Preliminary Study on Game-Based Learning to Promote Javan Leopard Conservation: Perspectives from Prospective Biology Teachers

Diki Muhamad Chaidir; Purwati Kuswarini Suprapto; Liah Badriah; Dani Ramdani

doi:10.58249/sjse.v5i01.172

Authors

Diki Muhamad Chaidir Universitas Siliwangi
Purwati Kuswarini Suprapto
Liah Badriah
Dani Ramdani

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58249/sjse.v5i01.172

Keywords:

Biology Education, Javan Leopard, Local Species, Conservation Learning

Abstract

Research on game-based learning has been widely conducted to support biology education in the classroom. This type of learning should also have an additional impact on students, one of which is introducing endangered species, such as the Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas). This study explores the initial stage of developing Game-Based Learning (GBL) media and its impact on prospective biology teachers' interest, attitude, and knowledge regarding Javan leopard conservation. The research method used a quantitative and qualitative approach, with a survey comprising both open and closed-ended questions to assess the responses of prospective biology teachers to the biology game application focused on ecological communities. Interest was measured on a Likert scale; attitudes were measured through multiple-choice and agreement-scale questions; and knowledge was assessed through multiple-choice and true/false questions, while open-ended questions were applied for suggestions and recommendations from GBL. The respondents were 108 students who had previously tested the developed application. In the data analysis, descriptive statistical methods were used to interpret quantitative data, while qualitative analysis was conducted using word clouds to depict the answers of prospective biology teacher students in open-ended questions. The demographic data revealed that 73% of students typically play games for less than 1 hour per week, 72% play online games, and adventure is the most frequently played genre. Additionally, 92% of students had never played a game related to leopards before, and only about 27.1% of students had prior knowledge about leopards, mostly from their teachers at school. After using the application, 68% of students expressed increased interest in leopard conservation, improved knowledge, and demonstrated a positive attitude. Furthermore, 88% of students felt that the game helped raise their awareness of leopard conservation. This study concludes that game-based learning, which integrates information about endangered species like the Javan leopard, has enormous potential to support biology education and raise awareness of biodiversity conservation.

References

Adipat, S., Laksana, K., Busayanon, K., Ausawasowan, A., & Adipat, B. (2021). Engaging Students in the Learning Process with Game-Based Learning: The Fundamental Concepts. International Journal of Technology in Education, 4(3), 542–552. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijte.169

Aitchison, J., Aitchison, R., & Devas, F. (2021). Assessing the environmental impacts of wildlife television programmes. People and Nature, 3(6), 1138–1146. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10251

Alamshoev, Q., Alamshev, C., Akmatova, K., Ayusheev, V. (Norbu), Azhunova, M., Chelteuv, S., Erdenetsogt, B., Garmaev, R., Hillard, D., Ivashkina, L., Khurelbataar, E., Khuukhenduu, T., Osmanova, A., Padmanabhan, S., Raymbekov, Z., Shaidoev, S., & Weddle, M. (2024). Environmental education for snow leopard conservation. In Snow Leopards (pp. 275–285). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-85775- 8.00054-6

Almeida, D., Pinheiro, L. B. L. G., Guerrero, J. V. R., Costa, R. T., Trevisan, D. P., Scariot, E. C., Brisbois, J., & Moschini, L. E. (2024). Connecting biogeography, ecology, and history through a game-based learning approach. American Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 9(1), 21–37. https://doi.org/10.55284/ajssh.v9i1.1142

Altassan, A. (2023). Sustainable Integration of Solar Energy, Behavior Change, and Recycling Practices in Educational Institutions: A Holistic Framework for Environmental Conservation and Quality Education. Sustainability, 15(20), 15157. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152015157

Ario, A., Mercusiana, S., Rustiadi, A., Gumilang, R., I Gede Gelgel Darma Putra Wirawan, & Ahmad Slamet, T. (2022). The Javan Leopard Panthera pardus melas (Cuvier, 1809) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in West Java, Indonesia: estimating population density and occupancy. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 14(7), 21331–21346. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.7483.14.7.21331-21346

