Fostering Deep Learning via STEAM Diorama Project: A Neuropsychological Impact Analysis in Elementary Education

Penulis

  • Yurika Oktaviane Sekolah Dasar Negeri Cengkareng Barat 05, Jakarta Barat, Indonesia
  • Mochamad Nursalim Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
  • Diana Rahmasari Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
  • Neni Mariana Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
  • Suryanti Suryanti Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.67686/didaktika.v10i3.2360

Abstrak

In elementary science education, deep learning beyond rote memorization remains difficult to achieve. This study examined whether a STEAM based solar system diorama project could strengthen five specific deep learning aspects and provide quantitative neuropsychological evidence of its underlying mechanisms. Using a mixed methods explanatory sequential design, 64 sixth graders completed an eight-week intervention following the Laboy Rush PjBL STEAM model. Pre and post intervention questionnaires showed significant gains across all five dimensions: conceptual understanding (d=1.89), sustained engagement (d=2.18), collaborative reasoning (d=2.04), creative problem solving (d=2.08), and science self-efficacy (d=1.82). For the neuropsychological analysis, systematic observations were conducted using a validated protocol (inter rater reliability Cohen’s κ=0.84). The highest neurocognitive engagement occurred during the Application stage (mean 4.8/5, SD=0.4), reflecting multisensory integration and procedural learning, followed by the Discovery stage (mean 4.5/5, SD=0.5), reflecting executive function activation. Engagement ratings during Application strongly predicted conceptual understanding gains (r=0.67, p<0.001). Qualitative thematic analysis further supported these findings, revealing embodied understanding and emotional resonance as key mechanisms. We conclude that the diorama project effectively fosters deep learning by engaging multisensory, emotional, and social neurocognitive processes, with the Application and Discovery stages being the most neurally active phases.

Referensi

Amjad, A. I., Habib, M., Tabassum, U., Alvi, G. F., Taseer, N. A., & Noreen, I. (2023). The impact of brain-based learning on students’ intrinsic motivation to learn and perform in mathematics: A Neuroscientific Study in School Psychology. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.26822/iejee.2023.318

Candela-Leal, M. O., Alanis-Espinosa, M., Murrieta-González, J., Lozoya-Santos, J. de J., & Ramírez-Moreno, M. A. (2025). Neural signatures of STEM learning and interest in youth. Acta Psychologica, 255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.104949

Clabough, E. (2025). Enhance learning environments using knowledge flow: a living systems, neuroscience-based model. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice , 22(9). https://doi.org/10.53761/s76ajr33

Correia, M., Ribeirinha, T., Beirante, D., Santos, R., Ramos, L., Dias, I. S., Luís, H., Catela, D., Galinha, S., Arrais, A., Portelada, A., Pinto, P., Simões, V., Ferreira, R., Franco, S., & Martins, M. C. (2024). Outdoor STEAM education: opportunities and challenges. Education Sciences, 14(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14070688

Daugirdiene, A., Cesnaviciene, J., & Brandisauskiene, A. (2024). Insights from the active use of neuroscience findings in teaching and learning. Behavioral Sciences, 14(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14080639

Ellianawati, E., Subali, B., Putra, B. R., Wahyuni, S., Dwijananti, P., Adhi, M. A., & Yusof, M. M. M. (2025). Critical thinking and creativity in STEAM-based collaborative learning on renewable energy issues. Journal of Education and Learning, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v19i1.21638

Fernández-Morales, C., de los Ángeles Cardero-Durán, M., & Espejo-Antúnez, L. (2025). Pain neuroscience education improves knowledge and satisfaction in adolescents with and without intellectual disabilities: a cross-sectional study. Acta Neuropsychiatrica. https://doi.org/10.1017/neu.2025.10041

García-Llamas, P., Taboada, A., Sanz-Chumillas, P., Lopes Pereira, L., & Baelo Álvarez, R. (2025). Breaking barriers in STEAM education: Analyzing competence acquisition through project-based learning in a European context. International Journal of Educational Research Open, 8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedro.2025.100449

Imaduddin, M., Sjöström, J., & Eilks, I. (2025). Implications of the concept of glocalization for science education for sustainability with a specific view on promoting water literacy. Science and Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-025-00695-4

Leikin, R., Hsu, H. Y., Ansari, D., Abrahamson, D., Obersteiner, A., Miskin, M., & Waisman, I. (2025). Systematics review of the interdisciplinary exchange among mathematics education and neuroscience. ZDM - Mathematics Education, 57(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-025-01705-z

