ANALYSIS OF CORRELATION BETWEEN SCIENTIFIC LITERACY AND PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL ATTITUDES AMONG JUNIORHIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: AN ESD FRAMEWORK
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32699/ett1je59Keywords:
Development (ESD), Education for Sustainable, Junior High School Students, Pro-Environmental Attitudes, Scientific Literacy, Sustainability CompetenceAbstract
Low levels of scientific literacy and less good pro-environmental attitudes among students are big problems when we try to teach Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) at junior high schools. Yet we do not know much about how these two things are related in Indonesia. This study set out to look at the link between scientific literacy and pro‑environmental attitudes among junior high school students inside an ESD program using a descriptive‑correlational method. The sample was made up of 132 students from three high schools chosen for their location and how much they use environmental education. We gathered data with a scientific literacy test and a pro‑environmental attitude questionnaire. We checked the instruments with the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI) getting high scores and we found the tools were reliable with a reliability coefficient of 0.874 for the test and 0.829 for the questionnaire. The results showed that students’ scientific literacy scores were 52%, which's low while their pro‑environmental attitudes were 55%, which is moderate. When we looked at the correlation, we found a positive relationship, between scientific literacy and pro‑environmental attitudes (r =.419 p <.001) meaning the link is moderate. These findings mean that higher scientific literacy is linked to positive pro‑environmental attitudes but the moderate strength of the link shows that other things also shape students’ environmental views. Within the ESD framework the results underline how important it is to mix thinking and feeling parts to help students build pro‑environmental attitudes and to act in ways that support sustainability.
References
Adeyemi, A. E., Ahn, J., Xu, Z., Muko, H., & Matt, B. (2025). Promoting SDGs Through Education: A Theory of Planned Behavior Analysis of Japanese and Nigerian Students’ Sustainability Actions. Sustainable Development, 33(5), 6901–6916. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.3493
Adjie, D. A. S., Pramadi, R. A., & Maspupah, M. (2023). Korelasi Kemampuan Literasi Sains dengan Perilaku Peduli Lingkungan Peserta Didik pada materi Ekosistem. Gunung Djati Conference Series Seminar Nasional Pendidikan Biologi Ke-4 Tahun 202, 30, 258–268. https://conferences.uinsgd.ac.id/index.php/gdcs/article/view/1864
Al Husban, W. (2025). The Impact of Integrating Sustainable Development Goals on Students’ Awareness and Pro-Environmental Behavior: A Case Study of Jordan. Sustainability (Switzerland), 17(6), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062588
Amponsah, A. K., Bam, V., Stolt, M., Korhonen, J., & Axelin, A. (2020). Evaluating the content validity of two versions of an instrument used in measuring pediatric pain knowledge and attitudes in the Ghanaian context. PLoS ONE, 15(11 November), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241983
Ayu, G. N., Putri, C. A., Riyanto, A. R., & Koto, I. (2025). The Scientific Literacy Competence of Students in Indonesia and Mexico Based on PISA 2022: An International Comparative Study. TOFEDU: The Future of Education Journal, 4(5), 1033–1038. https://doi.org/10.61445/tofedu.v4i5.525
Bono, R., Blanca, M. J., Arnau, J., & Gómez-Benito, J. (2017). Non-normal distributions commonly used in health, education, and social sciences: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 8(SEP), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01602
Bramastia, Suciati, Utami, B., Gunawan, K. D. H., & Rini, E. F. S. (2025). The Implementation of Education for Sustainable Development ( ESD ) -Based Natural Science Learning to Empower Critical Thinking Skills and Scientific Literacy. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 11(9), 313–320. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v11i9.12722
Brick, C., Nielsen, K. S., Berger, S., Henn, L., Wolske, K. S., Lange, F., Hanss, D., Bauer, J. M., Aldoh, A., Sachisthal, M. S. M., Johnsen, S. Å. K., & Cologna, V. (2024). Current research practices on pro-environmental behavior: A survey of environmental psychologists. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 97(March). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.102375
Cahyani, R. P., Rahmat, A., Hamdiyati, Y., Amprasto, A., & Jamil, M. W. (2025). Does environmental knowledge predict attitudes and behaviors in environmental literacy ? Evidence from senior high school students. Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi Indonesia, 11(3), 828–840. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.22219/ jpbi.v11i3.41213
Calliera, M., Capri, E., Bertuzzi, S., Tediosi, A., Pomilla, C., Juan, S. de, Giakoumi, S., Andriopoulou, A., Fadda, D., Orrù, A., & Sacchettini, G. (2026). Enhancing a Youth Culture of Sustainability Through Scientific Literacy and Critical Thinking: Insights from the Erasmus+ YOU4BLUE Project. Sustainability, 18(2), 913. https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020913
Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2018). Research Methods in Education (8th ed.). Routledge.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2023). Research Design, Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. In SAGE Publications,Inc.: Vol. Sixth Edit (Issue 1). https://medium.com/@arifwicaksanaa/pengertian-use-case-a7e576e1b6bf
Dieni, W. E. F., Hernani, & Kaniawati, I. (2022). Applying the Education for Sustainable Development Approach to Energy Instruction Design for Encouraging Scientific Literacy of Junior High School Students. Jurnal Pendidikan MIPA, 12(1), 1–7.
Draghici, A. (2019). Education for sustainable development. MATEC Web of Conferences, 290, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201929013004
Eleccion, M. J. M., Gallo, L. G. C., Nanud, M. N. D., & Baluyos, G. R. (2025). The Mediating Role of Environmental Awareness in the Relationship Between Science Literacy and Sustainable Practices. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), IX(IX), 1175–1189. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS
EPI. (2024). Environmental Performance Index - Indonesia. Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470061596.risk0280
Flecke, S. L., Huber, J., Kirchler, M., & Schwaiger, R. (2024). Nature experiences and pro-environmental behavior: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 99(July), 102383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.102383
Georgei, D., & Mallery, P. (2019). IBM SPSS Statistics 26 Step by Step: A Simple Guide and Refrence (16th ed.). Routledge.
Hemtasin, C., See-Onjan, C., & Payoungkiattikun, W. (2026). Designing a Phenomenon-Based Learning Boxset to foster scientific literacy in under-resourced schools. Social Sciences and Humanities Open, 13(October 2025), 102601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2026.102601
Husamah, H., Adlini, M. N., Luzyawati, L., & Lestari, N. (2024). Trends and coverage of strengthening literacy in biology learning: Systematic literature review of the Scopus database in four decades. Jurnal Biolokus, 7(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.30821/biolokus.v7i1.3550
Jaelani, W., Sar’iyyah, N., Abdullah, A. N., & Mbabho, V. (2023). Scientific Literacy: Love of the Environment for SD I Watujara Students. MENGABDI : Jurnal Hasil Kegiatan Bersama Masyarakat, 1(6), 55–65.
Jariah, Y. A., Sigit, D. V., & Adisyahputra. (2024). Relationship Between Scientific Literacy and the Ability to Solve Environmental Pollution. Jurnal Pendidikan MIPA, 25(3), 1183–1198. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.23960/jpmipa/v25i3.pp1183-1198
Kadir, A., Zulqarnain, T., Takda, A., Jahidin, Assingkily, M. S., & Ahmad, M. (2025). Junior High School Students’ Science Literacy Skills Based on The Nature of Science Literacy Test (NOSLiT). Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 14(1), 93–101. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v14i1.15739
KLH. (2025). Satu Data Menuju Indonesia Asri. Sistem Informasi Pengelolaan Sampah Nasional (SIPSN), Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup. https://sampahnasional.kemenlh.go.id/
Kumar, V., Choudhary, S. K., & Singh, R. (2024). Social Sciences & Humanities Open Environmental socio-scientific issues as contexts in developing scientific literacy in science education : A systematic literature review. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 9(December 2023), 100765. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100765
Lustianti, D., Syamsi, A., & Atikoh, N. (2024). Analisis Kemampuan Literasi Sains Siswa dalam Upaya Mewujudkan Karakter Peduli Lingkungan di Sekolah Adiwiyata SDN Karang Mulya. AR-RIAYAH: Jurnal Pendidikan Dasar, 8(1), 125. https://doi.org/10.29240/jpd.v8i1.9930
Maleknia, R., & Zamani, N. (2025). Extending the knowledge-attitude-practice model to exploring the role of environmental literacy in shaping ecotourists’ pro-environmental behavior. Acta Psychologica, 261(November), 105910. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105910
Marfiana, T., Roshayanti, F., Indiati, I., & Patonah, S. (2025). The utilization of mangrove forests in ESD- oriented science learning to improve environmental literacy and science literacy : A. Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi Indonesia, 10(2), 503–510. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.22219/jpbi.v11i 2.40528
Marselina, M., Purwandari, D. A., & Hidayat, A. N. (2024). Analisis Perilaku Kepedulian Lingkungan Siswa di SMPN 3 Jakarta. WISSEN : Jurnal Ilmu Sosial Dan Humaniora, 2(3), 293–304. https://doi.org/10.62383/wissen.v2i3.236
Maurer, M., & Bogner, F. X. (2020). Modelling environmental literacy with environmental knowledge, values and (reported) behaviour. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 65(February). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stueduc.2020.100863
