Improving Primary Students’ Learning Outcomes through Ethnoscience-Based Virtual Field Trips and Project-Based Learning

Maria Melani; Kartini; Norman Alfito; Nindya Destriana Putri; Nisfa Azmi Asifa; Proton Galih Pambudhi; Rinda Amalia Wardani; Rina Dewi Anggraeni

Authors

Maria Melani Widya Dharma University
Kartini Sanggrahan 2 Public Elementary School
Norman Alfito Widya Dharma University
Nindya Destriana Putri Widya Dharma University
Nisfa Azmi Asifa Widya Dharma University
Proton Galih Pambudhi Widya Dharma University
Rinda Amalia Wardani Widya Dharma University
Rina Dewi Anggraeni Widya Dharma University

Keywords:

learning outcomes, virtual field trip, ethnoscience, project-based learning, jamu kunir asem

Abstract

Instruction on local cultural topics in primary schools often relies on teacher explanation and textbooks, and this classroom action research examined whether an ethnoscience-based virtual field trip (VFT) integrated with project-based learning (PjBL) could improve fourth-grade learning outcomes in Natural and Social Sciences. Following the Kemmis spiral across two cycles, the study involved all 11 fourth-grade students of a public elementary school in Klaten, Central Java, used jamu kunir asem (a traditional turmeric-tamarind drink) as the cultural context, collected data through an observation checklist and a ten-item test, and analyzed class mean scores and the percentage of students reaching the learning objective attainment criterion of 75 descriptively. The class mean rose from 44.55 in the pre-cycle to 54.55 in Cycle I and 90.00 in Cycle II, and mastery increased from 9.09% to 18.18% and then to 100%, which met the success criteria of a class mean of at least 75 and mastery of at least 85%. These findings indicate that combining ethnoscience content, a VFT, and project work was associated with improved cognitive learning outcomes in a local heritage topic, and the single-class design without a comparison group calls for cautious generalization and further testing with larger and comparative samples.

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