Relationship Between Scientific Literacy and Cultural Awareness Among High School Students in a Multicultural Environment

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FORMOSA NEWS

A study published in August 2026 by Catur Fathonah Djarwo and Jukwati from Universitas Cenderawasih explores patterns of scientific literacy and cultural awareness among high school students in Jayapura. This research is highly important for understanding how modern education can strengthen academic competence alongside social tolerance in a pluralistic society.

21st-century education demands that students not only master science cognitively but also be able to live harmoniously in a multicultural society. However, the level of scientific literacy in Indonesia remains relatively low, where science learning is often detached from real social and cultural contexts.

This study employs a quantitative approach with an exploratory survey design involving 70 grade XI and XII students from senior high schools in Jayapura. Data was collected using validated questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive statistics and simple linear regression.

Key findings from the data analysis indicate the following:

• Scientific literacy is proven to have a positive and statistically significant effect on students' cultural awareness ($B = 0.427$, $p < .001$).
• Students who demonstrate stronger abilities in interpreting scientific knowledge tend to have more reflective and empathetic attitudes toward cultural diversity.

The implications of this research emphasize that science education must be positioned as a means for character building and social sensitivity, rather than merely cognitive achievement. Catur Fathonah Djarwo and Jukwati emphasize that the integration of local and cultural context-based learning helps students view science as part of everyday social life reality.

Author Profiles

• Catur Fathonah Djarwo and Jukwati – Researchers and academics from Universitas Cenderawasih, Indonesia, with expertise in science education, literacy, and learning within a multicultural context.

Research Source

• Article Title: Scientific Literacy and Cultural Awareness among Senior High School Students in a Multicultural Context
• Journal Name: Journal of Educational Analytics (JEDA), Vol. 5 No. 3, August 2026, pp. 638-647
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/jeda.v5i3.2