Innovative eLearning: Technology Shaping Contemporary Problem Based Learning: A Cross-Case Analysis

This study aims to determine: 1) the difference in the effect of problem based learning and discovery learning on students' critical and creative thinking skills, 2) the effect of problem based learning and discovery learning on students' critical and creative thinking skills simultaneously. This type of research is a quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent comparison-group design. Collecting data using pre-test and post-test in the experimental class I and II. The data analysis technique used the independent sample test and Manova test with the help of the IBMM SPSS Statistics version 23 application. The results of the independent sample test showed that the critical thinking variable obtained a score of tcount 2.180 > ttable 1.996 with df. 66 and creative thinking variable with a score of tcount 2.103 > ttable 1.996. Based on these results, it can be concluded that there are different effects on critical and creative thinking skills. In the Manova test results obtained a significance of 0.26 <0.05 so that it can be concluded that there is an effect on critical and creative thinking skills simultaneously on the material for the development of the Islamic empire. The comparison results show that discovery learning has more influence on critical and creative thinking skills with an n-gain of 0.49, compared to problem-based learning with an n-gain of 0.41.

Education in the 21st century requires not only content mastery but also the development of higher-order thinking skills to address complex global challenges. This study investigates the effects of STEM Project-Based Learning (PjBL) and students’ critical thinking on creativity in English language learning. Employing a mixed methods approach with an explanatory sequential design, the study first gathered quantitative data through surveys and tests, followed by qualitative data from interviews and classroom observations. The participants consisted of 200 Grade X students from two senior high schools in Serang City, selected through purposive sampling. The quantitative findings revealed that both STEM PjBL and critical thinking significantly influence student creativity, with strong positive correlations (r = 0.867 and r = 0.889) and moderate effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.516 and 0.505). The qualitative data supported these findings, highlighting students’ increased engagement, collaboration, and reflective thinking during project implementation. These results suggest that integrating STEM-based projects in English learning can effectively foster critical and creative thinking skills, offering a promising interdisciplinary approach to language education. The study contributes to current literature by demonstrating the combined impact of PjBL and critical thinking in a language learning context, an area often overlooked in prior research. The findings hold practical implications for curriculum designers and educators seeking to promote 21st-century competencies through integrated, student-centered instruction.

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of integrating interactive digital media into problem-based learning (Problem-Based Learning/PBL) to enhance the critical thinking skills of middle school students. The research method used is a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design. The subjects of the study are 60 eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 4 Bandar Lampung, divided into experimental and control groups. The instruments used include critical thinking skills tests based on Ennis’ indicators, as well as observation sheets for learning activity engagement. The data were analyzed using normality tests, homogeneity tests, paired sample t-tests, independent sample t-tests, as well as N-Gain and Cohen’s d calculations. The results indicate a significant increase in critical thinking skills in the experimental group compared to the control group, with a p-value of 0.000 in the independent t-test. The average N-Gain for the experimental group was 50.88% (moderate category), while the control group only achieved 3.48% (low category). The effect size calculated using Cohen’s d reached 3.08, indicating a very large treatment effect. These findings reinforce that integrating interactive digital media into problem-based learning can effectively improve students’ critical thinking skills. The results also support the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum, which emphasizes strengthening the Pancasila student profile, especially in the dimensions of critical and reflective thinking.

BackgroundProblem-based learning (PBL) is widely recognized as an effective method for enhancing critical thinking and communication skills in medical education. However, in first-year medical students, the specific and detailed effects have yet to be explored, especially across resource-rich and resource-limited educational settings.ObjectiveThe scoping review evaluates the effects of problem-based learning on the development of critical thinking and communication skills of first-year medical students and compares the effectiveness of the method in resource-rich and resource-limited environments.MethodsThis scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. A systematic search of the literature was conducted on Google Scholar, PubMed, and ProQuest for studies published between 2015 and 2024. Included studies were screened according to the defined criteria, and data were extracted on study characteristics, interventions, and outcomes measured.ResultsA total of eight studies were found that met inclusion criteria: only one among them exclusively studied first-year students. The results of this cross-sectional study (with a descriptive self-report questionnaire) found that first-year students have a positive attitude toward PBL since they reported the following: high engagement (97%) and improved teamwork (87%). The included studies reported that PBL was associated with perceived improvements in critical thinking and communication skills among undergraduate medical students in both resource-limited and resource-rich educational environment. There were methodological variations, and some regions were entirely unrepresented. All the reviewed studies were published in Asia, with no studies from Africa.ConclusionThe reviewed studies suggest that PBL may be associated with perceived improvements in critical thinking and communication skills; however, findings remain tentative due to methodological and contextual limitations.

