Pelatihan Kepenulisan Kreatif sebagai Program Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat: Tantangan dan Strategi Pelaksanaan di SMP Negeri 3 Turi, Sleman

Abstract

This community service program implemented creative writing training to strengthen students’ literacy culture at SMP Negeri 3 Turi, Sleman, involving students from grades VII, VIII, and IX with support from teachers, facilitators, and student volunteers, and was carried out through participatory mentoring, classroom facilitation, and reflective evaluation, with data collected from participatory observation, facilitators’ reflective notes, and documentation of students’ work. During implementation, challenges such as students’ writing anxiety, low self-confidence, varied literacy abilities, limited instructional time, and classroom management in large groups were identified; therefore, facilitators applied adaptive strategies including ice-breaking activities to build psychological readiness, free writing without formal assessment to reduce pressure, gradual scaffolding through personalized assistance, and appreciation sessions to enhance students’ motivation. Overall, the program’s reflection shows that a humanistic approach and flexible facilitation are crucial in creating a supportive writing environment, contributing positively to students’ confidence, participation, and engagement in creative writing practices within the school context.