Strategies of social adaptation of students in multi ethnic schools in the new normal era in elementary school, Tegal City, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the social adaptation strategies of students in the new normal era and to analyze the obstacles faced by students in social adaptation. The implementation of face-to-face learning during the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2023. They had to adapt to situations different from before the COVID-19 pandemic. Students had to have social adaptation strategies to interact with their friends at school. Wearing masks in class and keeping a distance when interacting with friends requires strategies to avoid conflicts because PHB is a multi- ethnic Elementary School. The students come from various ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Tolerance values still have to be developed. The study used a qualitative research method, especially a case study. Observation, interviews, and documentation techniques were the techniques to collect data. Its subjects were students. Triangulation, namely, source and method triangulation, was implemented to test its credibility. Data analysis techniques include data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and concluding. Results of the study stated that there was habituation of students at school. In addition, the social capital that students have affected their social adaptation process. Students’ social adaptation strategies are carried out by collaborating between students in learning and developing the value of tolerance in school activities. Obstacles to implementing students’ social adaptation strategies at PHB are related to the student’s age and maturity level. Another obstacle occurred in the implementation of learning in the classroom.