTERACTIVE LEARNING MEDIA TO ENHANCE STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY

Abstract

Vocabulary mastery is a fundamental component of English language learning, yet many students struggle due to the lack of engaging and contextual learning media. Integrating local culture offers a promising approach to enhancing relevance and motivation in language acquisition. Objective: This study aims to develop an AI-based interactive learning application that integrates Banyumas cultural content to improve vocabulary mastery among students in the English Education Study Program. Method: The research employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach using the ADDIE model. The application was developed with five main modules: Banyumas Cultural Gallery, Thematic Vocabulary, Interactive Narratives, Vocabulary Practice Chatbot, and Self-Assessment.     The media was tested on 60 students in April 2025 through pre-test and post-test evaluation, perception surveys, and expert validation. Results: The findings showed a significant improvement in students’ vocabulary scores (from 62.3 to 81.7, p < 0.001). Students demonstrated high levels of engagement, ease of use, and strong cultural relevance. The integration of local wisdom not only enhanced vocabulary retention but also strengthened motivation and cultural awareness. This study highlights the pedagogical potential of combining AI technology with local cultural content to create meaningful, adaptive, and sustainable language learning experiences.