Enhancing Student Academic Performance through Engagement and Learning Resources in Project Self

University students’ attempts at critical thinking in research projects frequently require supervisor interventions in the form of advice giving, feedback and supportive information. Providing such interventions to each student through classroom teaching or conventional meetings is restrictive as to timing and place. By using a Digital Behaviours Change Intervention (DBCI) technique, students can get continual assistance from supervisors in their research work through the web or mobile platforms. This research sought to understand students’ perceptions of using digital mobile-based behaviour change interventions to improve their critical thinking and research skills. A survey instrument inspired by the Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Framework was designed to measure student self-perceived critical thinking abilities before and after an experiment. Five supervisors were interviewed to validate the instrument and the behaviour change intervention content. An experimental study was conducted to explore how students interact with a mobile app-based behaviour change intervention, which was developed using the LifeGuide Toolbox platform, to support critical thinking over three months of a research project. The results showed a significant improvement in students’ critical thinking skills with respect to five intellectual standards (clarity, precision, relevance, logic, and fairness) after using the system.

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual, emotional, and social development of students. In the era of globalization, where critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are highly valued, curriculum selection significantly influences academic performance. This study investigates the impact of the Cambridge curriculum on students' academic achievement at Sekolah Putri Darul Istiqamah, a school committed to nurturing excellence among young women by combining high-quality education with Islamic values. The Cambridge curriculum, developed by Cambridge Assessment International Education, is recognized globally for its rigorous academic standards, emphasis on analytical thinking, and holistic approach to education. At Sekolah Putri Darul Istiqamah, its implementation has enhanced academic performance, developed essential skills, and aligned seamlessly with the institution’s mission of integrating global academic excellence with Islamic teachings. This study employs qualitative descriptive-exploratory methods, including interviews, focus group discussions, and classroom observations, to analyze the curriculum’s effectiveness. The findings highlight significant improvements in students’ academic performance, critical thinking, and communication skills while ensuring alignment with moral and cultural values. Challenges such as resource allocation and initial adaptation were also identified but were mitigated through collaborative efforts. The study concludes that the Cambridge curriculum provides a balanced approach, enabling students to achieve global competency while staying connected to their cultural and religious identity.

This study aims to see the influence of digital technology of toponym rays on students' creative and critical thinking skills. The use of technology in the classroom is essential to improve educational standards in the rapidly evolving digital era. This study uses experimental design and quantitative methodology. The subject of the study was a randomly selected student of class X at Pontianak State High School. The research implementation method involves the use of digital toponym ray applications for one semester of school. The instruments used include creative and critical thinking skills tests that have been validated. Data is collected based on the measurement of specific skills, such as creative and critical thinking skills, which are measured with valid and reliable instruments. The data analysis technique used is experimental statistics. The t-test was used to determine the significance of the difference between the scores of the experimental class and the control class. The results showed that there was a significant improvement in students' creative and critical thinking skills after using digital technology of toponymic rays, namely the results of data analysis showed that the average score of creative and critical thinking skills of students in the experimental group was higher than that of the control group. The average score of creative thinking skills in the experimental group was 85.2, while in the control group it was only 70.4. For critical thinking skills, the average score in the experimental group was 82.7, while in the control group it was only 68.3. and The results of the t-test showed that the t-value for creative thinking skills was 3.45 with a p-value < 0.05, which means there was a significant difference between the two groups. For critical thinking skills, the t-value was 3.87 with a p-value < 0.05, which also showed a significant difference. Keywords: Digital Technology, Creative Thinking, Critical

The rapid advancement of educational technology presents new opportunities to develop learning models that foster essential 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking. This study aims to develop a TACK (Technological, Andragogical, Content Knowledge) learning model utilizing a digital flipbook to enhance the critical thinking abilities of students in the Non-Formal Education (PNF) Department at Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP). This research follows a Research and Development (RD) design, encompassing five stages: needs analysis, model design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Data were gathered using pretest and posttest instruments to measure students’ critical thinking skills, alongside student satisfaction surveys to evaluate the model's reception. The findings indicate a significant improvement in students' critical thinking, with posttest scores (81.6) increasing by 25% from the pretest average (65.3). Additionally, the satisfaction survey revealed a 90% positive response rate, demonstrating strong student engagement and acceptance of the TACK model integrated with digital flipbook content. The TACK learning model, when supported by a digital flipbook, proves effective in enhancing students’ critical thinking skills within the context of non-formal education. Its adaptability suggests potential for broader application in both formal and informal educational settings. These results highlight the importance of integrating technological tools with pedagogical strategies to foster innovative and impactful learning experiences.

