From Labour to Learning: The Impact of Humanistic Approaches on Students^ Mindsets and Motivation for Higher Education Alpha Amirrachman, Yulia Fernandita, Zahra Hasana Salsabila, Santi Dianah
Faculty of Education, Indonesian International Islamic University (IIIU)
Abstract
Participation in higher education is crucial not only for developing students^ potential but also for fostering social development. However, disparities in access to higher education remain a significant barrier to achieving equal opportunities in ^education for all,^ particularly in disadvantaged areas. Central Kalimantan, one of the extractive regions in Indonesia, ranks the seventh lowest in university participation nationally. It was found that the presence of mining and oil palm plantations leads to a fixed labour market mindset among the local high school students. This mindset views that pursuing higher education is no more valuable than entering the workforce straight after school. This study aims to examine the impact of a humanistic approach intervention on students^ mindsets and motivation for enrolling in higher education. Employing an experimental design, the study involved 32 high school students in Desa Telaga, Kamipang, Katingan, Central Kalimantan. Participants attended a series of interactive sessions that introduced humanistic values, including self-actualization, a growth mindset, and education for social change. Data were collected qualitatively, usin interviews and reflections. Results indicate significant improvements in students^ motivation and growth mindset score. The study highlights a positive shift in their mindset, from the labor market to higher education, after the intervention. These findings suggest that humanistic approaches can effectively challenge prevailing labour market mindset and promote an orientation toward self-actualization that extends beyond merely economic considerations. Finally, this study contributes not only to scholarly discourse but also to practical initiatives that exposure to humanistic values in education can enhance students^ aspirations for higher education, fostering social development in rural Indonesia.
Keywords: Humanistic approaches, Labour market mindset, Students^ motivation, Higher education, Social development
