Development of A Contextual-Based Encyclopedia Entitled "Economic Conditions in My Area" For Grade V Students at SD Negeri 45 Lubuklinggau

Background: The development of teaching materials suited to local context is essential for helping elementary school students understand economic conditions in their region. Aims: This study aims to develop a contextual-based encyclopedia on the topic "Economic Conditions in My Region" that is valid, practical, and effective for use by fifth-grade students at SD Negeri 45 Lubuklinggau. Method: This study employed the Research and Development (R&D) method, comprising needs analysis, content development, expert validation, limited trial testing, data collection and analysis, and product evaluation and refinement. Data were collected through observation, interviews, documentation, questionnaires, and tests. Results: Validation results showed that the developed encyclopedia is suitable for use in learning, with scores of 0.93 for language, 0.93 for media, and 0.97 for content, yielding an average validity score of 0.94 (high category). Practicality test results showed approval rates of 86.67% from individual student responses, 86.67% from small group responses, and 96% from teacher responses, with an average of 89.78% (very practical category). The contextual-based encyclopedia also improved students' understanding of local economic material, as reflected in a pretest score of 47.96, a posttest score of 82.03, and an N-gain score of 0.65 (moderate category). Conclusion: The contextual-based encyclopedia is suitable for use as a learning medium to enhance fifth-grade students' understanding of the material "Economic Conditions in My Region."