Articles

Google Sites Integration to Improve Students’ Critical Thinking Skills in Social Studies Learning at Pontianak City Junior High School

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This study aims to examine the integration of Google Sites as a web-based learning medium in improving students’ critical thinking skills in Social Sciences (IPS) subjects at Pontianak City Junior High School. The low critical thinking ability of Indonesian students as reflected in the results of PISA 2022 encourages the urgent need for learning innovations that are able to encourage high-level thinking processes. The research approach used is mixed methods with a sequential explanatory design, involving grade VII students of Pontianak City Junior High School, namely at SMP Negeri 1 Pontianak City, SMP Negeri 10 Pontianak City and SMP Negeri 28 Pontianak City. Data collection was carried out through critical thinking ability tests (pretest and posttest), learning implementation observation sheets, student response questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. The Google Sites integration is designed based on the TPACK framework and the Inquiry Learning model with five main syntax: problem orientation, information exploration, analysis and discussion, synthesis and presentation, and reflection. Critical thinking skills are measured using the six components of Facione’s theory: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, explanation, and self-regulation. The results showed a significant improvement in students’ critical thinking skills after the implementation of Google Sites-based learning, accompanied by positive responses from students to interactive, contextual, and real social problem-oriented learning experiences. This research makes a practical contribution to the development of innovative social studies learning that is in line with the demands of the Independent Curriculum and the 21st century Graduate Profile.

Deep Learning as a Transformative Pedagogical Model for Critical Thinking Development in Indonesian Vocational English Education

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The integration of critical thinking in vocational English education is increasingly urgent for 21st-century workforce preparation. However, vocational schools in developing countries like Indonesia struggle to move beyond rote memorization toward reflective learning. This study investigates how deep learning is enacted to develop critical thinking in English classrooms and identifies implementation challenges in Indonesian vocational education. Using a qualitative design, in-depth interviews were conducted with five English teachers at vocational high schools in Tana Toraja, Indonesia. Data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model. Findings reveal that teachers enact deep learning through contextualized materials aligned with students’ vocational fields, higher-order questioning, collaborative activities (project-based learning and discussions), facilitative teaching roles, and supportive classroom climates. These practices foster students’ ability to analyze problems, question information, defend arguments, and transfer critical thinking beyond the classroom. However, implementation faces significant challenges: teacher-level factors (time limitations, conceptual gaps, administrative burden); student-related challenges (mixed abilities, low confidence, unpreparedness for independent learning); institutional barriers (limited technology, assessment complexities); and cultural factors where respect for authority hinders questioning. The study implies that sustainable critical thinking development requires multi-level interventions: context-specific professional development, reduced administrative workload, improved infrastructure, curriculum reforms prioritizing depth over breadth, and culturally responsive pedagogies.

Model of the Philosophy and Civic Education Teacher as an Instructor in the “School of the Future”

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The article examines a model of the Philosophy and Civic Education (PCE) teacher in the context of the “School of the Future.” The focus is on the transformation of the teacher’s professional role from a traditional instructor to a leader, mentor, and learning facilitator. The study analyzes the key personal and professional qualities required to deliver curriculum content aimed at fostering critical thinking, moral reflection, and civic responsibility. The proposed model integrates interactive teaching methods and the use of digital technologies as tools to enhance student engagement and active participation. The findings highlight the significance of the PCE teacher as a central factor in developing conscious and active citizens in contemporary society.

 

The Effect of the Flashcard-Assisted Group Investigation Type Cooperative Model on Learning Outcomes and Critical Thinking of Grade III Students in the IPAS Subject

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Problems faced in science learning at SDN Kutorenon 01 include suboptimal student learning outcomes, weak critical thinking skills, teachers being the center of learning, limited use of textbooks as teaching materials, and the use of less innovative learning models and media. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of the Cooperative Group Investigation Model accompanied by Flashcards on the learning outcomes and critical thinking of third-grade students in the subject of science. This study is an experimental study (True Experimental) using Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design with third-grade students of SDN Kutorenon 01. The measuring instrument used is a test, which is expressed in the form of scores obtained from the results of the students’ pretest and posttest. Data analysis uses a t-test or independent sample test with the help of SPSS 27 for Windows software. The results of the data analysis show that the learning outcomes and critical thinking of students in the experimental class are higher than those in the control class. This is supported by the hypothesis test calculations, which state that student learning outcomes reached a significance value (2-tailed) of 0.000 and critical thinking skills reached a significance value (2-tailed) of 0.000, both less than 0.05. This proves a difference in the average learning outcomes and critical thinking skills of students in the experimental and control classes. Thus, it can be concluded that the cooperative investigation-type group model assisted by flashcards has a significant influence on the learning outcomes and critical thinking skills of third-grade science students.

A Model for Individual Creative Tasks for Students in TVET: Analysis and Illustrative Applications with Examples

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In the article a conceptual model is developed with the core strategies and stages of its implementation as well as the framework for integration process, focusing in identifying core competences incorporating creative task into the curriculum and proving opportunities for showcasing student work. In the text are listed examples of creative task in the field of Electrical science, Electronics and Computer science. It examines the critical role of creativity and critical thinking in secondary vocational education, emphasizing the implementation of innovative pedagogical models. It identifies key challenges faced by students in engaging with individual creative tasks, including the generation of novel ideas, the development of effective problem-solving strategies, efficient time management, and the articulation of concepts. The article highlights the Design Thinking process as a human-centered approach to problem-solving, alongside the Project-based Learning (PBL) framework, which facilitates the application of theoretical knowledge to authentic, real-world projects. By integrating these methodologies, educators can enhance students’ practical skills and better prepare them for future vocational endeavors. Furthermore, the article provides illustrative examples of creative tasks, such as designing marketing campaigns, developing product prototypes, and formulating business plans, which serve to contextualize students’ learning experiences. Ultimately, this exploration aims to equip educators with effective strategies for fostering creativity within vocational education, thereby enriching student learning outcomes and professional readiness.