Ario, A., Murdyatmaka, W., Gitayana, A., & Hariyanto, G. (2022). First record of rare mating behavior of Javan leopard Panthera pardus melas in Indonesia. Tropical Zoology, 35(1–2). https://doi.org/10.4081/tz.2022.120

Ariyanto, A. C., Wang, T., Skidmore, A. K., Wibisono, H. T., Widodo, F. A., Firdaus, A. Y., Wiharisno, Y.,

Koliq, N., & Murdyatmaka, W. (2024). Range-wide camera traps reveal potential prey species for Javan leopards. Global Ecology and Conservation, 53, e03020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03020

As’ary, M., Setiawan, Y., & Rinaldi, D. (2023). Analysis of Changes in Habitat Suitability of the Javan Leopard (Panthera pardus melas, Cuvier 1809) on Java Island, 2000–2020. Diversity, 15(4), 529. https://doi.org/10.3390/d15040529

Barthwal, S. C., & Mathur, V. B. (2012). Teachers’ Knowledge of and Attitude Toward Wildlife and Conservation. Mountain Research and Development, 32(2), 169. https://doi.org/10.1659/MRD-JOURNAL-D-11-00040.1

Behnamnia, N., Kamsin, A., Ismail, M. A. B., & Hayati, S. A. (2023). A review of using digital game-based learning for preschoolers. Journal of Computers in Education, 10(4), 603–636. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-022-00240-0

Børresen, S. T., Ulimboka, R., Nyahongo, J., Ranke, P. S., Skjaervø, G. R., & Røskaft, E. (2023). The role of education in biodiversity conservation: Can knowledge and understanding alter locals’ views and attitudes towards ecosystem services? EnvironmentalEducationResearch,29(1),148163.https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2022.2117796

Callahan, M. M., Echeverri, A., Ng, D., Zhao, J., & Satterfield, T. (2019). Using the Phylo Card Game to advance biodiversity conservation in an era of Pokémon. Palgrave Communications, 5(1), 79. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-019-0287-9

Cosme, L., Turchen, L. M., & Guedes, R. N. C. (2020). Insect World: Game-Based Learning as a Strategy for Teaching Entomology. The American Biology Teacher, 82(4), 210– 215. https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2020.82.4.210

Dewanti, A. A., & Marhaento, H. (2021). Perception Analysis on the Conflict Between Javan Leopard and Community Around Mount Sawal Wildlife Reserve. Jurnal Penelitian Sosial Dan Ekonomi Kehutanan, 18(2), 75–85.

Dhungana, R., Maraseni, T., Silwal, T., Aryal, K., & Karki, J. B. (2022). What determines attitude of local people towards tiger and leopard in Nepal? Journal for Nature Conservation, 68, 126223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126223

Gerl, T., Randler, C., & Jana Neuhaus, B. (2021). Vertebrate species knowledge: an important skill is threatened by extinction. International Journal of Science Education, 43(6), 928– 948. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2021.1892232

Gomez, L., & Shepherd, C. R. (2021). The illegal exploitation of the Javan Leopard (Panthera pardus melas) and Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi) in Indonesia. Nature Conservation, 43, 25–39. https://doi.org/10.3897/natureconservation.43.59399

Goodale, A. Y., Gilmore, M. P., & Griffiths, B. M. (2025). 21st-century stewardship: infusing environmental stewardship education with global citizenship. Environmental Education Research, 31(2), 364–389. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2024.2335614

Gunawan, H., Iskandar, S., Sihombing, Vivin S., & Wienanto, R. (2017). Conflict between humans and leopards (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) in Western Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity, 18(2), 652–658. https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d180229

Hacıoğlu, Y., & Dönmez Usta, N. (2020). Digital game design-based STEM activity: Biodiversity example. Science Activities, 57(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/00368121.2020.1764468

Jääskä, E., & Aaltonen, K. (2022). Teachers’ experiences of using game-based learning methods in project management higher education. Project Leadership and Society, 3, 100041. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plas.2022.100041

