The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning in Enhancing Reflective-Critical Thinking Skills of Elementary School Students in Science Learning
The cultivation of reflective and critical thinking skills in elementary science education poses a difficulty, as traditional instructional techniques often restrict students' cognitive engagement and metacognitive awareness. This study seeks to examine the efficacy of problem-based learning (...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Fakultas Ilmu Tarbiyah dan Keguruan Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Journal of Integrated Elementary Education |
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| Online Access: | https://journal.walisongo.ac.id/index.php/jieed/article/view/28077 |
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| author | Yenni Fitra Surya Adi Atmoko Toto Nusantara Aynin Masfufha Sumianto Sumianto |
| author_facet | Yenni Fitra Surya Adi Atmoko Toto Nusantara Aynin Masfufha Sumianto Sumianto |
| author_sort | Yenni Fitra Surya |
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The cultivation of reflective and critical thinking skills in elementary science education poses a difficulty, as traditional instructional techniques often restrict students' cognitive engagement and metacognitive awareness. This study seeks to examine the efficacy of problem-based learning (PBL) in improving the reflective and critical thinking abilities of fifth-grade elementary students in scientific education. This research utilized a quantitative methodology with a quasi-experimental design, namely the non-equivalent control group design. The sample comprised 90 students who were randomly allocated to experimental and control groups. The instrument employed was a test of 23 valid items, conducted as both a pre-test and a post-test. Data analysis was performed utilizing descriptive statistics, normality and homogeneity assessments, n-gain analysis, and t-tests. The study's results demonstrate that the experimental group achieved markedly superior post-test scores (M = 83.91; SD = 6.32) in contrast to the control group (M = 70.24; SD = 7.15), with a significance level of p = 0.000. The n-gain value for the experimental group (0.61) was into the moderate range, whereas the control group (0.29) was classified in the low category. These findings indicate that PBL is beneficial in enhancing students' skills in problem identification, hypothesis formulation, evidence analysis, and reflective thinking. This study's originality resides in the empirical validation of PBL implementation at the primary school level, a topic that has seldom been thoroughly examined. The results suggest the need for curriculum change, pedagogical innovation, and professional development for educators in inclusive and reflective fundamental scientific education.
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9a68f769aee440d398f1067055780f6b |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2776-1657 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Fakultas Ilmu Tarbiyah dan Keguruan Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Integrated Elementary Education |
| spelling | doaj-art-9a68f769aee440d398f1067055780f6b2025-08-20T03:56:09ZengFakultas Ilmu Tarbiyah dan Keguruan Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo SemarangJournal of Integrated Elementary Education2776-16572025-07-015210.21580/jieed.v5i2.28077The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning in Enhancing Reflective-Critical Thinking Skills of Elementary School Students in Science LearningYenni Fitra Surya0Adi Atmoko1Toto Nusantara2Aynin Masfufha3Sumianto Sumianto4Universitas Pahlawan Tuanku TambusaiUniversitas Negeri MalangUniversitas Negeri MalangUniversitas Negeri MalangUniversitas Negeri Malang The cultivation of reflective and critical thinking skills in elementary science education poses a difficulty, as traditional instructional techniques often restrict students' cognitive engagement and metacognitive awareness. This study seeks to examine the efficacy of problem-based learning (PBL) in improving the reflective and critical thinking abilities of fifth-grade elementary students in scientific education. This research utilized a quantitative methodology with a quasi-experimental design, namely the non-equivalent control group design. The sample comprised 90 students who were randomly allocated to experimental and control groups. The instrument employed was a test of 23 valid items, conducted as both a pre-test and a post-test. Data analysis was performed utilizing descriptive statistics, normality and homogeneity assessments, n-gain analysis, and t-tests. The study's results demonstrate that the experimental group achieved markedly superior post-test scores (M = 83.91; SD = 6.32) in contrast to the control group (M = 70.24; SD = 7.15), with a significance level of p = 0.000. The n-gain value for the experimental group (0.61) was into the moderate range, whereas the control group (0.29) was classified in the low category. These findings indicate that PBL is beneficial in enhancing students' skills in problem identification, hypothesis formulation, evidence analysis, and reflective thinking. This study's originality resides in the empirical validation of PBL implementation at the primary school level, a topic that has seldom been thoroughly examined. The results suggest the need for curriculum change, pedagogical innovation, and professional development for educators in inclusive and reflective fundamental scientific education. https://journal.walisongo.ac.id/index.php/jieed/article/view/28077Problem-Based Learningreflective-critical thinkingscience learning |
| spellingShingle | Yenni Fitra Surya Adi Atmoko Toto Nusantara Aynin Masfufha Sumianto Sumianto The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning in Enhancing Reflective-Critical Thinking Skills of Elementary School Students in Science Learning Journal of Integrated Elementary Education Problem-Based Learning reflective-critical thinking science learning |
| title | The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning in Enhancing Reflective-Critical Thinking Skills of Elementary School Students in Science Learning |
| title_full | The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning in Enhancing Reflective-Critical Thinking Skills of Elementary School Students in Science Learning |
| title_fullStr | The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning in Enhancing Reflective-Critical Thinking Skills of Elementary School Students in Science Learning |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning in Enhancing Reflective-Critical Thinking Skills of Elementary School Students in Science Learning |
| title_short | The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning in Enhancing Reflective-Critical Thinking Skills of Elementary School Students in Science Learning |
| title_sort | effectiveness of problem based learning in enhancing reflective critical thinking skills of elementary school students in science learning |
| topic | Problem-Based Learning reflective-critical thinking science learning |
| url | https://journal.walisongo.ac.id/index.php/jieed/article/view/28077 |
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