The Influence of "Longko' Toraya" Values on Students' Attention In English Language Learning for The Tenth Grade Students at SMKS Rindingallo Toraja Utara

This study aims to explore the integration of longko’ toraya values on students’ attention in English language learning for the tenth grade students at SMKS Rindingallo, North Toraja. Longko’ toraya is a local cultural value of the Toraja community that emphasizes a sense of shame, self-respect, and social responsibility, functioning as a behavioral control mechanism.

This study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. The data were collected through classroom observations, in-depth interviews with the English teacher and students, and documentation, including the analysis of curriculum documents and lesson plans (RPP). The data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings revealed that the integration of longko’ toraya values in English language learning was implemented through teacher’s verbal reinforcement, classroom rules, contextual teaching approaches, and teacher modeling, which were also reflected in curriculum documents and lesson plans. In addition, students’ attention improved as indicated by their focus during lessons, active participation, timely task completion, and reduced disruptive behavior. Longko’ toraya values functioned as an internal control that encouraged students to be disciplined, respect the teacher, and maintain concentration during the learning process. Furthermore, the integration of longko’ toraya values has positive impacts on students, including increased self-awareness, improved moral character, stronger sense of responsibility, and higher motivation and engagement in learning. Students also demonstrated more orderly behavior, greater respect for the learning process, and better self-control in the classroom environment.

In conclusion, the integration of longko’ toraya values has a positive impact on both students’ attention and character development in English language learning. This study highlights that local cultural values are relevant in supporting character education within the current curriculum framework.