ArticlePDF Available

Critical thinking and creativity in STEAM-based collaborative learning on renewable energy issues

Authors:

Abstract and Figures

Renewable energy is a global concern and should be incorporated into education to raise awareness among younger generations, including in physics education. Educators have made various efforts to raise awareness of the importance of pursuing renewable energy. A breakthrough sought in this research is to incorporate collaborative learning into the science-technology-engineering-art-mathematics (STEAM) approach. Integrating STEAM into collaborative learning can simultaneously develop critical and creative thinking skills by exploring local resources to become renewable energy sources. The research involved 36 high school students who met the criteria for having a smartphone and accessing a reliable internet connection. These conditions are designed to facilitate students' producing essays and posters exploring renewable energy sources in their local area. The research design employs a one-group pretest-posttest approach to assess the effectiveness of this STEAM-based collaborative learning process. The data collected from tests that have undergone t-tests and N-gain analysis, triangulated with observation data and questionnaires, illustrates the progress made in improving students' critical and creative thinking abilities. In conclusion, the implementation of STEAM-based collaborative learning demonstrates the highest level of achievement in creative thinking. It enables the production of innovative mini-projects that critically analyze local resources available for national energy sources.
Content may be subject to copyright.
Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn)
Vol. 19, No. 1, February 2025, pp. 112~119
ISSN: 2089-9823 DOI: 10.11591/edulearn.v19i1.21638 112
Journal homepage: http://edulearn.intelektual.org
Critical thinking and creativity in STEAM-based collaborative
learning on renewable energy issues
Ellianawati Ellianawati1, Bambang Subali1, Bayu Ramadhani Putra1, Siti Wahyuni2, Pratiwi
Dwijananti2, Mohamad Aryono Adhi2, Mohammad Mubarrak Mohd Yusof3
1Department of Physics Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia
2Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia
3Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi Mara Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
Article Info
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received Dec 18, 2023
Revised Mar 28, 2024
Accepted Apr 19, 2024
Renewable energy is a global concern and should be incorporated into
education to raise awareness among younger generations, including in
physics education. Educators have made various efforts to raise awareness of
the importance of pursuing renewable energy. A breakthrough sought in this
research is to incorporate collaborative learning into the science-technology-
engineering-art-mathematics (STEAM) approach. Integrating STEAM into
collaborative learning can simultaneously develop critical and creative
thinking skills by exploring local resources to become renewable energy
sources. The research involved 36 high school students who met the criteria
for having a smartphone and accessing a reliable internet connection. These
conditions are designed to facilitate students' producing essays and posters
exploring renewable energy sources in their local area. The research design
employs a one-group pretest-posttest approach to assess the effectiveness of
this STEAM-based collaborative learning process. The data collected from
tests that have undergone t-tests and N-gain analysis, triangulated with
observation data and questionnaires, illustrates the progress made in
improving students' critical and creative thinking abilities. In conclusion, the
implementation of STEAM-based collaborative learning demonstrates the
highest level of achievement in creative thinking. It enables the production
of innovative mini-projects that critically analyze local resources available
for national energy sources.
Keywords:
Collaborative learning
Creative thinking
Critical thinking
Renewable energy
STEAM
This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license.
Corresponding Author:
Ellianawati Ellianawati
Department of Physics Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Universitas Negeri Semarang
Raya Sekaran Street, Gunungpati, Semarang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia
Email: ellianawati@mail.unnes.ac.id
1. INTRODUCTION
The pandemic has brought attention to the current economic crisis, as there is a surge in demand for
energy supplies while quotas remain unchanged. Due to the energy resource crisis, this has led to an increase
in the prices of essential goods. The energy crisis has profoundly impacted Europe, Asia, and America and is
currently the subject of widespread discussion. The transition to green energy poses a significant challenge.
Reduction of emissions, particularly from the energy sector, is a priority for many countries. China is closing
hundreds of mines, cutting production from coal-fired power plants, and implementing renewable energy
sources [1]. Several European countries, including England, are experiencing an energy crisis [2]. European
and British governments have implemented measures to reduce emissions by decommissioning coal power