Climate change education is crucial for equipping students to tackle pressing global challenges, yet traditional methods often fail to foster critical thinking (CT) and awareness. This study aimed to develop a digital pedagogical model based on climate change issues integrated with Virtual Reality (VR) technology to enhance students' CT and climate change awareness. The research employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach, involving validation, practicality testing, and effectiveness evaluation. Validity data were obtained through expert validation (involving five validators), while practicality and effectiveness data were gathered through implementation processes involving two observers (evaluating model practicality) and 38 high school students (effectiveness test subjects). Implementation utilized a pretest-posttest design and was analyzed descriptively and quantitatively. The findings indicate that the model is valid, with an average validation score of 4.15, and practical, with an implementation score of 4.80 categorized as "very good." The effectiveness test showed significant improvements in students' CT skills, with the average score increasing from the "less critical" to the "moderately critical" category, and in climate change awareness, which rose from the "moderate" to the "high" category. These results highlight the effectiveness of integrating PBL with VR technology in enhancing students’ CT skills and awareness. This study contributes to advancing technology-based education and emphasizes the importance of adopting immersive, problem-based pedagogies in tackling global issues like climate change.

This study evaluates the impact of the Quizizz application on junior high school students' comprehension, highlighting its potential to enhance classroom instruction through innovative and engaging learning strategies. A Classroom Action Research (CAR) approach was employed, encompassing planning, implementing, observing, and reflecting stages. The study involved 36 eighth-grade students at SMPN 3 Batang Gangsal. Data were gathered through observations, tests, and documentation. Qualitative analysis of observational data was conducted using tables and diagrams to track progress, while quantitative analysis compared student performance across two cycles. In Cycle I, the average student score was 62.4, with 38.89% (14 students) achieving scores ≥70. By Cycle II, the average score increased to 74.1, with 88.89% (32 students) meeting or exceeding the benchmark. These results demonstrate significant improvement in students' comprehension of social studies. The findings highlight the effectiveness of Quizizz as a tool for engaging students and enhancing learning outcomes. Its interactive features contributed to increased student motivation and better comprehension of social studies concepts. The Quizizz application proved to be an effective and innovative learning tool, significantly improving student comprehension. Future research should explore its application across diverse subjects and educational levels to assess its broader impact on learning outcomes.

This study examined the relationship between autonomous learning and academic performance in science within a STEM-based educational approach, focusing on secondary school students in the Dominican Republic. A quasi-experimental design was implemented with a group of 38 students, using pre- and post-tests to assess levels of academic autonomy and performance in chemistry. Complementary data collection instruments included classroom observation guides, student learning logs, and semi-structured interviews. The intervention consisted of STEM-oriented activities that promoted inquiry, problem-solving, and collaborative work, carried out over one academic semester. The instruments applied were validated through expert judgment and reliability analysis (α = 0.98). Quantitative analysis employed paired Student’s t-tests and the normalized Hake gain, while qualitative analysis provided insights into individual profiles of autonomy and motivational factors. The results showed significant improvement in students’ science performance (g = 0.5), as well as in dimensions of autonomy such as time management, self-regulation, intrinsic motivation, and critical thinking. The findings highlight the relevance of the STEM approach in fostering autonomous learning processes that enhance academic achievement. This research contributes a replicable intervention model and provides guidelines for designing educational strategies and policies aimed at strengthening scientific education and sustainable development in secondary schools.

Critical thinking is a key element of complex problem-solving that facilitates health professionals' clinical practice and professional behavior. Despite the importance of critical thinking, the measurement of critical thinking skills and its associations with academic performance remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to determine the associations between critical thinking and academic performance among undergraduate dental hygiene students. All 63 third- and fourth-year baccalaureate degree dental hygiene students (Class of 2018 and Class of 2017, respectively) in The Ohio State University Dental Hygiene Program were invited to participate in this quantitative, cross-sectional research study. Critical thinking was measured with the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) and the Health Sciences Reasoning Test with Numeracy (HSRT-N). A total of 45 students completed the two tests, for an overall response rate of 71.4%. For the Class of 2018, the response rate was 90.6% (n=29), and for the Class of 2017, the response rate was 51.6% (n=16). The results showed the CCTDI and HSRT-N scores were higher for the Class of 2017 than the Class of 2018, suggesting that critical thinking skills were being developed across the course of the curriculum. The CCTDI was not significantly correlated with or a predictor of academic performance. The HSRT-N was more correlated with clinical performance than was the CCTDI, and HSRT-N components were found to be predictors of clinical performance. Continued attention is needed in the development and measurement of critical thinking skills to improve the academic and clinical performance of undergraduate dental hygiene students.

