Integrating Local Wisdom into Project-based STEAM Education: Preparing Future-ready Students in Indonesian Elementary Schools

Abstract

The demands of 21st-century education require learning approaches that foster digital literacy, problem-solving skills, and higher-order thinking from an early age. Project-based Learning (PjBL) integrated with STEAM education has been widely recognized for developing these competencies; however, its implementation often lacks cultural relevance, particularly in elementary education contexts in developing countries. This study aims to map and synthesize research on integrating PjBL–STEAM grounded in local wisdom to support digital literacy and problem-solving skills among elementary students. Using a qualitative descriptive-analytical design, this study combines bibliometric analysis and thematic content analysis of 20 peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2025 and indexed in Google Scholar. Bibliometric mapping was conducted using VOSviewer, followed by in-depth content analysis. The findings indicate a growing research trend on PjBL–STEAM integration, yet studies at the elementary level remain limited and fragmented. Integrating local wisdom enhances contextual relevance, supports meaningful learning, and strengthens students’ digital literacy, problem-solving skills, and cultural identity. This study proposes an integrative PjBL–STEAM–local wisdom framework to guide culturally responsive elementary education.