DEVELOPING LOCAL CONTENT LISTENING MATERIAL FOR 7<sup>TH</sup> GRADE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

This study aimed to develop local culture-based listening materials for seventh-grade junior high school students in Ambon to address the limited availability of culturally relevant resources and insufficient audio materials in existing English textbooks. The research employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach adapted from Borg and Gall’s model. Data were gathered through textbook analysis, teacher interviews, student questionnaires, expert validation, and field trials. The developed product was evaluated by material and media experts before being tested in small-group and operational field implementations to determine its validity, practicality, and effectiveness. The results demonstrated that the materials satisfied established standards for content, language, instructional design, and media quality. Students perceived the materials as engaging, culturally relevant, and easy to use, while also showing improved listening comprehension and greater learning motivation. Designed to support the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum, the materials provide English teachers with supplementary listening resources that integrate local cultural values into language instruction. The study contributes to English language teaching by combining Ambonese cultural content with technology-supported learning through QR-code-based audio materials. Its novelty lies in the systematic R&D process, encompassing needs analysis, expert validation, and multiple field trials, resulting in culturally responsive materials that enhance both listening proficiency and classroom engagement.