Molnár, Z., Kiss, P. S., Gálfi, M., & Radács, M. (2026). The importance of environmental attitudes in dealing with the environmental crisis and the relationship between education systems: a systematic review. Discover Education, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-026-01133-5
Mulyana, V., & Desnita. (2023). Empirical Validity and Reliability of the Scientific Literacy Assessment Instrument Based on the Tornado Physics Enrichment Book. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(5), 3961–3967. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i5.3290
Murti, A. D., Hernani, H., & Fatimah, S. S. (2024). Analysis of Indonesian Students Scientific Literacy Ability in Chemistry Learning: A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Education and Learning Research, 2(1), 43–51. https://doi.org/10.62208/jelr.2.1.p.43-51
Nurwidodo, N., Ibrohim, I., Sueb, S., & Husamah, H. (2023). “Let’s transform!”: A systematic literature review of science learning in COVID-19 pandemic era. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 19(2). https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/12875
O’toole, J. M., McKoy, K., Freestone, M., & Osborn, J. A. (2020). ‘Scientific Literacy’: An Exercise in Model Building. Education Sciences, 10(8), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci10080204
OECD. (2023a). PISA 2022 Results (Volume I): The Sate of Learning and Equity in Education. In OECD Publishing, Paris: Vol. I. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1787/53f23881-en.
OECD. (2023b). PISA 2022 Results (Volume I and II), Countries Indonesia. In OECD Publishing, Paris. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/pisa-2022-results-volume-i-and-ii-country-notes_ed6fbcc5-en/indonesia_c2e1ae0e-en.html
OECD. (2023c). Pisa 2025 Science Framework. OECD Publishing.
Oliver, M. C., & Adkins, M. J. (2020). Energy Research & Social Science “ Hot-headed ” students ? Scientific literacy , perceptions and awareness of climate change in 15-year olds across 54 countries. Energy Research & Social Science, 70(January), 101641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101641
Olsson, D., Gericke, N., & Boeve-de Pauw, J. (2022). The effectiveness of education for sustainable development revisited–a longitudinal study on secondary students’ action competence for sustainability. Environmental Education Research, 28(3), 405–429. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2022.2033170
Panjaitan, A. D. U., Meliala, C. A. B., Hutasoit, J. B., Lubis, R. N. P., & Zega, T. W. (2026). Hubungan Literasi Sains Dan Kepedulian Lingkungan Pada Mahasiswa Pendidikan IPA. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Dan Sosial, 4(4), 698–709. https://doi.org/10.58540/jipsi.v4i4.1175
Panjaitan, M. B., Siagian, A. F., Judijanto, L., Mufarizuddin, M., Herman, H., Saputra, N., & Mamadiyarov, Z. (2026). Comparison of Students Science Literacy Abilities Using Inquiry and Cooperative Learning Models. Aptisi Transactions on Technopreneurship (ATT), 8(1), 63–73. https://doi.org/10.34306/att.v8i1.640
Putra, N. S., Sukma, H. N., & Setiawan, H. (2021). Level of Environmental Literacy of Students and School Community in Green Open Space: Is There Any Difference Between Both of Them? Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 10(4), 627–634. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v10i4.31083
Samputra, N. R. A. R., Iskandar, K., Soesilo, T. E. B., & Martono, D. N. (2025). Bibliometric and Content Analysis: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior in Environmental Issues. Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development, 8(1), 348–370. https://doi.org/10.7454/jessd.v8i1.1339
Sari, R. P., Hasibuan, M. P., Yakob, M., & Nazar, M. (2023). Development of Electronic Learning Chemistry Assessment Applications Through Project-Based Learning for Increasing Student Scientific Performance. Jurnal Pendidikan Sains Indonesia (Indonesian Journal of Science Education), 11(1), 191–205. https://doi.org/DOI: doi.org/10.24815/jpsi.v10i4.27984
