The Implementation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)-Based Natural Science Learning to Empower Critical Thinking Skills and Scientific Literacy
DOI:
10.29303/jppipa.v11i9.12722Published:
2025-09-25Downloads
Abstract
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)-Based Science learning is important for strengthening students’ scientific literacy and critical thinking skills. This study aims to analyze ESD-based science learning conducted by teachers affiliated with the Surakarta City’s Subject Teacher Forum (MGMP) for Natural Science. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach. The sample used in this research consisted of 25 teachers affiliated with the Surakarta City’s MGMP for Natural Science. Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews, questionnaires and documentation. The data analysis technique used is Miles and Huberman’s interactive analysis method. The results of research show that the majority of teachers understand the concept of ESD, are able to design contextual learning, and facilitate reflective activities and projects relevant to sustainability issues. Learning encourages the students to think critically, discuss, and develop scientific literacy in an applied manner. However, challenges are still encountered in teaching material preparation and limited learning resources. This study emphasizes the urgency of training, policy support, and institutional synergy to strengthen the sustainability of ESD implementation in Natural Science education.
Keywords:
Critical thinking Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Natural science learning Scientific literacyReferences
Amyyana, A. H., Paristiowati, M., & Kurniadewi, F. (2017). Pirolisis Sederhana Limbah Plastik dan Implementasinya sebagai Sumber Belajar Berbasis ESD pada Pembelajaran Kimia. Jurnal Riset Pendidikan Kimia, 7(1), 14–21. Retrieved from journal.unj.ac.id/unj/index.php/jrpk/article/view/3093/2491
Araneo, P. (2024). Exploring Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Course Content in Higher Education; A Multiple Case Study Including What Students Say They Like. Environmental Education Research, 30(4), 631–660. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2023.2280438
Ariyatun, A., Winarto, W., Syaifuddin, S., & Krityaningrum, D. H. (2024). Profile of Students’ Scientific Literacy Competence and Attitudes toward Online Learning Using Microsoft Teams. European Journal of Education and Pedagogy, 5(4), 55–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.24018/ejedu.2024.5.4.853
Asyhari, A., & Hartati, R. (2015). Profil Peningkatan Kemampuan Literasi Sains Siswa Melalui Pembelajaran Saintifik. Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Fisika Al-Biruni, 04(2), 179–191. https://doi.org/10.24042/jpifalbiruni.v4i2.91
Bramastia, B., Utami, B., Gunawan, K. D. H., Suciati, S., Rini, E. F. S., & Salsabila, T. H. (2025). The Empowerment of Science Teachers in Developing Education Sustainable Development (ESD)-Based Learning Instrument for Teachers Affiliated with Subject Teachers’ Working Group (MGMP) for Science in Surakarta City. Jurnal Pengabdian Magister Pendidikan IPA, 8(3), 691–698. https://doi.org/10.29303/jpmpi.v8i3.12353
Darmaji, D., Astalini, A., Kurniawan, D. A., & Rini, E. F. S. (2022). Gender Analysis in Measurement Materials: Critical Thinking Ability and Science Processing Skills. JIPF Al-Biruni, 11(1), 113–128. https://doi.org/10.24042/jipfalbiruni.v11i1.11509
Endarto, I. A., & Martadi, M. (2022). Analisis Potensi Implementasi Metaverse pada Media Edukasi Interaktif. Jurnal Barik, 4(1), 37–51. Retrieved from ejournal.unesa.ac.id/index.php/JDKV/
Ennis, R. H. (2018). Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum: A Vision. Topoi, 37(1), 165–184. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11245-016-9401-4
Fatimah, H., Yamtinah, S., & Shidiq, A. S. (2023). Study of Ecology and Biodiversity Learning Based on Project Based Learning-Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (PjBL-STEM) in Empowering Students’ Critical Thinking. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(9), 729–736. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i9.3688
Fuadi, H., Robbia, A. Z., Jamaluddin, J., & Jufri, A. W. (2020). Analisis Faktor Penyebab Rendahnya Kemampuan Literasi Sains Peserta Didik. Jurnal Ilmiah Profesi Pendidikan, 5(2), 2620–8326. https://doi.org/10.29303/jipp.v5i2.122
Grosseck, G., Tîru, L. G., & Bran, R. A. (2019). Education for Sustainable Development: Evolution and Perspectives: A Bibliometric Review of Research, 1992-2018. Sustainability (Switzerland), 11(21), 1992–2018. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11216136
Ismawati, E., Hersulastuti, H., Amertawengrum, I. P., & Anindita, K. A. (2023). Portrait of Education in Indonesia: Learning from PISA Results 2015 to Present. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 22(1), 321–340. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.22.1.18
Jufrida, J., Basuki, F. R., Kurniawan, W., Pangestu, M. D., & Fitaloka, O. (2019). Scientific Literacy and Science Learning Achievement at Junior High School. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 8(4), 630–636. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v8i4.20312
Kemendikbudristek. (2022a). Panduan Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka. Jakarta: Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi.
