Work

Enhancing students’ environmental awareness in rural and urban schools through problem and design process based learning model with steam

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The problem of this research is that the environmental awareness of students in Indonesia is low. To address this challenge, a learning model that emphasizes problem identification, design processes, and interdisciplinary integration is considered essential. Therefore, a learning experiment was conducted using the Problem and Design Process Based Learning (PDP-BL) model through the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) approach. This study aims to (1) determine the effect of the PDP-BL model on students' environmental awareness and (2) examine its effectiveness in improving environmental awareness. The research employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest with two groups (experimental and control). The population consisted of grade X high school students in Central Java Province, Indonesia (N = 6,183,910), with a total sample of 136 students, consisting of 70 from rural areas (School X) and 66 from urban areas (School Y). Each included an experimental group (rural = 35, urban = 33) and a control group (rural = 35, urban = 33), aged 15–16 years with a balanced gender ratio. The experimental group (EG) received instruction using the PDP-BL model through the STEAM approach, focusing on problem identification, design-based solutions, and interdisciplinary learning, whereas the control group (CG) was taught through conventional, teacher-centered methods. Data were analyzed using normality, homogeneity, MANOVA, N-Gain, and Effect Size tests. The findings showed significant improvements in students’ environmental awareness (MANOVA, p = 0.00 < 0.05), with an effective N-Gain and moderate Effect Size. It is concluded that implementing the PDP-BL model through the STEAM approach effectively enhances students’ environmental awareness while fostering scientific attitudes, problem-solving skills, and self-efficacy.

Source: Discover Education

DOI: 10.1007/s44217-025-01006-3

Authors: Frendi Ihwan Syamsudin, Sulistyo Saputro, Sarwanto, Puguh Karyanto, Azlan Kamari

Institutions: Sriwijaya University, Sebelas Maret University, Sultan Idris Education University

Language: English

Topic: STEM Education

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,390