This study analyzes the effectiveness of historical costume reconstruction through cosplay in the Fashion Development History course for 21 students of the Yogyakarta Academy of Social Welfare (AKK) class of 2025. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the study compared a cosplay experimental group (n=11) and a conventional lecturing control group (n=10) over 14 weeks, with pre- and post-tests, assessment rubrics, motivation questionnaires, observations, interviews, and portfolio analysis as instruments. Results showed a significant increase in knowledge in the cosplay group (pre-test 62.5 to post-test 88.7, gain score 26.2 points, Wilcoxon Z=-2.97, p=0.003) versus the control group (14.2 points, p=0.012), with an intergroup difference of Mann-Whitney U=12.5 (p=0.001). Intrinsic motivation increased by Δ1.24 points (p=0.002), and the cosplay rubric achieved a historical accuracy of 4.45/5, supported by four qualitative themes: tactile experience, local material challenges, performative motivation, and 3D printing recommendations. The integration of the joint display matrix confirmed the 35% superiority of the cosplay method in improving conceptual understanding, technical skills, and appreciation of Renaissance-nusantara fashion culture through local batik (portfolio accuracy of 92%). The conclusion recommends this learning model for the national vocational curriculum in line with Merdeka Belajar, with implications for preserving Indonesian fashion heritage in the digital era.
Copyrights © 2026