Environment and Social Psychology

Teaching indigenous science through culturally responsive pedagogy: Shaping environmental perception and cultural resilience in science education

Louiesito Magnaye, Jr.

College of Education, Northwest Samar State University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i5.3683

Keywords: science education; indigenous science; pedagogical practices; culturally responsive pedagogy; environmental perception

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Abstract

Integrating Indigenous science in higher education plays a vital role in shaping students’ environmental perception—their cognitive, emotional, and cultural understanding of the natural world—while also fostering cultural resilience and contextualized scientific literacy. This study investigates the pedagogical practices of tertiary science teachers (TSTs) in the Philippines as they implement culturally responsive approaches to teach Indigenous science. Employing a descriptive case study design, the research draws on semi-structured interviews with seven Filipino TSTs, analyzed using the Colaizzi method. The findings reveal that teachers utilize multimodal representations, hands-on and land-based activities, community involvement, and curricular integration to foster meaningful learning experiences. These strategies facilitate deeper student engagement with local ecologies and cultural heritage, enhancing their perceptual, emotional, and behavioral connection to the environment. Nonetheless, educators face systemic challenges including limited institutional support, insufficient curriculum content on Indigenous science, and gaps in pedagogical training. Despite these barriers, participants express strong advocacy for inclusive education and highlight Indigenous science as a transformative tool for cultivating environmental values and pro-environmental behavior. The study calls for structural reforms in curriculum development, sustained educator training, and collaborative partnerships with Indigenous communities to support culturally grounded science education that enriches environmental perception.

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