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Abstract
This study aims to analyze the use of ecotheology literacy games through in-depth learning to increase environmental awareness among students in science subjects at Medani State Elementary School. The method used in this study is qualitative, with a case study design. Data collection was conducted through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. The results of the study show that the use of ecotheology literacy games can increase student involvement, strengthen understanding of ecological concepts, and encourage the internalization of environmental care values. Of the 16 students involved, as many as 15 demonstrated excellent ecological awareness, as evidenced by behavioral changes, critical reflections, and concrete actions taken to maintain cleanliness and preserve the school environment. The deep learning approach helps students connect in-game experiences to everyday life, fostering more meaningful ecological understanding and attitudes. Thus, the integration of ecotheology literacy games into social studies learning has proven to be an innovative pedagogical strategy that is both relevant and appropriate for strengthening environmental education from an early age.
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References
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References
Bámaca-López, E., De La Vega, P., & Orcasitas, L. J. (2024). Ecological Preventive Empathy: A Proposal for Ethical Articulation in Times of the Anthropocene. Historia Ambiental Latinoamericana y Caribena. https://doi.org/10.32991/2237-2717.2024v14i1.p257-276
Baring, R., & Molino, J. (2023). Kalikhasang Balaan: Elements of a Youth Specific Ecotheology in the Philippines. Religions. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14060768
Camilleri, V. (2023). Designing GBL for Higher Education: Pitfalls & Recommendations. Proceedings of the European Conference on Games-Based Learning. https://doi.org/10.34190/ecgbl.17.1.1900
Choosang, S.,Chai-Ngam, N.,Pongkiatchai, R., & R., S. mail to P. (2023). Instructional Design: Under the Concept of Game Based Learning for Nursing Education. Journal of Food Health and Bioenvironmental Science.
Cloete, N., & N., S. mail to C. (2022). An African perspective on hamartology and ecology: Assessing Jesse Mugambi’s contribution to the contemporary debate. Pharos Journal of Theolog. https://doi.org/10.46222/PHAROSJOT.10333
Ganie, R. H.,Gajbhiye, P., P., S. mail to G., Yadav, A. M., & Modak, N. (2024). Statistical Analysis of Environmental Awareness Among Undergraduate Students in the Kashmir Valley Using SPSS. AIP Conference Proceedings.
Islam, Q., & Khan, S. M. F. A. (2024). Understanding deep learning across academic domains: A structural equation modelling approach with a partial least squares approach. International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies, 7(4), 1389–1407. https://doi.org/10.53894/ijirss.v7i4.3408
Kanojia, H., & Tewari, S. (2025). Enabling Climate Change Through Communication Design in Environmental Education Discourse at School Education in India. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-7316-2_3
Kenfack, C. E. (2023). Saving Our “Common Home” Through Them: A Critical Analysis of the “For Our Common Home” Campaign in Alberta. Environmental Justice. https://doi.org/10.1089/env.2022.0051
Kumari, R. (2024). A study on environmental awareness among the people of Kopahbari village under the Doomdoma Development block of Tinsukia District, Assam. MSW Management. https://doi.org/10.7492/jxs79879
Lambert, L. M. (2024). Ecological empathy: relational theory and practice. Ecosystems and People. https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2024.2396919
Lewis, J. (2025). Cultivating Empathy for Earth: Integrating Empathy into Ecological Religious Education. Religious Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/00344087.2024.2448389
Li, M., & Zhang, L. (2025). Rock Skin—A Process Toward Ecological Empathy. Advances in 21st Century Human Settlements. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-0547-7_13
Lukacs, R., Szeberenyi, A., & Papp-Vary, A. (2023). Attitudes Towards Environmentally Conscious Lifestyle Among University Students In Budapest-In Light of Their Purchasing Decisions And Waste Management. Engineering for Rural Development. https://doi.org/10.22616/ERDev.2023.22.TF047
Makhtar, S. Z., A.S.N, A., Wahab, M. A., Hassan, Z., & Hamid, S. (2021). Study of environmental awareness, practices and behaviours among UniMAP students. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science.
Maksum, A., Sopyan, A. R., Indiyanto, A., & Wahyuni, E. N. (2023). Ecotheology: environmental ethical view in water spring protection. Ethics in Science and Environmental Politics. https://doi.org/10.3354/ESEP00205
Pramita, Fenny, S. mail to P.,Taufik, M., Jumailah,Ikal, I.,& Subroto, G. (2023). The Significance of Environmental Awareness for Protecting Nature and Cherishing the Earth. BIO Web of Conferences. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/20237901001
Rabiej, S. J. (2021). Ecotheology in Dialogue with Natural and Social Sciences. In Ekologia Interdyscyplinarnosci.
Risamasu, M. (2025). From marginalisation to mission: Akit’s indigenous ecological knowledge for transformissional ecotheology. HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v81i1.10076
Song, X., Yang, X., Wang, Q., Su, Y., & Hong, J. (2022). The relationship between teacher’s gender and deep learning strategy: The mediating role of deep learning motivation. Psychology in the Schools, 59(11), 2251–2266. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22694