J Edu & Learn ISSN: 2089-9823
Critical thinking and creativity in STEAM-based collaborative learning on (Ellianawati Ellianawati)
113
plants and transitioning to natural gas as the primary energy source [3]. Despite this effort, natural gas
supplies have struggled to meet demand due to production shutdowns in the US and supply constraints in
Russia [4]. Energy plays a crucial role in sustaining life. Energy consumption during 2000-2009 rose from
709.1 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) in 2000-865.4 million BOE in 2009, with an average increase
of 2.2 per year [5]. The industrial sector has the highest final energy consumption, followed by the household
and transportation sectors. In line with this issue, a need for more existing energy resources will render
Indonesia incapable of meeting its domestic energy production requirements by 2030 [6]. The condition
requires capable human capital that is skilled and innovative to generate ideas for exploring alternative
energy resources.
High school students will be crucial in managing future economic, social, and industrial sectors in
the next decade. It is advisable to involve them in taking action from their perspectives to become responsible
individuals in preserving energy resources. This is to understand that education for sustainable development
instills in individuals the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values necessary to fashion a sustainable future [7].
Engaging technology in high school physics learning to foster a better understanding of renewable energy is
an effective and progressive effort.
The technological advancements in this decade demonstrate that the world and education are
progressing rapidly. Efforts have been made in education to develop students' technical abilities through
every curriculum update initiated by the government. The aim is to create a reliable and prepared generation
that is competent in globalization. A learning approach that accommodates the skills required for the 21st
century is available. Involving technology in learning will make it easier for students to access information
about renewable energy sources around their environment. Through technology, it will also be easier for
teachers to encourage students to be more critical in managing information and more creative in presenting
meaningful information. A multidisciplinary approach is required to achieve this goal and ensure that
students comprehensively understand renewable energy sources.
Science-technology-engineering-art-mathematics (STEAM)-based learning integrates scientific
disciplines into a unified education approach, including science, technology, engineering, art, and
mathematics. Using STEAM as a learning approach will allow students to generate innovative ideas about
renewable energy resources through problem-solving activities rooted in these five integrated scientific
fields. Problem-solving based on multiple scientific disciplines can produce comprehensive solutions,
addressing mathematical problems and incorporating concepts from related scientific domains. Integrating
STEAM learning ensures students can solve problems effectively and fosters creativity, enabling them to
confront future challenges [8].
Acquiring critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills are deemed essential
components of contemporary education in the 21st century [9]. Students' collaborative skills also enhance
critical thinking, creativity, and 21st century skills [10]. Collaborative skills include critically solving
problems, generating innovative ideas, and effectively articulating them in oral or written form within a
dynamic group. One of the collaborative skills-based learning models is the STEAM-based collaborative
learning model. Collaborative learning allows students to engage in activities with peers to solve contextual
issues, such as educational and economic problems. The learning models proposed strengthen the student's
ability to handle situations and support students in developing their capabilities to make strategic decisions.
Moreover, the learning model can enhance students' critical thinking skills [11] and improve their creative
thinking abilities [10]. Based on this explanation, implementing STEAM-based collaborative learning has
great potential for educating students on how to address issues related to developing renewable energy
sources in their local communities.
STEAM-based collaborative learning denotes project-based learning incorporating provisions from
all five STEAM disciplines. Implementing STEAM-based collaborative learning with mini-projects expands
the benefit of enhancing students' critical and creative thinking skills [11]. Research suggests that engaging in
project activities in STEAM-based collaborative learning can foster innovation, thereby facilitating the
development of students' creative thinking [12]. Innovative individuals are inclined toward generating novel
concepts and inventive approaches to devise practical solutions. This approach highlights the significance of
offering students chances to enhance their critical and creative thinking skills by engaging in collaborative
work on small projects, such as proposing ideas for managing renewable energy sources. The research
question can be formulated based on the background information: How does collaborative learning based on
