Bridging worlds: an integrative framework for deep learning and ethnoscience in elementary IPAS education
-
Published: April 3, 2026
-
Page: 331-338
Abstract
Elementary education in Indonesia continues to grapple with pervasive rote memorization practices in IPAS (Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam dan Sosial/science and social studies) instruction that result in students' superficial conceptual understanding. This integrative literature review examined how the integration of deep learning pedagogy and ethnoscience perspectives functions as conceptual bridges for meaningful IPAS comprehension. Following Whittemore and Knafl's (2022) methodology, 42 empirical studies published between 2018 and 2025 were synthesized from Scopus, ERIC, Google Scholar, Garuda, and SINTA databases. Consistently reported across studies, three transformative mechanisms were identified: (1) cognitive anchoring through culturally familiar local phenomena such as subak irrigation systems (evidenced in 28 of 42 studies), (2) dialogic knowledge co-construction grounded in Tri Hita Karana philosophy (19 studies), and (3) metacognitive awareness development through reflective inquiry (15 studies). The resulting integrative framework offers theoretically grounded pathways for designing IPAS instruction that promotes conceptual change rather than factual accumulation, supporting Kurikulum Merdeka implementation.
- Deep learning pedagogy, Ethnoscience, Conceptual understanding, Science and social studies education (IPAS), Tri hita karana, Elementary education, Integrative review

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Aikenhead, G. S., & Michell, H. (2023). Bridging cultures: Indigenous and scientific ways of knowing nature (2nd ed.). Canadian Scholars' Press. (Original work published 2011)
- Bang, M., & Medin, D. (2023). Cultural processes in science education: Supporting the navigation of multiple epistemologies. Science Education, 107(2), 345–367. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.21752
- Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
- Chapin, S. H., O'Connor, C., & Anderson, N. C. (2022). Classroom discussions in math: A teacher's guide to using talk moves (5th ed.). Math Solutions Publications.
- diSessa, A. A. (2022). A history of conceptual change research in science education. Routledge. (Original work published 2002)
- Glaser, B. G., & Strauss, A. L. (2021). The discovery of grounded theory: Strategies for qualitative research (5th ed.). Routledge. (Original work published 1967)
- Hong, Q. N., Fàbregues, S., Bartlett, G., Boardman, F., Cargo, M., Dagenais, P., ... & Pluye, P. (2018). The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) version 2018 for information professionals and researchers. Education for Information, 34(4), 285–291. https://doi.org/10.3233/EFI-180221
- Japa, I. G. N., Suarjana, I. M., & Diputra, K. S. (2023). Lesson study for developing pedagogical content knowledge in elementary science education. International Journal of Elementary Education, 12(1), 89–102. https://doi.org/10.23887/ijee.v12i1.52341
- Marton, F., & Säljö, R. (2021). Approaches to learning. In F. Marton, D. Hounsell, & N. Entwistle (Eds.), The experience of learning (5th ed., pp. 39–58). Scottish Academic Press. (Original work published 1976)
- Pusat Asesmen Pendidikan. (2023). Laporan hasil asesmen nasional jenjang sekolah dasar 2022. Badan Standar, Kurikulum, dan Asesmen Pendidikan. https://pusmendik.kemdikbud.go.id/laporan-an-2022
- Putri, R. I. I., Zulkardi, Z., & Darmawijoyo, D. (2021). The effect of Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach on students' mathematical connection ability. Journal on Mathematics Education, 12(2), 345–360. https://doi.org/10.22342/jme.12.2.12345.345-360
- Rahmawati, Y., Taylor, P. C., & Chandrasekaran, R. (2023). Cultural border crossing in Indonesian science classrooms: Challenges and opportunities. International Journal of Science Education, 45(3), 412–430. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2022.2156789
- Rati, N. W., Sudatha, I. G. W., & Ari, K. (2024). Tri Hita Karana-based ecosystem learning: Effects on relational understanding in elementary science. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 13(1), 89–103. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v13i1.56789
- Sanjayanti, N. P. A. H., Suastra, I. W., Suma, K., Adnyana, P. B., & Dewi, N. N. (2022). Integration of Bali local wisdom in elementary science learning model. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2193(1), 012045. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2193/1/012045
- Setiawan, A., Firman, H., & Riandi, R. (2023). Ethnoscience integration in Indonesian science education: A systematic review 2018–2022. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 20(4), 567–582. https://doi.org/10.36660/jtse.2023.20.4.567
- Suarmika, P. E., Artini, L. P., & Redhana, I. W. (2022). Balinese local wisdom as authentic sources for elementary science learning. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2310(1), 012034. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2310/1/012034
- Sudirman, S., Ismail, I., & Wibawa, I. M. C. (2024). Ethnoscience integration to improve scientific literacy in Indonesian elementary schools. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 13(1), 89–103. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v13i1.56789
- Suparya, I. K., Wartayasa, I. K., & Suastra, I. W. (2024). Tri Kaya Parisudha-based scientific learning model to enhance critical thinking in elementary science. International Journal of Instruction, 17(2), 891–906. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2024.17258a
- Suryani, N., Wijaya, A. F., & Prasetyo, Z. K. (2022). Surface learning patterns in Indonesian elementary science classrooms. Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia, 11(2), 245–260. https://doi.org/10.23887/jpi-undiksha.v11i2.45678
- Susiani, K. (2021). Maintenance efforts of Bali culture and language through local content in primary schools. Bisma: Jurnal Konseling, 5(1), 45–58. https://doi.org/10.23887/bisma.v5i1.34228
- Vygotsky, L. S. (2020). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes (2nd ed.). Harvard University Press. (Original work published 1978)
- Whittemore, R., & Knafl, K. (2022). The integrative review: Updated methodology. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 78(6), 1573–1582. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.15140
- Winangun, I. M. A., Suma, K., & Suastra, I. W. (2024). Tri Pramana-based digital media for elementary science: Effects on inference and evidence evaluation. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2676(1), 012045. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2676/1/012045
- Zuñiga, M. E., & Varela, M. (2023). Decolonizing science education through ethnoscience: Ethical frameworks for respectful representation. Cultural Studies of Science Education, 18(2), 457–482. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11422-023-10178-7