Kemendikbudristek. (2022b). Profil Pelajar Pancasila. Jakarta: Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi. Retrieved from puskur.kemdikbud.go.id/profilpelajarpancasila
Laurie, R., Nonoyama-Tarumi, Y., McKeown, R., & Hopkins, C. (2016). Contributions of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) to Quality Education: A Synthesis of Research. Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, 10(2), 226–242. https://doi.org/10.1177/0973408216661442
Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitatif Data Analysis. SAGE Publications.
OECD. (2023). PISA 2022 Assessment and Analytical Framework. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/dfe0bf9c-en
Primasti, S. G. (2021). Implementasi Program Education for Sustainable Development di SMA Tumbuh. Jurnal Spektrum Analisis Kebijakan Pendidikan, 10(3), 80–100. http://dx.doi.org/10.21831/sakp.v10i3.17465
Rini, E. F. S., Rahardjo, S. B., & Bramastia, B. (2024). Analisis Bibliometrik: Bagaimana Tren Penelitian Literasi Sains dalam Pembelajaran Sains Tahun 2014-2024? Seminar Nasional Pembelajaran Matematika, Sains dan Teknologi, 4, 242–251. Retrieved from http://e-jurnal.fkip.unila.ac.id/index.php/SINAPMASAGI/article/view/821/387
Setiawan, B., Susatyo, E. B., & Wibowo, E. (2020). Pengembangan Model Pendidikan Lingkungan Hidup Berbasis ESD pada Sekolah Adiwiyata. Jurnal Pendidikan Lingkungan dan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan, 21(2), 89–101.
Shwartz, Y., Ben-zvi, R., & Hofstein, A. (2006). The Use of Scientific Literacy Taxonomy for Assessing the Development of Chemical Literacy Among High-School Students. Chemistry Education Research and Practice, 7(4), 203–225. https://doi.org/10.1039/B6RP90011A
Sinaga, P., Kaniawati, I., & Setiawan, A. (2017). Improving Secondary School Students’ Scientific Literacy Ability Through the Design of Better Science Textbooks. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 14(4), 92–107. https://doi.org/10.12973/tused.10215a
Suciati, S., Silvita, S., Prasetyo, O., Fauziah, M. D., Santika, K. D., Norawi, A. M., & Rahman, H. T. (2023). Problem-Based Learning Models: Their Effectiveness in Improving Creative Thinking Skills of Students. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 12(4), 672–683. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v12i4.44752
Susilawati, E., Agustinasari, A., Samsudin, A., & Siahaan, P. (2020). Analisis Tingkat Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Siswa SMA. Jurnal Pendidikan Fisika dan Teknologi, 6(1), 11–16. https://doi.org/10.29303/jpft.v6i1.1453
Tahmid, T., Nurkhoiri, N., & Syaiful, M. (2024). Peningkatan Literasi Sains dan Berpikir Kritis Melalui ESD di SMPN 2 Bojong. Diklabio: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran Biologi, 8(2), 235–245. https://doi.org/10.33369/diklabio.8.2.235-245
Tillah, N. F., & Subekti, H. (2025). Analisis Kemampuan Literasi Sains Siswa SMP Berdasarkan Indikator dan Level Literasi Sains. Edusaintek: Jurnal Pendidikan, Sains, dan Teknologi, 12(1), 137–154. https://doi.org/10.47668/edusaintek.v12i1.1271
Utami, P. P., & Vioreza, N. (2021). Teacher Work Productivity in Senior High School. International Journal of Instruction, 14(1), 599–614. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1282134.pdf
Vare, P., Scott, W., Vare, P., & Scott, W. (2007). Learning for a Change: Exploring the Relationship between Education and Sustainable Development. Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, 1(191). https://doi.org/10.1177/097340820700100209
Vioreza, N., Hilyati, W., & Lasminingsih, M. (2023). Education for Sustainable Development: Bagaimana Urgensi dan Peluang Penerapannya pada Kurikulum Merdeka? PUSAKA: Journal of Educational Review, 1(1), 34–48. https://doi.org/10.56773/pjer.v1i1.11
Yusmar, F., & Fadilah, R. E. (2023). Analisis Rendahnya Literasi Sains Peserta Didik Indonesia: Hasil PISA dan Faktor Penyebab. Lentera (Lentera Sains): Jurnal Pendidikan IPA, 13(1), 11–19. https://doi.org/10.24929/lensa.v13i1.283
Zubaidah, S. (2016). Keterampilan Abad ke-21: Keterampilan yang Diajarkan Melalui Pembelajaran. Seminar Nasional Pendidikan dengan Tema “Isu-Isu Strategis Pembelajaran MIPA Abad 21, 2(2), 1–17. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318013627
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Bramastia, Suciati, Budi Utami, Kadek Dwi Hendratama Gunawan, Endah Febri Setiya Rini

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY License). This license allows authors to use all articles, data sets, graphics, and appendices in data mining applications, search engines, web sites, blogs, and other platforms by providing an appropriate reference. The journal allows the author(s) to hold the copyright without restrictions and will retain publishing rights without restrictions.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).






