Developing STEM Literacy through Interdisciplinary STEM-ESD Learning: A Mixed-Methods Study on Environmental Change Education in Secondary Schoolsbmit This Sample Abstract
Firgiawan, D1*,Widodo. A2, Riandi3, Angraeni, S4

Indonesia university of Education

Abstract

This study developed and evaluated an interdisciplinary STEM learning model integrated with Education for Sustainable Development (STEM-ESD) to enhance senior high school students^ STEM literacy on environmental change topics using a mixed-methods design. The research employed a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design complemented by qualitative analysis of students^ learning processes to obtain a comprehensive understanding of learning outcomes and cognitive development. Quantitative data were collected through a validated 18-item objective test measuring three STEM literacy dimensions: Science (S), Technology-Engineering (T-E), and Mathematics (M). Data were analyzed using comparative statistics and normalized gain (N-gain), while qualitative data were analyzed thematically to interpret students^ systemic understanding. Results showed that the experimental group achieved significantly higher improvement (mean pretest = 65.72- posttest = 94.43- N-gain = 0.89, high category) compared to the control group (mean pretest = 64.94- posttest = 85.48- N-gain = 0.67, moderate category). High gains were consistently observed across Science (0.90), Technology-Engineering (0.88), and Mathematics (0.89) dimensions. Qualitative findings revealed that STEM-ESD learning promoted integrated reasoning, systems thinking, and sustainability-oriented problem understanding. The study contributes theoretically by demonstrating that integrating ESD principles into interdisciplinary STEM learning facilitates a shift from fragmented disciplinary knowledge toward holistic STEM literacy. Practically, the model offers an effective framework for sustainability-driven STEM education in environmental learning contexts.

Keywords: STEM literacy, interdisciplinary STEM, ESD, environmental change, sustainability education. to Submit This Sample Abstract

Topic: STEM Education