Desy Purwasih, Insih Wilujeng, Antuni Wiyarsi, Rizki Zakwandi
The socio-scientific issues (SSI) approach offers a promising framework for delivering science education in a more contextual and meaningful manner. To effectively implement SSI-based learning, appropriate instructional models are essential. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated instructional design utilizing the connected model and grounded in local potential to enhance students’ ecological literacy (EL). A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving three classes from a junior high school in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, selected through cluster-random sampling. The sample included a control group (17 boys, 14 girls), a model group (15 boys, 20 girls), and an experimental group (11 boys, 19 girls), with class assignments determined randomly. Data were gathered using an ecological literacy assessment instrument comprising nine items in both multiple-choice and open-ended formats, with a reliability coefficient of 0.77. The findings revealed that the implementation of integrated instruction based on discovery learning (DL) and the SSI approach, contextualized by the local potential of Kembang Island, significantly improved students’ ecological literacy (p = 0.002). These results support the integration of locally relevant content into science instruction to foster ecological awareness and promote environmental stewardship. The study underscores the importance of leveraging local potential as a valuable educational resource to cultivate ecologically literate and environmentally responsible learners. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.
Department of Science Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Department of Physics Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia
