Envi-sci project for the living environment: a case study on the university students’ learning experiences in an environmental science project

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Kistantia Elok Mumpuni, Samsul Hadi, Slamet Suyanto, Yasir Sidiq

2025 Environment, Development and Sustainability Article Cited by 2 Quartile Top Tier

Abstract

A fundamental understanding of environmental science is essential for all students. While students majoring in natural sciences are conventionally well-versed in environmental science, those pursuing non-natural science (NNS) disciplines often lack exposure to this vital knowledge. This study aimed to explore the learning experiences of NNS students after engaging in environmental science projects (Envi-sci projects). For this purpose, we investigated the learning experiences of 36 English Language students, as part of NNS, who participated in individualized Envi-sci projects on the theme “prevention and resolving of environmental pollution around their residences.” The students’ learning experiences were collected from reports and both closed and open-ended questionnaires. The data analysis involved qualitative content analysis of students’ reports and open-ended questionnaire responses using the ATLAS.ti application. To obtain reliable results, a quantitative descriptive analysis of closed-ended questionnaire responses utilized the Winsteps Rasch model to support the qualitative content analysis. The results revealed students’ competencies, project impacts, and reflections. The identified competencies included problem-solving, critical thinking, and scientific practices. The project impact highlighted students’ attitude and its effects on others and their environments. This study also analyzed students’ reflections on the Envi-sci project, which showed several responses, including satisfaction with the project, intentions to protect the environment, and a desire to engage in further Envi-sci projects. These results highlight the significant potential for integrating environmental science projects across disciplines and encourage further investigation to measure their impacts on various academic majors. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.

Affiliations

Graduate School of Educational Research and Evaluation, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Department of Biology Education, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia; Department of Biology Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Indonesia