TRANSFORMING LEARNING AT IJEN GEOPARK BONDOWOSO: A DEEP LEARNING APPROACH INTEGRATING SCIENCE, ECOLOGY, AND CULTURE IN THE MERDEKA CURRICULUM
Transformasi Pembelajaran Ijen Geopark Bondowoso: Pendekatan Deep learning yang Menghubungkan Sains, Ekologi, dan Budaya dalam Kurikulum Merdeka
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36526/santhet.v10i2.6801Keywords:
Ijen Geopark; Deep learning; Merdeka Curriculum; Contextual LearningAbstract
This study aims to examine the use of Ijen Geopark in Bondowoso, East Java as a learning space that supports deep learning within the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum. Despite its strong potential, the educational use of geoparks is often limited, fragmented, and still dominated by tourism and conservation perspectives, with few studies explaining how geoparks function pedagogically to facilitate deep learning in school contexts. The geopark, consisting of geosites, biosites, and cultural sites, is therefore explored as a living laboratory that integrates science, ecology, and culture. This research employed a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through field and classroom observations, in-depth interviews with teachers, students, and geopark managers, as well as document analysis, and were analyzed thematically through coding and categorization processes. The findings show that geopark-based learning strengthens students’ critical thinking, ecological awareness, collaboration, and meaningful conceptual understanding. In addition, learning activities encourage interdisciplinary connections and authentic learning experiences relevant to the Merdeka Curriculum. However, several challenges were identified, including unequal teacher readiness, limited facilities at some learning sites, and logistical constraints. In conclusion, Ijen Geopark has strong potential to function as a sustainable living laboratory that supports deep learning and interdisciplinary education. This study contributes to the development of a practical model of geopark-based deep learning and emphasizes the need for stronger institutional, pedagogical, and infrastructural support to optimize its implementation.
References
Ausubel, D. (2000). Educational Psychology: A Cognitive View.
Azzahra, I. F., Al Farel, M. R., & Rahmadhani, R. (2025). Kurikulum Merdeka: Telaah Potensi dan Tantangan Implementatif dalam Mewujudkan Pendidikan Fleksibel di Indonesia. Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia, 5(3), 1530–1545.
Bennett, S., & Spalding, E. (2017). Authentic Learning in the Digital Age
Bruner, J. (1960). The Process of Education. Harvard University Press.
Capra, F. (2002). The Hidden Connections. Doubleday.
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications.
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience.
Darling-Hammond, L. (2017). Teaching for Deeper Learning. Teachers College Press.
Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and Education. Macmillan.
Fullan, M., & Langworthy, M. (2014). A Rich Seam: How New Pedagogies Find Deep Learning.
Fullan, M., Quinn, J., & McEachen, J. (2018). Deep Learning: Engage the World, Change the World.
Gadamer, H. G. (1975). Truth and Method. Continuum.
Hartanti, T. S. H., Bachri, S., Masruroh, H., Mutia, T., & Sumarmi. (2024). Implementation of the Ijen Geopark Education Program in Schools to Support Sustainable Development. GeoEco, 10(2), 39–53.
Herrington, J., & Oliver, R. (2000). “An Instructional Design Framework for Authentic Learning Environments.”
Kemendikbudristek. (2022). Kurikulum Merdeka: Panduan Pembelajaran dan Asesmen. Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi.
Kolb, D. (1984). Experiential Learning. Prentice-Hall.
Langer, E. (1997). The Power of Mindful Learning.
Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic Inquiry. Beverly Hills: Sage Publications.
Mezirow, J. (2000). Learning as Transformation.
Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2014). Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
Nabilah, L. F., & Ramadhani, F. I. (2025). Strategi Pengembangan Geopark Kebumen sebagai Destinasi Geowisata Bertaraf Internasional Pasca-Pengakuan UNESCO. Jurnal Kebumen, 7(1), 65–84.
OECD. (2023). Transforming Education in Indonesia: Examining the Landscape of Current Reforms. OECD Publishing.
Sobel, D. (2004). Place-Based Education: Connecting Classrooms and Communities.
Suryadi, A., Mulyasari, E., Hendriawan, D., & Ulfah, M. (2025). Penerapan Kurikulum Merdeka pada Sekolah Dasar: Tinjauan Literatur Sistematis. Jurnal Kependidikan, 9(2), 77–95.
Tilbury, D. (2011). Education for Sustainable Development: An Expert Review.
UNESCO Global Geoparks. (2021). Guidelines for Geopark Education and Sustainability. Paris: UNESCO Publishing.
Wiersma, W., & Jurs, S. (2009). Research Methods in Education: An Introduction.