Jones, S. M., Katyal, P., Xie, X., Nicolas, M. P., Leung, E. M., Noland, D. M., & Montclare,

J. K. (2019). A ‘KAHOOT!’ Approach: The Effectiveness of Game-Based Learning for an Advanced Placement Biology Class. Simulation & Gaming, 50(6), 832–847. https://doi.org/10.1177/1046878119882048

Kamaruzaman, N. N. N., & Rozuki, N. A. H. (2024). An Educational Wildlife Game-based Learning Application for Young Learners Using Augmented Reality. Applied Mathematics and Computational Intelligence (AMCI), 13(4), 33–48. https://doi.org/10.58915/amci.v13i4.1475

Kementrian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan. (2024). Indonesian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans 2025-2045. Kementrian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan.

Meekaew, N., & Ketpichainarong, W. (2018). An Augmented Reality to Support Mobile Game-Based Learning in Science Museum on Biodiversity. 2018 7th International Congress on Advanced Applied Informatics (IIAI-AAI), 250–255. https://doi.org/10.1109/IIAI-AAI.2018.00055

Miralles, L., Garcia-Vazquez, E., & Dopico, E. (2021). Game-based learning for engaging citizens in biopollution control. Interdisciplinary Science Reviews, 46(4), 677–688. https://doi.org/10.1080/03080188.2021.1891684

Moheb, Z., Fuller, T. K., & Zahler, P. I. (2022). Snow leopard - human conflict as a conservation challenge - a review. Snow Leopard Reports, 1. https://doi.org/10.56510/slr.v1.8158

Palmberg, I., Hermans, M., Jeronen, E., Kärkkäinen, S., Persson, C., & Yli-Panula, E. (2018). Nordic Student Teachers’ Views on the Importance of Species and Species Identification. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 29(5), 397–419. https://doi.org/10.1080/1046560X.2018.1468167

Partasasmita, R., Shanida, S. S., Iskandar, J., Megantara, E. N., Husodo, T., & Malone, N. (2016). Human-Leopard Conflict in Girimukti Village, Sukabumi, Indonesia.

Qaffas, A. (2020). An Operational Study of Video Games’ Genres. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (IJIM), 14, 175. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v14i15.16691

Qian, M., & Clark, K. R. (2016). Game-based Learning and 21st century skills: A review of recent research. Computers in Human Behavior, 63, 50–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.05.023

Ramadiani, R., Respatti, E., Putra, G. M., Jundillah, M. L., Rahman, T., Balfas, M. D., Yunianta, A., & Alyamani, H. J. (2021). The Development of Borneo Wildlife Game Platform. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 12(10). https://doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2021.0121061

Rani, M., Singh, S. K., Allen, M. L., Pandey, P., & Singh, R. (2024). Measuring people’s attitude towards conservation of Leopard Panthera pardus (Mammalia: Carnivora) in the foothills of Himalayan region. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 16(6), 25283–25298. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.8567.16.6.25283-25298

Redpath, S. M., Keane, A., Andrén, H., Baynham-Herd, Z., Bunnefeld, N., Duthie, A. B., Frank, J., Garcia, C. A., Månsson, J., Nilsson, L., Pollard, C. R. J., Rakotonarivo, O. S., Salk, C. F., & Travers, H. (2018). Games as Tools to Address Conservation Conflicts. Trends in Ecology] & Evolution, 3(6), 415–426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2018.03.005

Robinson, N. M., Scheele, B. C., Legge, S., Southwell, D. M., Carter, O., Lintermans, M., Radford, J. Q., Skroblin, A., Dickman, C. R., Koleck, J., Wayne, A. F., Kanowski, J., Gillespie, G. R., & Lindenmayer, D. B. (2018). How to ensure threatened species monitoring leads to threatened species conservation. Ecological Management & Restoration, 19(3), 222–229. https://doi.org/10.1111/emr.12335

Sandbrook, C., Adams, W. M., & Monteferri, B. (2015). Digital Games and Biodiversity Conservation. Conservation Letters, 8(2), 118–124. https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12113