The aim of this research study is to find out cause and effect of clinical depression on academic achievements and performance of students. The Main objective of this chronic mental illness is to find out the striking depth of stress and depression on learning outcomes of students. Factors that impact on academic performance caused by clinical depression were investigated. Literature review indicates that clinical depression negatively impact on academic performance of students in terms of lack of confidence, communication problem, time management and trust issues particularly at university level. Public sector university of Karachi was selected as the population of the study. This research is based on the quantitative method. Questionnaire has been set, as a tool for this research. The sample size included 100 students from twenty departments of eight faculties through simple random sampling. Data analysis has been done by descriptive statistical techniques using percentage method. Closed ended questionnaire tool were designed for the collection of data based on five liker scale. The collected was analyzed and results were at moderate level 33% respondents were strongly agree, 47% agree, 13% neutral while strongly disagree and disagree were7%.The findings of this research shows that clinical depression adversely impact on academic performance of the students at University of Karachi. It affects academic performance as well as it has long term impact on student’s mental performance. The hypothesis considered for this research is accepted.

A Review of Students' Critical Thinking Skills in Science Learning in Indonesia. Objective: This review study aims to analyse and describe the development of students' critical thinking skills in science learning. Methods: This study uses a systematic literature review by following the PRISMA form. We found 158 documents critical thinking skills in science learning in published in Scopus indexed journals from 2014 to 2024. After the screening process, 16 articles were selected for analysis using thematic analysis. Findings: The review findings show that the selection of learning media to enhance critical thinking skills in flexible science learning should be aligned with students' characteristics, the learning context and user-friendliness. The choice of learning models employed to improve critical thinking skills in science learning is highly variable and must be tailored to multiple criteria. Selecting the suitable model necessitates consideration of the students' attributes, the educational material, and the time constraints. Every learning model possesses distinct advantages in promoting critical thinking skills, necessitating the selection of the model that most effectively aligns with the particular requirements and educational situation. Conclusion: Critical thinking skills are among the most vital competencies that students should acquire. These skills are crucial in facilitating a deeper comprehension of scientific concepts among students. The literature study indicates that from 2014 to 2024, many media and learning approaches have been extensively utilized in science education. These media and educational approaches have demonstrated a beneficial effect, enhancing students' academic performance while also fostering the optimal development of their critical thinking skills. Keywords: critical thinking skills, science learning, systematic literature review. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23960/jpmipa/v25i4.pp1787-1798

PurposeCreating suitable learning conditions in university classrooms continues to be a topical issue in higher education. The above means that a continued search for innovative teaching and learning strategies in universities remains a priority issue. The study therefore investigated conditions that facilitate the effective implementation of cooperative learning (CL) as well as how CL influences the academic performance of students in universities in Zimbabwe.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopted a quantitative research approach located in the descriptive research design. A sample of 341 undergraduate students selected using a simple random sampling strategy from a sample frame of 701 undergraduate students participated in the study. The study first used a pre-test and later, a post-test to determine the initial and end of semester (EOS) academic performance levels of students, respectively, on a Calculus 1 course. A self-constructed structured questionnaire was also used for data collection on the views of students towards the use of CL with particular reference to the 5 dimensions of positive interdependence (PDI), promotive interaction (PI), individual and group accountability (IGA), social and interpersonal skills (SS) and group processing (GP). The questionnaire was validated using confirmatory factor analysis. Structural equation modelling was used to test proposed relationships. A total of 341 questionnaires were administered through an email survey. Of the total, 149 completed questionnaires were received from the students, giving a return rate of 43.7%.FindingsThe results showed that positive interdependence, promotive interaction, social and interpersonal skills, individual and group accountability as well as group processing were important antecedents to the effective implementation of CL in universities. The results further showed that CL plays a significant role in improving the academic performance of university students; hence, academic performance was viewed as a significant consequence of CL.Research limitations/implicationsThis is the first study on the application of CL to enhance the academic performance of university students in the context of Zimbabwe. As a result, caution should be exercised when generalising the results as more studies to either confirm or disconfirm these results in the context of Zimbabwe may still be required.Practical implicationsThese results have implications on policy and practice with regards to active teaching strategies in universities. With regards to practice, the results demonstrated that the use of group activities that allow students to share knowledge and support each other while the teacher plays a facilitating role is important for enhancing students' academic performance. With regards to policy, the results showed that universities can enhance the academic performance of students if policies that promote student-centered teaching and learning approaches to ensure that teaching in universities is more student-led than lecturer-led are developed.Originality/valueWhile many studies have been conducted in other contexts, to establish the influence of CL on the academic performance of university students, there is no known study on the influence of CL that has been conducted in the context of Zimbabwean universities. The results of this study therefore are an eye opener on the role of CL in enhancing the academic performance of students in Zimbabwean universities.