STEAM influence students' critical and creative thinking abilities on renewable energy issues?” This study
examines the impact of STEAM-based collaborative learning in enhancing students' critical and creative
thinking abilities on renewable energy issues.
ISSN: 2089-9823
J Edu & Learn, Vol. 19, No. 1, February 2025: 112-119
114
2. METHOD
STEAM learning enhances students' creative abilities by enabling them to think creatively, explore,
observe, reflect, and pose unconventional questions within a supportive environment [13]. Creativity can be
imparted by setting and practicing an example [14]. Consequently, teachers must demonstrate creative values
and behavior while encouraging a positive classroom atmosphere. The stages of learning with a
collaborative-based STEM approach are supported by the presence of modules to guide student activities.
This module contains systematics that provide an overview of the STEM components trained in student
activities while learning about renewable energy (Table 1). Teachers guide students in learning renewable
energy topics by raising energy scarcity issues and making them aware of energy sources that can be
developed in Indonesia. Students also have the opportunity to work in groups to discuss renewable energy
sources in their neighborhood. Students are shown the forms of renewable energy being developed today.
They are asked to produce a digital poster showing ways of using the natural resources from their
environment that they have identified as having the potential to be processed into renewable energy.
Table 1. STEM components trained in student activities while learning about renewable energy
E-module content
STEAM aspects
There is a short reading and a QR code about one of the energy
sources
Science, Engineering, Mathematics
Availability of images on the impact of energy sources and green
technologies
Technology, Art
Examples and practice questions on energy sources
Science, Mathematics, Engineering
Assignment activities to create posters about energy sources or
the greenhouse effect using Canva
Science, Technology, Engineering,
Art
This research involved 36 high school students. This sample was selected because all students have
smartphones, compared to other classes within the same population [15]. The research used a one-group
pretest-posttest design. The sample in this study involved 16 male students and 20 female students. The
sample in this research used the purposive sampling technique [16]. The purpose of the sampling technique is
based on the availability of Wi-Fi in the classroom and the use of smartphones by all students. Research data
was obtained using written tests and observation sheets. Data on creative thinking and critical thinking skills
were obtained from the pretest and posttest results, which were assessed using the creative thinking and
critical thinking skills assessment rubric. The test instrument for critical thinking consisted of 14 questions,
five for high and medium validity categories and 4 for low validity. The instrument has undergone reliability
testing and achieved an Alpha Cronbach score of 0.89. The test instrument for creative thinking consisted of
eight questions, one for the very high validity category and seven for the high validity category. The
instrument has undergone reliability testing and achieved an Alpha Cronbach score of 0.95. The indicators in
Table 2 for evaluating creative thinking skills are a modification from the main aspect of Munandar's creative
thinking [17]. The indicators for assessing critical thinking skills use the indicators from Ennis [18] presented
in Table 3.
Table 2. Creative thinking indicators adapted from Munandar
Creative Thinking Skills Indicator
Thinking differently from others
Finding new ideas
Having lots of ideas
Giving a variety of opinions
Giving different considerations to others
Detailed performance
Table 3. Critical thinking indicators adapted from Ennis
Critical Thinking Skills Aspects
Critical Thinking Skills Indicator
Providing basic explanations
Focusing questions
Analyzing the question
Asking and answering
Building basic skills
Considering the credibility of the source
Drawing conclusion
Composing and considering deductions
Drafting and considering inductions
Providing further explanation
Identifying terms and considering definitions
Identifying assumptions
Organizing strategy and tactics
Defining an action and interacting with others
J Edu & Learn ISSN: 2089-9823
Critical thinking and creativity in STEAM-based collaborative learning on (Ellianawati Ellianawati)
115
The study was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22. Test instruments were employed to measure
the students’ critical thinking abilities, and the collected data was assessed for normality. The Chi-Square
statistics method was used to carry out the normality test on the data from this study. It was discovered that
the calculations were less than Chi-Squared, indicating that the data conforms to a normal distribution. The
data analysis technique uses the t-test and N-gain score test. The N-gain Score test aims to determine the
effectiveness of collaborative learning on student character development through a pretest-posttest
instrument. N-gain Score can be calculated using the formula according to Hake (1) [19].

