Enhancing Biotechnology Learning Through PRA-Driven Hydroponic Technology

Saidah Oktariyati; Yulia Safitri; Kardina Engelina  Siregar

doi:10.61987/jemr.v5i3.1183

Authors

Saidah Oktariyati Institut Agama Islam Hidayatullah, Kota Batam
Yulia Safitri Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim, Kota Pekanbaru
Kardina Engelina Siregar Institut Agama Islam Imam Syafii, Kota Pekanbaru

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61987/jemr.v5i3.1183

Keywords:

Hydroponic Technology, Biotechnology Education, Participatory Rural Appraisal

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the application of appropriate hydroponic technology as a learning tool in biotechnology education, focusing on its impact on students’ theoretical understanding, practical skills, and collaborative abilities. The study employed socialization and mentoring based on Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) to actively involve students in the learning process. Data were collected through literature review and structured observations, then analyzed qualitatively to identify key outcomes and patterns. The results indicate that integrating hydroponic technology in biotechnology education effectively enhances students’ comprehension of concepts while providing hands-on experience. Students demonstrated increased independence, improved peer collaboration, and the ability to implement environmentally friendly and efficient planting practices. Moreover, the approach facilitated the development of adaptive and sustainable problem-solving skills. These findings suggest that appropriate hydroponic technology can serve as an innovative and practical pedagogical tool in biotechnology education, fostering both cognitive and experiential learning. Future research is recommended to explore long-term impacts on student performance and to refine the integration of PRA-based methods in science curricula.

References

González-Cortés, J., Cantero, D., & Ramírez, M. (2024). Project‐Based Learning in Bioprocess Engineering: MATLAB Software as a Tool for Industrial‐Scale Bioreactor Design. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 33. https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.22811

Guo, P., Saab, N., Post, L., & Admiraal, W. (2020). A review of project-based learning in higher education: Student outcomes and measures. International Journal of Educational Research, 102, 101586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101586

Hernández-Ramos, J., Pernaa, J., Cáceres-Jensen, L., & Rodríguez-Becerra, J. (2021). The Effects of Using Socio-Scientific Issues and Technology in Problem-Based Learning: A Systematic Review. Education Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11100640

Jaganathan, S., Bhuminathan, S., & Ramesh, M. (2024). Problem-Based Learning – An Overview. Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences, 16. https://doi.org/10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_820_23

Lavado-Anguera, S., Velasco-Quintana, P.-J., & Terrón-López, M. (2024). Project-Based Learning (PBL) as an Experiential Pedagogical Methodology in Engineering Education: A Review of the Literature. Education Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14060617

Markula, A., & Aksela, M. (2022). The key characteristics of project-based learning: how teachers implement projects in K-12 science education. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-021-00042-x

Meng, N., Dong, Y., Roehrs, D., & Luan, L. (2023). Tackle implementation challenges in project-based learning: a survey study of PBL e-learning platforms. Educational Technology Research and Development, 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-023-10202-7

Oliveira, A. P., Baltazar, I., & Santos, J. (2025). Overcoming barriers to aquaponics adoption in schools: a practical implementation guide. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1553335

Papadopoulou, E., Tsiantos, V., Hatzikraniotis, E., Karampatzakis, D., & Maragakis, M. (2025). Combining Hydroponics and Three-Dimensional Printing to Foster 21st Century Skills in Elementary Students. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17072876

Sánchez-García, R., & Reyes-De-Cózar, S. (2025). Enhancing Project-Based Learning: A Framework for Optimizing Structural Design and Implementation—A Systematic Review with a Sustainable Focus. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114978

Smith, K., Maynard, N., Berry, A., Stephenson, T., Spiteri, T., Corrigan, D., Mansfield, J., Ellerton, P., & Smith, T. (2022). Principles of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in STEM Education: Using Expert Wisdom and Research to Frame Educational Practice. Education Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12100728

Sukacke, V., Guerra, A., Ellinger, D., Carlos, V., Petronienė, S., Gaižiūnienė, L., Blanch, S., Marbà-Tallada, A., & Brose, A. (2022). Towards Active Evidence-Based Learning in Engineering Education: A Systematic Literature Review of PBL, PjBL, and CBL. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113955

Azizah, N. A., Jasmine, N., Nashruddin, R. M., Afif, A., & Wibawani, S. (2023). Utilization of Hydroponics as a PMT Product to Reduce Stunting in Banjarsari Village, Sumberasih District, Probolinggo Regency. Jurnal Ilmiah Wahana Pendidikan, 9(22), 684–691.

