Problem-Based Learning as a Transformative Framework for Multicultural Education in Secondary Schools

Miranda Wulandari; Jawatir Pardosi; Suryaningsi Suryaningsi

doi:10.51276/edu.v7i2.1716

Authors

Miranda Wulandari Universitas Mulawarman
Jawatir Pardosi Universitas Mulawarman
Suryaningsi Suryaningsi Universitas Mulawarman

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v7i2.1716

Keywords:

Bhinneka Tunggal Ika , Civic Education , Multicultural Competence , Multicultural Education , Problem-Based Learning

Abstract

This study examines how Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is designed, implemented, and its effectiveness in strengthening multicultural education through the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika topic at SMP Negeri 1 Samarinda. Using a descriptive qualitative case study, the participants comprised one Civic Education teacher and 32 ninth-grade students from class IX F, purposively selected for their religious and ethnic diversity. Data were gathered through participatory observation across five PBL sessions and in-depth interviews, then analyzed using data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing with source triangulation. The findings show that PBL enhanced students’ multicultural competence, indicated by multicultural knowledge (91%), tolerance for differences (88%), cross-cultural collaboration (84%), and inclusive communication (81%). These gains emerged through five PBL stages: problem orientation, heterogeneous group organization, collaborative investigation, presentation of results, and reflection. The study demonstrates that PBL is an effective transformative approach for cultivating multicultural competence in secondary school civic education, and it offers practical guidance for inclusive, diversity-based teaching in heterogeneous classrooms in a widely diverse context.

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Author Biographies

Miranda Wulandari, Universitas Mulawarman

She was born in Teratak on March 25, 2004. She is currently an active student in the Pancasila and Civic Education Study Program at Mulawarman University (UNMUL), where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Education.

Jawatir Pardosi, Universitas Mulawarman

He was born in Lumban Pardosi on March 19, 1964. He is an Associate Professor and permanent lecturer at Mulawarman University. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University of Medan, his master’s from Hasanuddin University, and his doctorate from the Bogor Agricultural Institute. His expertise includes Organizational Behavior, Leadership, and Community Empowerment.

Suryaningsi Suryaningsi, Universitas Mulawarman

She was born in Ujung Pandang on December 11, 1971. She is a permanent civil servant lecturer at Mulawarman University. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Universitas Veteran Republik Indonesia, her Master of Law from Universitas Brawijaya, and her doctorate from Universitas Hasanuddin. Her research focuses on environmental law, human rights, education, and public policy.

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