Ecotourism learning model: Collaboration of discovery and project-based methods to enhance entrepreneurial motivation

This research seeks to design and validate an innovative integrated learning model named DISPROSEDING, which synergizes discovery learning (DL) and project-based learning (PjBL) within the framework of local ecotourism, specifically targeting the enhancement of entrepreneurial motivation among university students in Palembang, Indonesia. The study addresses long-standing issues in entrepreneurship education, including the lack of student engagement and the disconnect between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. By capitalizing on the rich ecotourism potential of the Musi River region, the model provides a contextualized and immersive learning experience that encourages active student participation. Utilizing a design-based research (DBR) methodology, the study incorporated multiple stages of development, including rigorous expert validation, in-depth focus group discussions, and empirical assessments involving students from two prominent institutions—Universitas PGRI Palembang and Universitas Sriwijaya. The findings reveal that the DISPROSEDING model effectively boosts students' entrepreneurial drive and involvement, presenting a novel pedagogical strategy that aligns with Indonesia’s Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) curriculum. The research underscores the critical role of experiential and place-based learning in cultivating entrepreneurial competencies, demonstrating how localized educational approaches can effectively connect academic concepts with practical skills. Furthermore, the study suggests that the integration of regional resources into higher education curricula can serve as a powerful mechanism to narrow the gap between classroom instruction and real-life entrepreneurial challenges. The DISPROSEDING model not only offers a replicable and adaptable framework for entrepreneurship education but also holds promise for broader implementation across diverse geographical and industrial contexts, thereby contributing to the advancement of entrepreneurial learning in Indonesia and beyond.