The purpose of this study was to improve students' mathematical critical thinking skills using the developed Desmos Electronic Student Worksheet (E-LKPD) based on Problem Based Learning, student responses after using the Desmos E-LKPD, and the practicality of Desmos-based E-LKPD Problem-Based Learning was developed. From the research results it is known that: (1) Based on the aspect of critical thinking skills, the aspect of interpretation increases by 9%, the aspect of analysis increases by 18%, the aspect of evaluation increases by 42%, and the aspect of inference increases by 48%. (2) The results of the students' answers are included in the good category with a proportion of 80.31%. (3) The Problem Based Learning-based E-LKPD Desmos that has been developed has met the effective criteria in terms of the assessment of media experts, material experts, and user experts in the valid category, classical learning completeness has reached 80.65%, and Gain results of 0 .5 with medium category. The practicality test results get 92.18% in the very practical category.

Critical thinking skill which is one of the important abilities in the 21st century is important to be trained in learning. The purpose of this research is to develop an AR-based worksheet on dynamic electrical material that is valid, practical, and effective to stimulate students’ critical thinking. The development model used the ADDIE model which consists of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation steps. The product developed was tested for validation, practicality test, and effectiveness test. The results of the validity test obtained a value of 81.80% with a valid category. The results of the practicality test obtained a percentage of 80.85% with good criteria. The results of the effectiveness test showed an N-Gain value of 0.67 with the moderately effective category. From the average pretest and posttest scores, it can be seen that the posttest average score increased by 39.04 which indicates that the use of AR-based worksheets can improve students’ critical thinking. It can be concluded that AR-based worksheets on the concept of dynamic electricity developed are valid, practical, and effective to stimulate students’ critical thinking.

This paper delves into one of the primary challenges in higher education, which revolves around the methods employed by educators to cultivate enhanced critical thinking skills in students. While certain majors such as philosophy, logic, and literary criticism inherently demand higher levels of critical thinking, there exists a pressing need to investigate the efficacy of practical exercises like translation in fostering critical thinking abilities among university students (Ghazala, 2008; Beylard-Ozeroff, Lev?, & Popovi?, 1998). In this context, this narrative review embarks on an exploration of the intricate relationship between critical thinking and translation. While previous research has predominantly concentrated on the influence of critical thinking on translation quality, this study takes a novel perspective by assessing whether engagement in translation activities can indeed augment the critical thinking capabilities of students. Through an extensive literature review, this study examines existing research that elucidates the correlation between critical thinking and translation skills. Furthermore, it scrutinizes the fundamental constituents of critical thinking and the cognitive processes intricately involved in translation. The findings from this investigation unveil a positive connection between the practice of translation and the enhancement of critical thinking skills among students. Consequently, this narrative review not only contributes valuable insights but also underscores the potential educational advantages of incorporating translation exercises into curricula as a means to foster critical thinking.

In 21st-century learning, students are required to develop critical thinking and collaboration skills. Project-Based Learning (PjBL) integrated with gamification is considered a potential approach to support these competencies. This study aimed to examine the effect of gamification-assisted PjBL on Grade X students’ critical thinking and collaboration skills in the biodiversity topic at SMAN 21 Medan. The study employed a quasi-experimental method using a Non-Equivalent Control Group design, involving class X5 as the experimental group and class X7 as the control group selected through random sampling. Critical thinking skills were measured using ten essay questions representing five indicators, while collaboration skills were assessed through an observation sheet based on four indicators. The results showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups. The t-test analysis of critical thinking skills yielded a significance value of 0.016 (< 0.05), with the experimental group achieving a higher posttest mean score (75.25) than the control group (61.60). Similarly, collaboration skills showed a significant difference with a significance value of < 0.001. These findings indicate that gamification-assisted PjBL has a positive effect on improving students’ critical thinking and collaboration skills compared to PjBL without gamification. Therefore, it is recommended that biology teachers integrate gamification elements such as points, badges, and challenges into project-based learning to enhance students’ critical thinking and collaboration skills.