INTEGRATING MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS TO FOSTER INCLUSIVE CHARACTER IN ELEMENTARY IPAS LEARNING

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the implementation of environmentally oriented multicultural education in fostering the inclusive character of third-grade elementary school students through Integrated Science and Social Studies (IPAS) learning at SD PT Pasangkayu. Although multicultural education and environmental education have been widely studied separately, research integrating these two approaches in IPAS learning to develop the inclusive character of elementary school students remains limited. This study contributes empirical evidence on how the integration of diversity values and environmental awareness can be implemented in the learning process to strengthen students' inclusive character.This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach involving 27 students and one classroom teacher as the research participants. Data were collected through classroom observations, interviews, and documentation to obtain an in-depth understanding of the learning process and students' character development. Data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model, which consists of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing.The findings indicate that environmentally oriented multicultural education has been successfully integrated into IPAS learning activities. The teacher implemented learning through group work, classroom discussions, and environmental-based activities that encouraged inclusive social interaction among students. These activities provided students with opportunities to appreciate differences, collaborate with their peers, and demonstrate concern for the surrounding environment. Observation results of the 27 students revealed that 51.85% demonstrated a good level of inclusive character, while 48.15% were categorized as having a moderate level. No students were classified as having a low level of inclusive character. These findings suggest that the implementation of environmentally oriented multicultural education makes a positive contribution to the development of inclusive character among elementary school students.In conclusion, the integration of multicultural education and environmental awareness into IPAS learning is effective in strengthening students' inclusive character. This study also recommends the continuous enhancement of multicultural and environmental-based learning strategies in elementary schools to ensure that students' character development can be optimized and sustained over time.