SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT LEARNING ACTIVITY PACKAGE FOR COMMUNITIES: DEVELOPMENT AND PRACTICE REFLECTIONS

Abstract

This article presents an approach to developing a learning activity package aimed at sustainable environmental management within communities. The design of the activities is tailored to align with the specific environmental issues and contextual factors of each locality, emphasizing participatory processes involving both learners and community members. The activities link environmental problems—such as waste, wastewater, and inefficient resource use-with systematic community development to foster direct experience and motivation for active problem-solving. The development process consists of five main steps: 1) analyzing target groups and their needs through community data surveys and focus group discussions with community leaders; 2) designing the activity package, which covers environmental content, resource management, and promotion of participation, accompanied by pre- and post-learning assessments; 3) developing and producing media materials, such as infographics and hands-on activities; 4) piloting the activities within the community, focusing on experiential learning and knowledge exchange; and 5) evaluating and refining the package based on learning outcomes. Results indicate that learners effectively connect knowledge with real-life contexts, enhancing critical thinking, collaboration skills, and social responsibility. Meanwhile, communities express high satisfaction, recognize the importance of participation, and extend the initiative to other projects, such as establishing environmental working groups and promoting efficient resource use. This has led to more effective community resource management, including energy conservation. Furthermore, the activity package fosters the transformation of communities into “learning organizations and communities,” with community members actively involved in planning, designing, and evaluating activities. This cultivates a sense of ownership and long-term collaboration. Outcomes reflect positive changes across behavioral, cognitive, skill-based, and social dimensions, with educational institutions serving as hubs for community-based learning. The study underscores the significance of participatory learning management in promoting sustainable development at the community level.