Integrating Local Wisdom in STEM-Based Science Learning in Elementary Schools: Challenges and Reflections from Implementation

Kinanti Pangestu, Puji Lestari, Ikhlasul Ardi Nugroho

Abstract


This study aims to explore the challenges and reflections arising during the implementation of a local wisdom-integrated STEM-based science learning model in elementary schools. The research was conducted in a fifth-grade class using the topic of heat transfer contextualized with local wisdom through kawung batik-making activities. Using a descriptive qualitative design, data were collected through participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. The results indicate that integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics within culturally relevant contexts encouraged active student participation, improved conceptual understanding, and supported the development of 21st-century skills. However, challenges emerged, including limited time allocation for project-based learning, the need for careful safety management when using hot wax, and ensuring all students remained engaged during the hands-on activities. From the teacher’s perspective, clear and structured implementation steps were essential to managing the class effectively and ensuring learning objectives were achieved. Reflection on this implementation emphasizes the importance of adapting STEM learning models to local cultural contexts while maintaining scientific rigor and safety, providing practical insights for teachers seeking to develop meaningful and contextual science learning experiences in elementary schools.

Full Text:

PDF

References


Arjaya, I. B. A., Suastra, I. W., Redhana, I. W., & Sudiatmika, A. A. I. A. R. (2024). Global Trends in Local Wisdom Integration in Education: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Mapping Analysis from 2020 to 2024. International Journal of Learning Teaching and Educational Research, 23(7), 120–140. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.23.7.7

Aswirna, P., Samad, D., Devi, I. S., Fahmi, R., & Jannah, R. (2022). STEM-Based E-Module Integrated Local Wisdom of Rice Stem Fertilizers on Students’ Critical and Creative Thinking. Al-Ta Lim Journal, 29(1), 15–23. https://doi.org/10.15548/JT.V29I1.764

Chai, C. S., Rahmawati, Y., & Jong, M. S. Y. (2020). Indonesian Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Preservice Teachers’ Experiences in STEM-TPACK Design-Based Learning. Sustainability 2020, Vol. 12, Page 9050, 12(21), 9050. https://doi.org/10.3390/SU12219050

Fajrina, S., Lufri, L., & Ahda, Y. (2020). Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as a learning approach to improve 21st century skills: A review. International Journal of Online and Biomedical Engineering, 16(7), 95–104. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v16i07.14101

Fitrianto, I., & Farisi, M. (2025). Integrating Local Wisdom into 21st Century Skills: A Contextual Framework for Culturally Relevant Pedagogy in Rural Classrooms. International Journal of Post Axial: Futuristic Teaching and Learning, 3(2), 109–121. https://doi.org/10.59944/POSTAXIAL.V3I2.444

Gizaw, G., & Sota, S. (2023). Improving Science Process Skills of Students: A Review of Literature. Science Education International, 34(3), 216–224. https://doi.org/10.33828/sei.v34.i3.5

Hastuti, P. W., Setianingsih, W., & Anjarsari, P. (2020). How to develop students’ scientific literacy through integration of local wisdom in Yogyakarta on science learning? Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1440(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1440/1/012108

Idris, N., Talib, O., & Razali, F. (2022). Strategies in Mastering Science Process Skills in Science Experiments: A Systematic Literature Review. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 11(1), 155–170. https://doi.org/10.15294/JPII.V11I1.32969

Ilhami, A., Riandi, R., & Sriyati, S. (2019). Implementation of science learning with local wisdom approach toward environmental literacy. Journal of Physics Conference Series, 1157(2). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742- 6596/1157/2/022030

Ni’mah, V. L., Imamah, N. S., Sasmi, R. R., Rosyida, K. M. I., Nurlailiyah, A., & Suliyanah, S. (2024). Concept Analysis of Heat and Temperature in Batik Gedog. International Journal of Research and Community Empowerment, 2(2), 30–39. https://doi.org/10.58706/IJORCE.V2N2.P30-39

Nugroho, O. F., Permanasari, A., Firman, H., & Riandi. (2019). STEM approach based on local wisdom to enhance sustainability literacy. Aip Conference Proceedings, 2194. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5139804

Peningkatan, U., Berpikir, K., Siswa, K., Dasar, S., Irma, E., Davidi, N., Sennen, E., & Supardi, K. (2021). Integrasi Pendekatan STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic) Untuk Peningkatan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Sekolah Dasar. Scholaria: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Kebudayaan, 11(1), 11–22. https://doi.org/10.24246/J.JS.2021.V11.I1.P11-22

Smith, K., Maynard, N., Berry, A., Stephenson, T., Spiteri, T., Corrigan, D., Mansfield, J., Ellerton, P., & Smith, T. (2022). Principles of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in STEM Education: Using Expert Wisdom and Research to Frame Educational Practice. Education Sciences, 12(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12100728

Susiloningsih, E., Fathurohman, A., Maharani, S. D., Fathurohman, M. F., Suratmi, & Nurani, D. C. (2025). Integration of STEM Approach in Science Education: Enhancing Students’ Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Engagement in Elementary Schools in Palembang. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 11(4), 10–19. https://doi.org/10.29303/JPPIPA.V11I4.10615

Syahputra, A., Harahap, R. D., & Safitri, I. (2022). An Analysis of Student Learning Challenges in Elementary School Science Subject. Jurnal Kependidikan: Jurnal Hasil Penelitian Dan Kajian Kepustakaan Di Bidang Pendidikan, Pengajaran Dan Pembelajaran, 8(1), 237–247. https://doi.org/10.33394/JK.V8I1.4508

Usmeldi, & Amini, R. (2020). The effect of integrated science learning based on local wisdom to increase the students competency. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1470(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1470/1/012028

Verawati, N. N. S. P., & Wahyudi, W. (2024). Raising the Issue of Local Wisdom in Science Learning and Its Impact on Increasing Students’ Scientific Literacy. International Journal of Ethnoscience and Technology in Education, 1(1), 42–54. https://doi.org/10.33394/IJETE.V1I1.10881

Vieira, R. M., & Tenreiro-Vieira, C. (2016). Fostering Scientific Literacy and Critical Thinking in Elementary Science Education. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 14(4), 659–680. https://doi.org/10.1007/S10763-014- 9605-2/TABLES/7

Zakirman, Z., Gusta, W., & Rahayu, C. (2022). Analysis of Problems in Science Learning at The Elementary School. Jurnal Ilmiah Profesi Pendidikan, 7(1), 24–29. https://doi.org/10.29303/JIPP.V7I1.349


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


This proceeding series is indexed by:

ipiii.pnggoogle.png

ISSN: 2987-2448