Mapping Indonesian Local Wisdom in Postgraduate Biology Education Theses to Enhance Higher-Order Thinking Skills

Abstract

Indonesia, known as a megabiodiversity country, has a wealth of local wisdom that has not been fully utilized systematically in advanced science learning. This study aims to explore, map, and assess the potential for integrating local wisdom into the higher education curriculum as an innovative strategy to improve Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) thinking skills. Using descriptive qualitative methods through exploration and analysis techniques on 10 student theses. Document selection was based on the criteria of theme relevance, depth of integration of science concepts, and relevance to the local context. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques to identify the forms, characteristics, and patterns of local wisdom integration in learning. The results of the analysis show eight main types of local wisdom integrated in learning, such as the use of medicinal plants and ecosystem management. This integration is realized through learning activities that encourage the analysis of contextual phenomena, evaluation of local practices, and the development of science-based solutions. These findings indicate that the integration of local wisdom not only enriches academic content substantially but also significantly stimulates HOTS, which include Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Scientific Reasoning, Ethnoconservation, Scientific Attitude and Science Literacy, Bioentrepreneurship, and Problem Solving. Practically, this research provides an important contribution to the development of an adaptive and relevant higher education curriculum model in facing the challenges of globalization by strengthening scientific literacy based on local culture.