Integrasi Nilai Laudato Si' dalam Project Based Learning untuk Meningkatkan Kesadaran Lingkungan Siswa SMP

Abstract

This study examines the pedagogical and spiritual impacts of implementing the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model based on the values of the Laudato Si’ encyclical on increasing students' ecological awareness. The background of this research responds to low environmental concern amidst the ecological crisis and the urgency of educational innovation capable of integrating academic and theological domains. This study uses a qualitative approach supported by quantitative data from a closed Likert-scale questionnaire. The research subjects involved 1 Catholic Religious Education Teacher and grade VII C students at SMP Santa Maria Palangka Raya. Data analysis was conducted using the Miles and Huberman interactive model. The results showed that: (1) Pedagogically, PjBL was proven to be able to reconstruct the students' role from passive listeners to independent and proactive problem-solvers through systematic project syntax stages; (2) There was a significant increase in ecological awareness in the affective and psychomotor domains leading to the adoption of a green habitus, such as a zero-waste lifestyle and energy efficiency; (3) Spiritually, the values of Laudato Si' were deeply internalized, where students experienced 'ecological repentance' by viewing nature as a "Common Home" and interpreting environmental conservation actions not merely as school assignments, but as a form of worship and Christian faith responsibility; (4) This success was supported by the teacher's instructional competence and teamwork, despite managerial constraints such as time allocation conflicts. In conclusion, the PjBL model is not only pedagogically effective in transforming how students learn but also has a strong spiritual impact in shaping the students' ecological character.