Contextual Science Literacy Assessment: Applying SOLO Taxonomy in an Instrument Based on Cirebon Ethnoscience
Putri Sekar Melati(a)*, Lilit Rusyati(a)

a) Department of Science Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jalan DR.Setiabudi 229, Bandung, Indonesia.
*putrisekarmelati1024[at]upi.edu

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and implement a contextual science literacy assessment instrument based on Cirebon ethnoscience, analyzed using the Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome (SOLO) Taxonomy. A total of 87 junior high school students participated as respondents. The instrument consisted of open-ended questions integrating local cultural contexts, including Batik Trusmi, terasi, kerupuk melarat, and nasi jamblang. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative analysis involved categorizing responses into SOLO levels and presenting percentage scores per aspect in bar charts to profile students^ science literacy levels. The highest proportion of responses was in the multistructural aspect (42.5%), followed by relational (28.7%), unistructural (18.4%), and prestructural (6.9%), with the lowest in the extended abstract aspect (3.5%), indicating that students generally demonstrated recall and multiple relevant ideas but had difficulty integrating concepts and applying them to novel contexts. Differences between male and female students^ scores were examined using an independent t-test, which revealed no statistically significant difference in overall science literacy levels (p > 0.05). Qualitative analysis using NVivo identified themes such as strong recognition of cultural heritage, environmental benefits of natural dyes, and challenges in modernizing traditional practices while maintaining authenticity. The study concluded that integrating ethnoscience into assessment can provide rich insights into students^ contextual science literacy and reveal specific areas needing instructional support, particularly in higher-order thinking skills aligned with SOLO^s relational and extended abstract levels.

Keywords: Cirebon Culture- Contextual Science Literacy- Ethnoscience- Science Education Assessment- SOLO Taxonomy

Topic: Sciences Education and STEM Education