Bazargani, K., & Deemyad, T. (2024). Automation's Impact on Agriculture: Opportunities, Challenges, and Economic Effects. Robotics, 13(2), 33. https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13020033

Chen, X. (2025). The Role of Modern Agricultural Technologies in Improving Agricultural Productivity and Land Use Efficiency. Frontiers in Plant Science, 16, 1675657. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1675657

Criollo-C, S., Guerrero-Arias, A., Jaramillo-Alcázar, Á., & Luján-Mora, S. (2021). Mobile Learning Technologies for Education: Benefits and Pending Issues. Applied Sciences, 11(9), 4111. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11094111

Harfouche, A. L., & Nakhle, F. (2020). Creating Bioethics Distance Learning Through Virtual Reality. Trends in Biotechnology, 38(11), 1187–1192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.05.005

Khastini, R. O., & Maryani, N. (2025). Empowering Sustainable Agriculture Education Through Hydroponic Literacy: Insights from Indonesia's Merdeka Curriculum. Cogent Education, 12(1), 2561332. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2561332

Lakhiar, I. A., Yan, H., Syed, T. N., Zhang, C., Shaikh, S. A., Rakibuzzaman, M., & Vistro, R. B. (2025). Soilless Agricultural Systems: Opportunities, Challenges, and Applications for Enhancing Horticultural Resilience to Climate Change and Urbanization. Horticulturae, 11(6), 568. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11060568

Lai, J. W., & Bower, M. (2020). Evaluation of Technology Use in Education: Findings From a Critical Analysis of Systematic Literature Reviews. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 36(3), 241–259. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12412

Malik, K. M., & Zhu, M. (2023). Do Project-Based Learning, Hands-On Activities, and Flipped Teaching Enhance Student's Learning of Introductory Theoretical Computing Classes? Education and Information Technologies, 28(3), 3581–3604. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11350-8

Mahrous, T., & Abd-Elkader, A. M. (2025). Soilless Techniques and Innovative Solutions for Water-Efficient and Sustainable Agriculture. In Beyond Rain-The Future of Irrigation in a Changing Climate. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.1010669

Ramdhani, R. A., Ivanka, A. A., Mubarok, M. C., Putra, A. R. A. P., Febriansyah, G., Ramadhani, K., … & Rofiqi, A. (2024). Appropriate Technology of Stoves Based on KKS (Cotton Spirit Can). Jurnal Wiyata Madani, 1(1), 24–32.

Waluyo, M. R., Nurfajriah, F. R. I., Mariati, & Rohman, Q. A. H. (2021). Utilization of Hydroponics as a Means to Optimize Limited Land for Youth Groups in Limo Village. Ikraith-Abdimas, 4(1), 61–64.

Witjaksono, G. S. B., Fachrani, D. K., Samodro, I. F., Hariyono, S. P., Arfi, Z. N. P., & Admanegara, R. C. (2023). Application of Appropriate Technology in Hydroponic Systems Utilizing Vacant Land in Rembang Village. Jurnal Sosiologi Pertanian dan Agribisnis, 5(2), 43–57. https://doi.org/10.55542/juspa.v5i2.647

Yusril, Y., & Ramadhani, Q. M. (2021). Vegetable Cultivation Using Hydroponic Biotechnology in Home Gardens. Proceeding Serina, 1(1), 2027–2034. https://doi.org/10.24912/pserina.v1i1.18078