This study aims to describe the implementation of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model in Islamic Religious Education (IRE) and analyze its contribution to enhancing students' critical thinking skills at the Madrasah Ibtidaiyah level. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with the subjects consisting of an IRE teacher and fifth-grade students at MI Al-Hikmah, South Sumatra. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and then analyzed thematically. The research findings indicate that the implementation of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model effectively increases student engagement and participation in the learning process. Students become more reflective, critical, and collaborative when faced with issues related to religious values and daily life. The teacher observed positive changes in class dynamics, including improvements in students' ability to analyze problems, develop arguments, and formulate rational and Islamic solutions. However, some challenges were also identified, such as the limited time for learning and the varying levels of critical thinking ability among students. Overall, this study concludes that the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model is effective in enhancing students' critical thinking skills in IRE learning. Problem Based Learning (PBL) provides a contextual, innovative, and religious approach, which helps develop a critical Islamic thinking character from an early age. Therefore, this model can serve as an effective alternative teaching strategy in Islamic religious education at the Madrasah Ibtidaiyah level.

Critical thinking plays a crucial role in the learning process. Critical thinking should become the focus of learning since it encourages the development of knowledge and includes the act of contemplating subjects, content, and problems. The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Digital Mind Maps-Integrated PBL (DMM-Integrated PBL) in improving students’ critical thinking. This quasi-experiment study employed a pretest-posttest control group design, involving 103 university students from the Biology Department of University in Riau, Indonesia, as the sample. The details of each group consist of 31 students in conventional, PBL (37 students), and DMM-Integrated PBL (35 students) classes. The research data was collected using an essay test. The data obtained were analyzed using ANCOVA at a significance level of 5% and an LSD test. Essay test developed based on critical thinking indicators: basic clarification, bases for a decision, inference, advanced clarification, supposition and integration, and strategies and tactics. All the instruments had been validated. The ANCOVA analysis results proved that PBL and DMM-Integrated PBL affected the students' critical thinking. However, the LSD test showed no significant difference between PBL and DMM-Integrated PBL in promoting students' critical thinking. Finally, to promote students’ critical thinking, educators are recommended to use PBL or DMM-Integrated PBL in the classroom.

Critical thinking skills, often referred to as higher-order cognitive skills, are considered important for the Religious Culture and Ethics Course due to gains such as pupils’ taking responsibility of their own learning, actively constructing knowledge, supporting the development of other high-level thinking skills such as reflective and creative thinking. As students’ critical and inquiring thinking skills increase, they can also develop a number of related skills, such as the ability to explain issues in more detail, evaluate learning topics in relation to their own lives, become aware of different perspectives on problem situations, and question the reliability of information resources. One of the effective approaches for pupils to acquire critical thinking, inquiry and questioning skills is the 'Philosophy for Children' approach, which was developed by Matthew Lipman in the early 1970s’ and has been applied in many countries, for different school subjects since then. The main aim of this approach is to develop students' thinking and reasoning skills through philosophical discussions in the classroom. The 'Philosophy for Children' model stands out as an effective approach in religious education by creating dialogic and collaborative teaching-learning environments, encouraging students to inquire and question, and developing critical and reflective thinking skills. In our country, Religious Culture and Ethics Course curriculum, which highly considers inquiry and questioning in learning, aims to ensure that students learn by making sense of the content and using high-level thinking processes. Instead of a traditional, teacher-centred and rote religious education, it is aimed for students to become learner agents who inquire, question, strive to reach the source of knowledge, and actively construct knowledge. Therefore, Religious Culture and Ethics course requires teachers to use strategies, methods and techniques that enable students to develop and use high-level thinking processes. ‘Philosophy for Children’ approach has also been used in religious education in England and in Islamic religious as well as ethic courses in Malaysia. The studies undertaken in these countries have provided important contributions to students' active participation in the lessons, development of critical thinking and reasoning skills, self-confidence, self-esteem and social relations. This study is a literature review examining the theoretical foundations of the 'Philosophy for Children' approach, its application and evaluation processes, as well as its use in religious education by looking into both international and national literature. The aim of the study is to examine the 'Philosophy for Children' approach, which is thought to be useful in developing effective learning skills such as inquiry, questioning, problem solving and critical thinking related to concepts and problems of religion and morality in the primary and secondary Religious Culture and Ethics Course curriculum. Besides recommendations and implications are made for this course.

