Strengthening Students’ Spatial Awareness through Eco-Pedagogical Activities: A Case Study at the Kuala Langat Learning Centre, Malaysia

Authors

  • Sutama Mathematic Education, Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Indonesia
  • Siti Hadiyati Nur Hafida Geography Education, Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Indonesia
  • Andi Sadapotto English Language Education, Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang, Sidenreng Rappang, Indonesia
  • Rindy Aswin Pertiwi Indonesian Language and Literature Education, Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Indonesia
  • Eka Siti Maullina Mathematic Education, Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Indonesia
  • Aditya Wahyu Pratama Pysical Education, Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta, Indonesia
  • Anugrah Yuda Pratama English Language Education, Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang, Sidenreng Rappang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35568/abdimas.v8i4.6995

Keywords:

eco-pedagogy, students, spatial awareness , Environmental Education , Patriotism

Abstract

Spatial awareness is essential for developing students’ understanding of their environment and strengthening their national identity. This study aimed to enhance spatial awareness among Indonesian migrant students at the Kuala Langat Learning Centre, Malaysia, through an eco-pedagogical approach as a means of fostering love for the homeland. The program involved 23 primary school students and employed several methods: information sessions, question-and-answer discussions, learning assistance, and evaluation. The evaluation results indicated that 78% of students demonstrated improved ability in recognising Indonesian geographical regions, and the average post-activity assessment score increased by 22% compared to the initial test. Furthermore, students’ reflective discussions and creative projects (maps and posters) showed stronger ecological awareness and appreciation of Indonesia’s cultural and environmental diversity. The eco-pedagogical approach thus proved effective in improving spatial understanding and instilling national values. These findings highlight the potential of experience-based learning to support migrant students in strengthening their sense of identity and patriotism.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Alkouri, Z. (2022). Developing spatial abilities in young children: Implications for early childhood education. Cogent Education, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2022.2083471

Anjarsari, E. (2019). Mengembangkan Kemampuan Spasial Siswa Melalui Pendekatan Saintifik dalam Pembelajaran Matematika. Jurnal Reforma, 7(2), 55. https://doi.org/10.30736/rfma.v7i2.77

Chen, Y.-C., Yang, F.-Y., & Chang, C.-C. (2020). Conceptualizing spatial abilities and their relation to science learning from a cognitive perspective. Journal of Baltic Science Education, 19(1), 50–63. https://doi.org/10.33225/jbse/20.19.50

Flynn, K. C., & Popp, J. (2016). An Experiential-Based Learning Method Aiming to Improve Spatial Awareness Utilizing GPS, Geocaching, and Geo-Selfies. The Geography Teacher, 13(2), 61–71. https://doi.org/10.1080/19338341.2016.1176585

Kusnadi, D., Barumbun, M., & Fauzan, B. A. (2023). Analisis kemampuan spasial siswa melalui teori belajar van hiele pada pembelajaran matematika di Sekolah Dasar. Jurnal MATEMATICS PAEDAGOGIC, 7(2), 146–157. https://doi.org/10.36294/jmp.v7i2.3100

Mandang, T., & Medellu, C. S. (2019). Design and Implementation of Thematic Assignment in Integrating the Local Context—Concepts—Global Context. IRA International Journal of Education and Multidisciplinary Studies, 14(2), 26–36. https://doi.org/10.21013/jems.v14.n2.p2

Mahat, M., & Loh, C. E. (2024). Teachers’ changing perspectives of their spatial competencies: A case study of professional learning in singapore. Teaching and Teacher Education, 152, 104797. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2024.104797

Nada, H. N., Fajarningsih, R. U., & Astirin, O. P. (2021). Environmental education to build school members’ character. JPBI (Jurnal PendidikanBiologi Indonesia), 7(1), 43–52. https://doi.org/10.22219/jpbi.v7i1.14283

Phillips, D., Hannon, J. C., & Molina, S. (2015). Teaching Spatial Awareness is Small–Sided Games. Strategies, 28(2), 11–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/08924562.2014.1001101

Rizaq, A. D. B. E., & Azizani, S. A. (2024). An analysis of ecopedagogical approach in social studies learning towards students’ ecological intelligence. Social Landscape Journal, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.56680/slj.v5i2.62498

Susanti, S., Apriasih, H., & Danefi, T. (2020). Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Melalui Pelatihan Kader Posyandu Remaja Uswatun Hasanah Desa Cikunir. Jurnal Abdimas UMTAS, 3(2), 279–284. https://doi.org/10.35568/abdimas.v3i2.579

Temple, B. A., Bentley, K., Pugalee, D. K., Blundell, N., & Pereyra, C. M. (2020). Using Dance & Movement to Enhance Spatial Awareness Learning. Athens Journal of Education, 7(2), 153–168. https://doi.org/10.30958/aje.7-2-2

Yasida, K. S. (2020). Eco-Pedagogy. Historika, 23(1), 70–79. https://doi.org/10.20961/historika.v23i1.41243

Yunansah, H., & Herlambang, Y. T. (2017). Pendidikan Berbasis Ekopedagogik dalam Menumbuhkan Kesadaran Ekologis dan Mengembangkan Karakter Siswa Sekolah Dasar. EduHumaniora: Jurnal Pendidikan Dasar, 9(1), 27–34. https://doi.org/10.17509/eh.v9i1.6153

Downloads

Published

2025-10-31

How to Cite

Strengthening Students’ Spatial Awareness through Eco-Pedagogical Activities: A Case Study at the Kuala Langat Learning Centre, Malaysia. (2025). ABDIMAS: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat, 8(4), 1606-1617. https://doi.org/10.35568/abdimas.v8i4.6995