Development of the Eco-ECE Method for Fostering Environmental Care Character in Early Childhood

Wuni Arum Sekar Sari; Nur Kholifah; Wuni Arum Sekar Sari

doi:10.63922/ijevss.v5i03.5953

Wuni Arum Sekar Sari Universitas Islam Tribakti Lirboyo Kediri, Indonesia
Nur Kholifah Universitas Islam Tribakti Lirboyo Kediri, Indonesia
Wuni Arum Sekar Sari Universitas Islam Tribakti Lirboyo Kediri, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63922/ijevss.v5i03.5953

Keywords: Eco-ECE, environmental care character, Habituation

Abstract

This study was motivated by the implementation of environmental education in early childhood education (ECE) settings, which tends to be incidental, has not yet been systematically integrated into daily learning activities, and is not supported by a method that teachers can consistently apply. This study aimed to develop the Eco-ECE (Environmental Early Childhood Education) Method to foster environmental care character in early childhood, describe its implementation, and analyze its effectiveness in developing environmentally responsible behavior. The study employed a Research and Development (R&D) method adapted from the Borg and Gall model. The limited trial involved 29 children in Group B at KB PKK Sumberagung. Data were collected through expert validation, observation, interviews, and documentation, and were analyzed interactively through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The Eco-ECE Method was developed through six stages: Eco Awareness, Eco Modeling, Eco Habituation, Eco Exploration, Eco Reflection, and Eco Sustainability. The results showed that the method could be implemented effectively and helped teachers integrate environmental education into learning activities in a structured and sustainable manner. Following implementation, the children demonstrated behavioral changes, from previously requiring guidance to becoming more independent in disposing of waste properly, maintaining cleanliness, caring for plants, conserving water, and reusing used materials. Environmentally responsible behaviors also began to be practiced at home. Therefore, the Eco-ECE Method is effective as an alternative habituation-based learning method for fostering environmental care character in early childhood.

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