Key words: innovative approach, problem, learning a language, quality of education, theoretical and empirical method, level of language Over the last few years, educational reforms have been rapidly implemented using innovative approaches. The need to try new approaches to teaching languages and the issue of improving the quality of education, have become increasingly urgent. Therefore, programs in curriculum development can definitely not adopt Problem-Based Learning (PBL) as a higher education strategy. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between student-centered teaching approach and problem-based learning in the context of language teaching. Problem-based learning is a method where complex, contemporary problems are used as a way to lead students develop their critical thinking. In addition to the content of the course, problem-based learning can stimulate critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities and communication skills. It also gives students opportunity to work in groups, find research materials, as well as develop skill in self-monitoring and self-evaluation. The study was conducted using theoretical-empirical research methods of observation, description, comparison, contrast and analysis. As a result, students demonstrated a higher level of motivation to learn and achieved more impressive learning outcome. In particular, this study highlights the importance of combining students’ learning abilities with the right types of learning activities. The problem-centered approach also promoted the acquisition of new and relevant knowledge, creating free and relaxed atmosphere. Students agreed that were motivated to learn and use the English language (89 %). However, some students (60 %) claimed that they lacked time to spend on problem solving and sometimes they had difficulty in finding relevant materials. Among the four basic language skills, respondents rated reading skills as the most effective in problem-based learning and accepted that problem-based learning had a moderate effect both on their vocabulary and grammar.

The world of education has challenges to improve superior and quality human resources by building 21st century skills which include 1) creative thinking, 2) critical thinking and problem solving, 3) communication, and 4) collaboration. One of the skills that must be developed in every implementation of learning activities is higher order thinking skills (HOTS). This study aims to describe the effect of the student's Problem Based Learning (PBL) model in social studies learning on students' higher-order thinking skills. The type of research used in this study is a literature study method with a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques by collecting as much information as possible from various literature sources related to Problem Based Learning and higher order thinking skills or HOTS. The results of the study indicate that there is an effect of the PBL model in making students active, independent, and able to think at higher levels. In the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model, students are taught to apply new knowledge to solve problems, so that students become critical, independent and creative thinking.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of problem-based learning on critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities of nursing students.
 Methods The subjects of this study were 50 nursing students from S University in Jeonnam. The data were collected at the beginning of the second semester on September 2, 2022, and the post - survey was conducted at the last time on December 2, 2022.,The collected data were statistically processed using SPSS Windows 20.0 Program.
 Results Problem-Based Learning (PBL) class was found to have statistically significant effects on critical thinking ability (t=-4.89, p=.019), communication ability (t=-5.15, p=.024), and problem-solving ability (t=-5.55, p=.005) of nursing students.,As a result of analyzing the sub-factors of each variable, critical thinking ability had a significant effect on sound skepticism, intellectual fairness, objectivity, systematicity, intellectual curiosity, and confidence, but there was no statistically significant difference in prudence.,Problem-solving ability was found to have significant effects on open thinking, perception and judgment, alternative evaluation and decision.
 Conclusions This study is meaningful in that it applied the PBL method, which is emerging recently, to the curriculum and verified its effectiveness. In the future, it is necessary to apply these teaching and learning methods in consideration of the curriculum of various environments and the level of students, It is necessary to study a wide range of studies that confirm the effect and add various variables.

Critical thinking skills as a reflective and rational thinking process, which is carried out seriously to determine what to believe and what actions to take. This study aims to improve the critical thinking skills of science of grade IV students of Ciawi III Elementary School using the Problem Based Learning (PBL) learning model on leaf material. This study uses a classroom action research (CAR) method with a population of 18 people which is carried out in 2 cycles, namely cycle I and cycle II and is carried out in 3 days, namely Thursday, Monday and Tuesday in March 2025. Data collection techniques used are tests, observations and documentation. The results obtained showed an increase in critical thinking skills by 80% using the Problem Based Learning (PBL) learning model. Therefore, the use of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) learning model has a positive impact on improving the critical thinking skills of elementary school students. The Problem Based Learning (PBL) learning model can be used by teachers as a way to provide broad understanding with the help of learning models.

