Work

Adiwiyata as Green School Discourse: Lessons Learned from Indonesia using Social Semiotic Theory

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Ecological awareness is a global priority, and Green School initiatives seek to embed environmental education in everyday school practice. This study examines how the “Green School” is discursively constructed by interpreting visual materials from Indonesian schools designated as Adiwiyata (Green) Schools. Guided by social semiotic theory, we conducted a phenomenological interpretative analysis. The analytical framework follows three metafunctions: Ideational, interpersonal, and textual. We analysed images, icons, and posters associated with two recurring activity domains: (1) greening the school environment and (2) promoting environmentally friendly behaviour. The findings indicate that Adiwiyata discourse foregrounds ecological awareness, normalises pro-environmental practices, and positions students and teachers as key agents of environmental preservation.

Source: Australian Journal of Environmental Education

DOI: 10.1017/aee.2025.10118

Authors: Ambar Sri Lestari, Imelda Wahyuni

Institutions: Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Kendari

Language: English

Topic: Environmental and sustainability education

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,550