Muassomah, M., Yaacob, S. E., Khairiah, K., Yurisa, P. R., & Demina, D. (2025). Participatory-Based Character Education: Indonesian School Children’s Experiences. Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun, 13(3), 1615-1642. https://doi.org/10.26811/peuradeun.v13i3.1969

Novak-Geiger, V. (2023). Prevalence of neuromyths among psychology students: small differences to pre-service teachers. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1139911

Posangi, S. S., Lundeto, A., Labaso, S., Anwar, H., & Damopolii, M. (2025). Enhancing Islamic Education Quality through Educational Supervision and ICT. Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun, 13(2), 1209-1234. https://doi.org/10.26811/peuradeun.v13i2.1955

Ribeiro, A. J., Mulle, R. L. D., & Padovan-Neto, F. E. (2025). Neuroscience exposure as a predictor of teaching self-efficacy. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 15(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15050086

Riva, G. (2023). Invited article Neuroscience of distance learning: the impact of technology on neurobiological learning mechanisms. Qwerty, 18(2). https://doi.org/10.30557/QW000073

Schmied, A., & Jamaludin, A. (2023). Neuroscience literacy in educators’ training programs in Asia: A call to action. IBRO Neuroscience Reports, 15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.10.006

Son, J., & Kim, S. (2025). A living lab model for elementary informatics education: enhancing sustainability competencies through collaborative problem-solving, computational thinking, and communication. Sustainability (Switzerland), 17(13). https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135811

Sortwell, A., Evgenia, G., Zagarella, S., Granacher, U., Forte, P., Ferraz, R., Ramirez-Campillo, R., Carter-Thuillier, B., Konukman, F., Nouri, A., Bentley, B., Marandi, P., & Jemni, M. (2023). Making neuroscience a priority in initial teacher education curricula: a call for bridging the gap between research and future practices in the classroom. Neuroscience Research Notes, 6(4). https://doi.org/10.31117/neuroscirn.v6i4.266

Sumarni, W., Sumarti, S. S., Dewi, S. H., & Imaduddin, M. (2025). Collaborative ethno-steam enriched project-based learning (COE-STEAM-PJBL): its impact on prospective science teachers’ collaboration and creative thinking skills. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v14i3.25487

Suryanti, Nursalim, M., Choirunnisa, N. L., & Yuliana, I. (2024). STEAM-project-based learning: a catalyst for elementary school students’ scientific literacy skills. European Journal of Educational Research, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.13.1.1

Saefudin, A., & Berdiati, I. (2026). Transforming Fiqh Education for the Twenty-First Century: The Role of Problem-Based and Project-Based Learning. Jurnal Ilmiah Peuradeun, 14(2), 937-962. https://doi.org/10.26811/peuradeun.v14i2.2625

Thomas, M. S. C. (2024). What do teachers need to know about neuroscience? MedUNAB, 27(3). https://doi.org/10.29375/01237047.5392

Tsang, P. yin, Francis, G. A., & Pavlidou, E. (2024). Educational neuromyths and instructional practices: the case of inclusive education teachers in Hong Kong. Trends in Neuroscience and Education, 34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tine.2024.100221

Tanipu, Z., Tamu, Y., Mahading, I. H. P., & Win, T. (2026). Scaffolding EFL Development through Recurrent Multi-WordSequences in Indonesian Primary Schools. Jurnal Nispatti, 11(1), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.26811/nispatti.v11i1.225

Uden, L., Sulaiman, F., Ching, G. S., & Rosales, J. J. (2023). Integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics project-based learning for physics learning from neuroscience perspectives. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1136246

Vig, J., Révész, L., Kaj, M., Kälbli, K., Svraka, B., Révész-Kiszela, K., & Csányi, T. (2023). The Prevalence of educational neuromyths among hungarian pre-service teachers. Journal of Intelligence, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11020031

Wayan Maba, Ida Bagus Nyoman Mantra, & Ida Ayu Made Sri Widiastuti. (2023). Teachers of 21st century: teachers’ roles, strategies innovation and challenges. International Journal of Social Science, 2(6). https://doi.org/10.53625/ijss.v2i6.5473

Diterbitkan

2026-11-10

URN

Cara Mengutip

Oktaviane, Y., Nursalim, M., Rahmasari, D., Mariana, N., & Suryanti, S. (2026). Fostering Deep Learning via STEAM Diorama Project: A Neuropsychological Impact Analysis in Elementary Education. Jurnal Didaktika Pendidikan Dasar, 10(3), 1107-1128. https://doi.org/10.67686/didaktika.v10i3.2360