Development of TPACK-Based Teaching Materials on Biodiversity Subject to Measure Students’ Critical Thinking Skills

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Teaching materials are auxiliary elements employed to accomplish the goals of the educational process. The observed fact reveals a deficiency in teaching materials that incorporate Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) for the purpose of developing students’ critical thinking abilities. Thus, there is a want for an instructional resource that may assist pupils in enhancing their critical thinking abilities. The objective of this project is to provide TPACK-based teaching materials on biodiversity that are credible, effective, and practical. In addition to elucidating students’ critical thinking abilities through the utilization of TPACK-based instructional resources. The methodology employed in this study is Research and Development (R&D) utilizing the ADDIE paradigm. The tool employed is a questionnaire sheet for the purpose of validating materials and media. The study yielded data indicating that teaching materials centered around Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) were valid and appropriate for learning purposes in the context of Biodiversity. The validity includes a material validation score of 91.25% and a media score of 96.42%, with an N-Gain of 0.75, indicating strong testing performance. Therefore, it can be inferred that educational resources rooted in Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) and focused on the topic of Biodiversity have a positive impact on students’ ability to think critically.

Developing the Geometry Teaching Module by Using a Metacognitive Approach in Kurikulum Merdeka to Improve the Students’ Critical Thinking Skills

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This research aims to solve the problem of students’ critical thinking skills to follow instructions in solving mathematical problems. Students are often unaware of what they do, why they do it, and do not even know what they are supposed to do with the assignment. Meanwhile, to be a good problem solver, someone must develop good metacognition skills. By having metacognitive awareness, students are trained to solve mathematical problems through the stages of planning, monitoring, controlling and evaluating. The method used in the research is Research and Development with the model developed by Thiagarajan, Semmel & Semmel (4-D). The data collection was based on the pre-test and post-test scores in the experimental and control groups to measure the students’ critical thinking skills. The result of the post-test in the students’ critical thinking skills by using ANOVA test with significance level in 0.016 (< 0.05) shows that there was significant difference of teaching module with metacognitive approach in the material about circle within Kurikulum Merdeka to the students’ critical thinking skills.

Development of Interactive Video Learning Media Based on Articulate Storyline to Improve Students Critical Thinking Skills in Thematic Learning Grade V Elementary School

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The purpose of this study is to find out and analyze the needs of teachers and students in developing interactive video learning media based on articulate storyline to improve students’ critical thinking skills in decent grade V elementary school thematic learning. Data collection was obtained through interviews with grade V teachers and field observations. Researchers obtained information based on observations made that the critical thinking skills of grade V students of SDN 3 Bumi Nabung Timur with a percentage of 58.88%. Based on observations made by researchers, obstacles were found in the implementation of teaching and learning, namely the lack of use of learning media that supports learning. The conclusion of the learning media research has met the criteria of being very feasible. used in research. The product has met practical criteria taken from the results of educator and student response questionnaires. The practicality of the product can be seen from the activities of students in using interactive video media based on articulate storyline. The effectiveness of the product taken from comparing the improvement of students’ critical thinking skills in both samples, namely the experimental class and the control class. Based on the results of the recapitulation, it is proven that the experimental class gets an effect size value of 1.50 in the large category.

Development of A Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Instrument to Measure Student’s Critical Thinking Abilities in Class V Elementary School

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This research and development aims to produce a feasible and practical Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) instrument to measure students’ critical thinking skills in grade V elementary school mathematics subjects. This research method is development research that refers to the design of Borg & Gall. The research was conduct in class V SDN 3 Sumberejo. Feasibility testing of instruments developed in this study uses expert tests, validity tests, reliability tests, differentiation power tests and difficulty tests. The results of this study showed that an eight-question instrument was obtained, which is suitable for use. The practicality of the instrument, based on the response of educators and learners as practitioners, yielded a very practical assessment. This demonstrates that the developed HOTS instrument is feasible and practical for measuring the critical thinking ability of fifth-grade elementary school students.

Discovery Learning: Learning Modules to Improve the Critical Thinking Skills of Grade IV Elementary School Students

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This research aims to develop discovery-based learning modules on Natural Sciences and Social Sciences (IPAS) subjects in elementary schools. Research and development uses the Brog and Gall (2003) model which consists of 3 main steps of research and development. In product development, researchers use the ADDIE development model to develop prototypes of learning modules. This research was conducted in the central part of Lampung Province, precisely at SD Negeri 5 Lempuyangan Regency, Bandar Way Pengubuan. The sampling technique uses random sampling by assigning 2 classes as subjets, namely the experimental class and the control class consisting of 25 students in each class. The results of this study showed that the average score of the experimental class was 77.83 and the control class was 69.43. Based on the results of the analysis, it was found that the experimental class was superior to the control class and had a significance value obtained through the t-test before 0.000, which means that there is a significant average difference. The results are then continued on the effect size test to see the magnitude of the influence of the product used. The effect size test result is 0.83 with a very high interpretation. Based on the results of research conducted in class IV, it can be concluded that discovery-based learning modules are effective in improving students’ critical thinking skills.