Learning Technology Trough Making Trash Dolls for Self-Expression and Kindergarten Teacher-Student Interaction

Abstract

Teachers are one of the contributing factors in determining the quality of educational
outcomes. Besides being required to have proper and good teaching skills, teachers also
need to be physically and mentally healthy. Mental health issues are an important part of
learning. Teachers who have good mental health are able to think positively, so that in the
learning process, students will be able to optimize themselves, both physically,
psychologically, and socio-spiritually. Psychoeducation of mental health literacy in art-
based learning of making trash dolls aims to improve the ability to express themselves and
interact between teachers and students. This activity is expected to provide skills, insight,
and knowledge on the importance of mental health literacy in the learning process in
schools. This is because the art of making trash dolls can function as a means of therapy
and self-expression. The methods applied in this activity are field visits, discussions,
interviews, psychoeducation, and training for 19 teachers from 3 kindergartens in Gonilan
Village. The results of the evaluation showed that 100% of the participants benefited from
the psychoeducation and training provided. The benefits include an understanding of
mental health issues, the importance of maintaining a positive mental state in the learning
process, a variety of creative and interesting learning strategies, gaining skills in making
art in the form of trash dolls, and being able to express oneself, so that feelings become
calmer and more relaxed, and comfortable in learning and interacting with students.
Keywords: trash doll, art therapy, self-expression, mental health