Sanzana, M. R., Abdulrazic, M. O. M., Wong, J. Y., Karunagharan, J. K., & Chia, J. (2024). Gamified virtual labs: shifting from physical environments for low-risk interactive learning. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 16(1), 208–221. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-09-2022-0281

Shanida, S. S., Partasasmita, R., Husodo, T., Parkesit, P., Febrianto, P., & Megantara, E. N. (2018). Short Communication: The existence of Javan Leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) in the non-conservation forest areas of Cisokan, Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity, 19(1), 42–46. https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d190107

Shrader, A. M., & Louw, I. (2023). Using a social media project as a way to get students to communicate conservation messages to the general public. Journal of Biological Education, 57(3), 484–494. https://doi.org/10.1080/00219266.2021.1924231

Situmorang, R. P., Suwono, H., Munzil, M., Susanto, H., Chang, C.-Y., & Liu, S.-Y. (2024). Learn biology using digital game-based learning: A systematic literature review. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 20(6), em2459. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/14658

Skarstein, T. H., & Skarstein, F. (2020). Curious children and knowledgeable adults – early childhood student-teachers’ species identification skills and their views on the importance of species knowledge. International Journal of Science Education, 42(2), 310–328. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2019.1710782

Suprapto, P. K., Suharsono, Chaidir, D. M., & Ali, M. (2019). Development of Wimba 3 Dimension Interactive Animation Media on Plant Anatomy. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1233, 012002. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1233/1/012002

Tan, C. K. W., Woei Lee, J., Hii, A., Loo, Y. Y., Campos-Arceiz, A., & Macdonald, D. W. (2018). The effect of using games in teaching conservation. PeerJ, 6, e4509. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4509

Uduman, A., Hagerman, S., Kroc, E., Watson, A.,

Kittle, A., & Burton, A. C. (2022). Attitudes towards the Sri Lankan leopard Panthera pardus kotiya in two rural communities. Oryx, 56(4), 528–536. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605321000247

Wibisono, H. T., Wahyudi, H. A., Wilianto, E., Pinondang, I. M. R., Primajati, M., Liswanto, D., & Linkie, M. (2018). Identifying priority conservation landscapes and actions for the Critically Endangered Javan leopard in Indonesia: Conserving the last large carnivore in Java Island. PLOS ONE, 13(6), e0198369. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0198369

Wijoyo, S., Ahman, E., Kurniawati, S., Supardi, E., & Firdaus, M. M. (2025). The Use of Board Games in Teaching Biodiversity for Sustainable Development: A Quasi-Experimental Method. International Journal of STEM Education for Sustainability, 5(1), 53-71.

Wright, D. S., Crooks, K. R., Hunter, D. O., Krumm, C. E., & Balgopal, M. M. (2021). Middle school science teachers’ agency to implement place-based education curricula about local wildlife. Environmental Education Research, 27(10), 1519–1537. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2021.1960955

Wu, Y., Xie, L., Huang, S.-L., Li, P., Yuan, Z., & Liu, W. (2018). Using social media to strengthen public awareness of wildlife conservation. Ocean & Coastal Management, 153, 76–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2017.12.010

Yadav, S. K., Banerjee, A., Jhariya, M. K., Meena, R. S., Raj, A., Khan, N., Kumar, S., & Sheoran, S. (2022). Environmental education for sustainable development. In Natural Resources Conservation and Advances for Sustainability (pp. 415–431). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-822976-7.00010-7

Yuliawan, K., Prayitno, G., Wijono, S., Joko Prasetyo, S. Y., & Trihandaru, S. (2022). Android-Based Educational Game: Recognition of Papua Endemic Animals. Jurnal Teknik Informatika (Jutif), 3(4), 889–896. https://doi.org/10.20884/1.jutif.2022.3.4.319

Yu, Z., Gao, M., & Wang, L. (2021). The Effect of Educational Games on Learning Outcomes, Student Motivation, Engagement and Satisfaction. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 59(3), 522–546. https://doi.org/10.1177/07356331209692