Transforming Civic Education through Ecological Citizenship Projects to Foster Deep Learning
Hodriani (a*), Surya Dharma (a), Osberth Sinaga (b), Tri Harsono (c), Rosdanelli Hasibuan (d), Junaidi (e)

a) Pancasila and Civic Education , Faculty of Social Sciences, Universitas Negeri Medan, Indonesia
*hodriani[at]unimed.ac.id
b) Fine Arts Education, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Medan, Indonesia
c) Biology Education, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Universitas Negeri Medan, Indonesia
d) Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
e) Civic Education, Faculty of Social Sciences Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Indonesia

Abstract

Environmental degradation continues to worsen natural conditions in Indonesia, as evidenced by the country^s waste generation reaching approximately 18.5 million tons per year in 2024. Today, Civic Education not only plays a role in shaping democratic and responsible citizens, but must also actively engage learners in social life and contribute to environmental sustainability. Therefore, this study aims to examine the transformation of Civic Education through Ecological Citizenship projects as an effort to promote deep learning. The research employs a qualitative method with a literature review approach, collecting data from journals, books, and other relevant sources. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and verification techniques. The findings reveal that the integration of Ecological Citizenship principles into project-based learning encourages students to understand the relationship between humans and nature while also taking concrete actions to preserve the environment. This approach aligns with the principles of deep learning, which emphasize mindful, meaningful, and joyful learning, and contributes to developing graduates who are critical, creative, collaborative, and possess strong civic character. Through direct involvement in environmental projects, students evolve into agents of change who care about sustainability as an essential part of their civic identity.

Keywords: Civic Education, Deep Learning, Ecological Citizenship

Topic: Social Science, Linguistics, Foreign Language and Humanities