Utilization of Historical Sites in the City of Medan as a Resource for Learning Local History for UISU History Education Students

This study aims to examine the use of historical sites in the city of Medan as a source of learning local history for students of the History Education Study Program, the Islamic University of North Sumatra (UISU). The research uses a descriptive qualitative approach with the type of field research. The research subjects consist of students and lecturers teaching local history courses. Data collection was carried out through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The data was analyzed using an interactive model that included data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawn, and was tested for validity through triangulation of sources and techniques. The results of the study show that the use of historical sites in the city of Medan in learning local history has been carried out, but it has not been systematically integrated in lecture planning. Sites such as Maimun Palace, Al-Mashun Grand Mosque, Tjong A Fie Mansion, and the Kesawan area are used as contextual learning resources that can increase students' interest in learning, active engagement, and understanding of local history. Historical site-based learning also has a positive impact on the development of students' historical thinking skills and fosters awareness of the importance of preserving local cultural heritage. However, this study found several obstacles, including limited lecture time, the lack of optimal integration of field activities in the Semester Learning Plan, and the lack of academic guidance for historical site-based learning. This study recommends the need to develop an integrated and sustainable historical site-based local history learning model to improve the quality of history learning in higher education.