Elementary Teachers' Perceptions of Integrating Culturally Responsive Teaching and Education for Sustainable Development: A Cross-Cultural Study

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Elementary Teachers' Perceptions of Integrating Culturally Responsive Teaching and Education for Sustainable Development: A Cross-Cultural Study
Language: English
Authors: Tustiyana Windiyani (ORCID 0009-0006-9100-4745), Deddy Sofyan (ORCID 0009-0002-3189-5583), Resyi A. Gani (ORCID 0000-0002-0727-0228), Vina Iasha (ORCID 0000-0001-7801-6502), Bramianto Setiawan (ORCID 0000-0003-4061-6363)
Source: Journal of Education and e-Learning Research. 2025 12(3):488-498.
Availability: Asian Online Journal Publishing Group. 244 Fifth Avenue Suite D42, New York, NY 10001. Fax: 212-591-6094; e-mail: info@asianonlinejournals.com; Web site: http://www.asianonlinejournals.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Descriptors: Elementary School Teachers, Culturally Relevant Education, Sustainable Development, Teacher Attitudes, Learner Engagement, Self Efficacy, Barriers, Teacher Competencies, Foreign Countries, Indigenous Knowledge, Teaching Experience, Readiness, Rural Urban Differences, Technology Uses in Education
Geographic Terms: Indonesia
ISSN: 2518-0169
2410-9991
Abstract: This study examined the integration of culturally responsive teaching (CRT) and education for sustainable development (ESD) in Indonesian elementary schools, addressing the gap between pedagogical theory and classroom practice. A sequential mixed-methods design collected data from 200 teachers through surveys and 30 follow-up interviews. Results revealed a paradox while 87% of teachers recognized CRT-ESD's value in enhancing student engagement and relevance, only 49% felt confident implementing it. Key barriers included systemic challenges, such as inadequate training (72%), rigid curricula (68%), and resource shortages (59%) alongside disparities in institutional support (36% administrative backing) and subject-specific feasibility (72% found integration easier in humanities than STEM). Despite these obstacles, teachers demonstrated grassroots innovations, including cultural storytelling (32%), community projects (28%), and stealth integration of CRT-ESD into STEM (39%), such as using traditional irrigation systems to teach mathematics. A strong relationship emerged between teaching experience and implementation readiness with veteran teachers showing greater adaptability (r = 0.51 and p < 0.001). The study highlights the urban and rural digital divide with 68% of teachers in urban areas utilizing digital tools compared to only 15% in rural areas. These findings underscore the need for policy reforms mandating CRT-ESD in national curricula, differentiated professional development, and equitable resource distribution.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1483714
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study examined the integration of culturally responsive teaching (CRT) and education for sustainable development (ESD) in Indonesian elementary schools, addressing the gap between pedagogical theory and classroom practice. A sequential mixed-methods design collected data from 200 teachers through surveys and 30 follow-up interviews. Results revealed a paradox while 87% of teachers recognized CRT-ESD's value in enhancing student engagement and relevance, only 49% felt confident implementing it. Key barriers included systemic challenges, such as inadequate training (72%), rigid curricula (68%), and resource shortages (59%) alongside disparities in institutional support (36% administrative backing) and subject-specific feasibility (72% found integration easier in humanities than STEM). Despite these obstacles, teachers demonstrated grassroots innovations, including cultural storytelling (32%), community projects (28%), and stealth integration of CRT-ESD into STEM (39%), such as using traditional irrigation systems to teach mathematics. A strong relationship emerged between teaching experience and implementation readiness with veteran teachers showing greater adaptability (r = 0.51 and p < 0.001). The study highlights the urban and rural digital divide with 68% of teachers in urban areas utilizing digital tools compared to only 15% in rural areas. These findings underscore the need for policy reforms mandating CRT-ESD in national curricula, differentiated professional development, and equitable resource distribution.
ISSN:2518-0169
2410-9991