The Synergy of Local Wisdom and Ecoliteracy: A Novel Approach to Instrument Development in Indonesian Education

Ecoliteracy is an educational approach that integrates ecological and sustainability principles into learning, focusing on the relationship between humans and the environment. This approach links environmental education with local wisdom and traditional knowledge to provide a holistic view. This research aims to develop an ecoliteracy instrument based on local wisdom for university students. The instrument development process includes three stages: (1) development of dimensions, items, and expert validation; (2) exploratory factor analysis (EFA), content validity test, and data reduction; and (3) internal consistency test through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The results identified seven dimensions of ecoliteracy with a total of 30 items: (1) spiritual values and sacredness of nature (seven items), (2) traditional sustainability practices (six items), (3) togetherness and community (five items), (4) folklore and local knowledge (five items), (5) dimensions of environmental ethics (three items), and (6) contextual adaptation (two items). The instrument was proven valid and reliable through EFA and CFA tests. Ecoliteracy assessment based on local wisdom uses multiple-choice tests to measure ecological knowledge, awareness, and sustainable behavior. This instrument is recommended as an effective measurement tool to evaluate ecoliteracy implementation in higher education.