Developing critical and creative thinking skills is essential for prospective teachers to meet 21st-century education demands. However, these skills remain relatively low among teacher education students. This study investigates how higher education institutions can design learning experiences to foster these competencies, focusing on the Creative and Critical Thinking in Research-based Learning (CCTRbL) model. This study employed an action research approach based on a modified Burn model, comprising five stages: (1) Identifying, (2) Planning, (3) Intervening, (4) Observing, and (5) Reporting. The participants were 27 teacher education students. Data were collected using an integrated critical and creative thinking assessment rubric for evaluating students’ research-based paper tasks. Data analysis utilized categorical descriptive techniques and percentage calculations. The findings indicate that the CCTRbL model effectively enhances students' critical and creative thinking skills, with scores of 68.29 and 65.18, respectively, categorized as high. This suggests that the implemented model positively impacts students' ability to think critically and creatively. The study demonstrates that integrating critical and creative thinking in a research-based learning framework is beneficial for teacher education programs. The findings suggest that the CCTRbL model can be adapted for use at different educational levels with modifications suited to subject-specific requirements. The CCTRbL model is a promising approach to fostering critical and creative thinking skills in teacher education. It is recommended for broader application in primary, secondary, and higher education to enhance students' cognitive abilities and professional competencies.

This study aims to: (1) to improve the students critical thinking skills, (2) to improve the students understanding of the concepts, (3) to know the differences of critical thingking skills between students who experience learning with PBL through experimental methods with conventional methods, (4) to know the differences of understanding of concepts between students who experience learning with PBL through experimental method with conventional method. The research method used is a quantitative method using a quasi-experimental study involving 40 subjects of SMA Negeri 3 Jayapura XI class science school year 2012/2013. Population consisted of 87 students, and samples were taken using cluster random sampling technique. The data used in this study is the data of student’s pretest and posttest. Results of data analysis showed that the PBL models with experiments can be: 1) improve student’s critical thinking skills (n-Gain experiment class = 0.74 and 0.48 n-Gain control class), 2) improve the understanding of the concept of students (n-Gain experiment class = 0.76 and 0.53 n-Gain controll class), 3) there are differences in critical thinking skills among students taught throught experiments with PBL models with conventional methods (sig < 0.05 or sig = 0.000), 4) there is a difference understanding concepts among students taught through experiments with PBL models with conventional methods (sig < 0.05 or sig = 0.001), 5) improve attitudes to find and solving problem, and 6) their positive attitude. Keyword : problem based learning (PBL) , experiment method, critical thinking skills, understanding of concepts

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of problem-based teaching and learning models to increase learning achievement and the relationship with students' critical thinking skills. This study used an experimental method with a design pretest-posttest control group. The population in this study were all semester four students of the Biology Education Department. Analysis of experimental data to measure the achievement of student learning outcomes with t-test and critical thinking skills using percentage description analysis, using statistical computer software programs. The research results show an increase in learning achievement, with an average N-gain for problem-based learning units is 70.9 (moderate) and 57.93 (moderate) for conventional classes. The t-test results show that the t-count value is 3.61 and the t-table is 1.991, so t-count t-table. The conclusion is that there are differences in learning outcomes in implementing problem-based teaching and learning models to increase learning outcomes with critical thinking skills of four at the Private University of Aceh Province, Indonesia.

Problem-based learning integrated with Digital Argumentation (PBL-DA) is a learning strategy for optimizing innovative learning in the digital era. This research aimed to investigate whether the application of PBL-DA can foster the Computational Thinking (CT) and Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTs). A quasi-experimental design measured three aspects: skill (decomposition, algorithm design, evaluation), attitude (confidence, communication, flexibility), and approach (tinkering, creating, collaborating). The students' HOTs were measured through eight aspects: critical thinking, argumentation, problem-solving, problem-identifying, understanding concepts, analysing, making decisions, and creative thinking. The students' CT and HOTs scores of control and experimental classes were analyzed using Hotelling’s T² test and Tukey’s post hoc test. The Hotelling’s T² test revealed a significant difference between the experimental and control classes for both CT and HOTs (T² = 0.340, p &lt; 0.001 for CT; T² = 0.718, p &lt; 0.001 for HOTs). Tukey’s test further showed that PBL-DA significantly impacted the CT skill and attitude aspects (p &lt; 0.01), while the approach aspect was not significant (p &gt; 0.05). For HOTs, critical thinking, argumentation, problem-identifying and analyzing were significantly improved (p &lt; 0.01), but problem-solving, understanding concepts, making decisions, and creative thinking showed no significant improvement (p &gt; 0.05). Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated a strong positive correlation (r = 0.651, p &lt; 0.001) between students' CT and HOTs skills. These findings provide evidence of the effectiveness of the PBL-DA model in improving students' CT and HOTs, demonstrating its potential for fostering critical and higher-order thinking skills in the digital era.