Schneiderhan-Opel, J., & Bogner, F. X. (2020). The relation between knowledge acquisition and environmental values within the scope of a biodiversity learning module. Sustainability (Switzerland), 12(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/su12052036
Schober, P., Boer, C., & Schwarte, L. A. (2018). Correlation Coefficients: Appropriate Use and Interpretation. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 126(5), 1763–1768. https://doi.org/10.1213/ANE.0000000000002864
Shabrina, A., Suhartini, & Huang, T. (2024). Problem-Based Learning Tool Integrated with Education for Sustainable Development on Biodiversity Topic to Improve Science Literacy. 12(2), 338–353. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.24815/jpsi.v12i2.36218
Suhartinah, S., Hidayati, Y., Qomaria, N., & Hadi, W. P. (2019). Studi Korelasi Antara Sikap Peduli Lingkungan Dengan Kemampuan Literasi Sains Siswa SMP Pada Materi Ekosistem. Natural Science Education Research, 2(1), 77–84. https://doi.org/10.21107/nser.v2i1.5574
Suryawati, E., Suzanti, F., Zulfarina, Putriana, A. R., & Febrianti, L. (2020). The Implementation of Local Environmental Problem-Based Learning Student Worksheets to Strengthen. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 9(2), 169–178. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v9i2.22892
Susongko, P., & Afrizal, T. (2018). he Determinant Factors Analysis of Indonesian Students ’ Environmental Awareness in Pisa 2015. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 7(4), 407–419. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v7i4.10684
Syahmani, Sauqina, & Hafizah, E. (2021). Correlation of Students’ Environmental Literacy and ScientificLiteracy After Students’ Involvement in Wetlands-Based STEM Educational Approach. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 758(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/758/1/012014
Syofyan, H., Fadli, M. R., & Pappachan, P. (2025). Determinant Factors of Scientific Literacy in Elementary School Science Learning. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education , 17(4), 567–578. https://doi.org/10.26822/iejee.2025.400
Thobejane, M. I., Mtshali, M. S., & Masha, M. F. (2026). Unlocking Scientific Literacy: The Role of E-Modules and Learning Applications in South African Grade 11 Life Sciences Classrooms. MDPI Journal: Education Sciences, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16030395
Tytler, R. W., Monroe, M. C., Eames, C., & White, P. J. (2025). Expanding the Scope of Science Education to Engage with Anthropocene Challenges. Research in Science Education, 55(4), 1129–1147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-025-10276-8
UNESCO. (2017). Education for Sustainable Development Goals: learning objectives. In UNESCO Publishing. https://doi.org/10.54675/cgba9153
Vioreza, N., Hilya, W., & Lasminingsih, M. (2023). Education for Sustainable Development: Bagaimana Urgensi dan Peluang Penerapannya pada Kurikulum Merdeka? Pusaka: Journal of Educational Review.
Wheaton, M., Ardoin, N. M., Bowers, A. W., & Kannan, A. (2024). Sociocultural Learning Theories for Social-Ecological Shange. Environmental Education Research, 30(8), 1193–1210. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2024.2347888
Wilujeng, I., Ain, T. N., Rilianti, A. P., Hasyim, F., & Fiqiyah, M. (2025). The Effectiveness of H5P-Asisted Differentiated-Independent Learning Model To Increase Low-Ability Students’ Scientific Literacy. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 14(1), 32–41. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v14i1.19560
Xie, Y., Zheng, Y., & Yang, Y. (2023). The Relationship Between Students’ Awareness of Environmental Issues and Attitudes Toward Science and Epistemological Beliefs—Moderating Effect of Informal Science Activities. Research in Science Education, 53(6), 1185–1201. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-023-10126-5
Yildirim, M. S., Elkoca, A., Gökçay, G., Yilmaz, D. A., & Yıldız, M. (2025). The relationship between environmental literacy, ecological footprint awareness, and environmental behavior in adults. BMC Public Health, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21340-3
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Moch. Syaifuddin, Asri Widowati, Winarto, Ismail Fikri Natadiwijaya
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
