PjBL-ESD as an innovation in science learning: Cultivating local wisdom values and students' critical thinking skills
Abstract
Sustainability-oriented science education is important to improve critical thinking skills and instill local wisdom values. This study explores the implementation of Project-Based Learning based on Education for Sustainable Development (PjBL-ESD) as an innovation in science learning. This study uses a mixed method with an embedded design. Data were obtained through critical thinking tests, local wisdom value questionnaires, observations, and interviews, then analyzed using N-Gain. The results showed that students who studied with PjBL-ESD experienced a significant increase in critical thinking skills (N-Gain 0.67) in the moderate category. In addition, students better understood and appreciated local wisdom related to environmental conservation through science-based projects and traditional ecological knowledge (N gain 0.25). In conclusion, PjBL-ESD is an effective learning innovation that improves critical thinking skills and strengthens local wisdom values. This approach is recommended to support sustainability education in higher education.
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Creswell, J. W. (2012). Educational Research (P. A. Smith (ed.); 4th ed.). Pearson.
Creswell, J. W., & Plano-Clark, V. . (2007). Choosing a mixed method design. Designing and constructing mixed methods research. In London: Sage Publication. https://books.google.nl/books?hl=nl&lr=&id=51UXBAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR1&dq=creswell+mixed+methods+notation&ots=69GpJ4RsNA&sig=RS6mWCewEIvBXq85S48z1zOPPVM
Dewi, J. S., Siami, D. H., Diah, E., Febriani, A., & Ardianti, R. (2024). Pendidikan Batik Sebagai Upaya Melestarikan Budaya Lokal Yogyakarta Di SDN Kertirejo Batik Education as an Effort to Preserve Yogyakarta ’ s Local Culture at Kertirejo Public Elementary School. Prosiding Seminar Nasional Industri Kerajinan Dan Batik, 1–10.
Ecca, S., & Kasman, N. (2025). Desain Modul Ajar Berbasis Kearifan Lokal untuk Memperkuat Karakter Pelajar Pancasila. Scholaria: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Kebudayaan, 15(1), 23–32.
Hikmah, N., Febriya, D., Asrizal, A., & Mufit, F. (2023). Impact of the Project-Based Learning Model on Students’ Critical and Creative Thinking Skills in Science and Physics Learning: A Meta-Analysis. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(10), 892–902. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i10.4384
Laia, B. (2024). Pemanfaatan Kearifan Lokal Dalam Pembelajaran Ekonomi Untuk Meningkatkan Relevansi Kurikulum. PNDRUMI: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Dan Humaniora, 7(2), 62–71.
Nawangsari, N. S. P. P. D. G. (2022). The Effect of DiSTAD Learning Model on the Critical Thinking Skill and Learning Motivation. Jurnal Prima Edukasia, 10(1), 19–27. https://doi.org/10.24036/eksakta/vol23-iss03/321
Nicholas Dimmitt. (2017). The Power Of Project Based Learning: Experiential Education To Develop Critical Thinking Skills For University Students," CBU International Conference Proceedings. CBU International Conference Proceedings, 05(1), 575–579.
Prastyaningrum, I., Ardi, P., & Wahyudi, W. (2024). Analysis of Creativity and Critical Thinking Skills Through Project-Based Learning of Smart Solar Panel System. Journal of Instructional and Development Researches. https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:273787108
Ramadhani, W. S., Azizah, U., & Nasrudin, H. (2024). Project-Based Learning on Critical Thinking Skills in Science Learning: Meta-analysis. SAR Journal - Science and Research, 7(2), 136–142. https://doi.org/10.18421/sar72-10
Rogovaya, O., Larchenkova, L., & Gavronskaya, Y. (2019). Critical thinking in STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Utopia y Praxis Latinoamericana, 24(Extra6), 32–41.
Setiawan, I., Sudarmin, S., & Partaya, P. (2023). Development of Project-Based Ethno-STEM Online Learning Module to Increase Interpersonal Literacy and Learning Outcome. Journal of Innovative Science Education, 12(2), 192–200. https://doi.org/10.15294/jise.v12i2.72020
Setyowati*, Y., Kaniawati, I., Sriyati, S., Nurlaelah, E., & Hernani, H. (2022). The Development of Science Teaching Materials Based on the PjBL-STEM Model and ESD Approach on Environmental Pollution Materials. Jurnal IPA & Pembelajaran IPA, 6(1), 45–53. https://doi.org/10.24815/jipi.v6i1.23571
Siswoyo, A. A., Wijaya, B. R., & Efendi, S. F. (2024). Electronic Student Worksheets Based on Project-Based Learning Integrated with Local Wisdom in Social Science Subjects As a Form of Implementation of Creative Pedagogy Learning in Elementary School. Al-Bidayah : Jurnal Pendidikan Dasar Islam, 16(2), 369–400. https://doi.org/10.14421/al-bidayah.v16i2.10201
Vilmala, B K, Karniawati, I., Suhandi, A., & ... (2022). A Literature Review of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Science Learning: What, Why, and How. In Journal of Natural …. researchgate.net. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Berry-Vilmala/publication/360467381_A_Literature_Review_of_Education_for_Sustainable_Development_ESD_in_Science_Learning_What_Why_and_How/links/628ce16c345118162aa2e2db/A-Literature-Review-of-Education-for-Sustainable-
Vilmala, Berry Kurnia, Kaniawati, I., Suhandi, A., & Permanasari, A. (2022). ESD integrated STEM education : What are the perceptions of prospective science teacher students ESD Integrated STEM Education : What are the Perceptions of Prospective Science Teacher Students. 060040(December).
Wibowo, A. M., Utaya, S., Wahjoedi, W., Zubaidah, S., Amin, S., & Prasad, R. R. (2024). Critical Thinking and Collaboration Skills on Environmental Awareness in Project-Based Science Learning. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 13(1), 103–115. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v13i1.48561
Widesma, A. V. (Annisa), & Adnan, M. F. (M). (2019). The Role of Local Wisdom Values in the Implementation of the Development of Nagari Kamang Mudiak, Agam District, West Sumatera. Jurnal Ilmu Sosial Dan Ilmu Politik UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, 9(2), 249–255. https://www.neliti.com/id/publications/434171/
Wulandari, T., Wicaksana, E. J., & Anggereini, E. (2024). The Influence of the Project-Based Learning ( PjBL ) Model on Student ’ s Science Process Skills and Critical Thinking. 10(9), 6720–6725. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i9.8367
Zahroh, F., Suwarsi, E., & Ridlo, S. (2022). The The Effectiveness Of Project Based Learning Learning Model Based On Local Wisdom Plantae Material To Improve Students’ Science Literacy Ability. Journal of Innovative Science Education, 11(2), 132–136. https://doi.org/10.15294/jise.v10i1.45187
Authors
Vilmala, B. K., Kisworo, B., Rihan, H. G., & Syafriani, S. (2025). PjBL-ESD as an innovation in science learning: Cultivating local wisdom values and students’ critical thinking skills. Journal of Environment and Sustainability Education, 3(1), 62–70. https://doi.org/10.62672/joease.v3i1.62
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