 (1)
Where g is the N-gain score, Spo is the score of posttests, Spe is the score of pretests, Sid is an ideal
score (100). Table 4 is shown the N-gain score categories
Table 4. N-gain score categories
N-Gain Score
Categories
  
   
  
Low
Moderate
High
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This study examines the impact of training critical and creative thinking skills simultaneously
through collaborative learning with a STEAM-based approach. Previous studies have only partially explored
the effects of practicing critical or creative thinking skills alone. They have yet to be involved in mini-
projects that have become national issues, such as recognizing renewable energy sources in students' local
communities. Thus, this could be a breakthrough in raising students' awareness of their role in considering
the sustainability of future energy sources.
3.1. Critical thinking abilities after collaborative learning
A paired samples t-test is conducted, and the results of the t-test analysis show that
󰇛󰇜 󰇛󰇜, which proves that the collaborative learning model applied with the STEAM
approach has provided a significant difference from the average pretest and posttest scores. This has
implications for the effectiveness of using the model to train students' critical thinking skills.
The improvement in students’ critical thinking abilities is apparent in the N-gain test, depending on
their pretest (left bars) and posttest (right bars) scores of each category, as shown in Figure 1. Based on the
data presented in Figure 1, the overall N-gain score is 0.31, with moderate criteria. The data shows that the
ability to analyze questions, compile and consider deductions, and identify assumptions achieved must still
be pursued to be more optimal. This study only occurs in three meetings, but students have shown indications
of positive change. However, further and in-depth studies may be needed to confirm whether it will increase
even more by consistent assistance in carrying out the stages of the collaborative learning model with the
STEAM approach.
The analysis of N-gain for critical thinking skills indicates that organizing strategies and tactics have
the highest N-gain value compared to the other five elements. The data presented demonstrates that students'
identification of energy sources in their local communities has facilitated critical thinking regarding their
renewability. We found that training students to identify fundamental concepts of renewable energy sources
has encouraged them to apply these characteristics to the types of alternative energy sources they discover on
the internet about potential resources in their local communities. This aligns with research results that show
that relating learning context to everyday life events can improve students' understanding of concepts [20],
[21]. The proposed learning method in this study tended to have a portion of discussions occur in groups to
analyze and decide about the categories of alternative energy sources as renewable.
In the STEAM-based collaborative learning, students were asked to express their findings on data
about energy problems and potential energy sources in their local communities, along with their reasons and
supporting data, in the form of article writing. Writing activities such as papers can support students' critical
thinking skills [22]. In making the papers, students learn how to think critically about the problems faced and
provide solutions to these problems in the form of documents [23]. However, the aspect of composing and
considering deduction and identifying assumptions has decreased. This happens when the group identifies an
assumption and may become fixated on a particular assumption, leading to inaccurate information. The
statement assumes that all alternative energy is renewable when, in fact, the correct concept is that all
renewable energy is part of alternative energy.
ISSN: 2089-9823
J Edu & Learn, Vol. 19, No. 1, February 2025: 112-119
116
Figure 1. N-gain analysis of each aspect of critical thinking
We found that writing papers activities are a solution provided by students to existing problems. The
essence of writing a paper is explaining and solving the problem. Through this activity, students also practice
sorting and selecting accurate information from the internet and supporting alternative ideas for problem-
solving solutions. This data is strengthened by evidence that delivering essential explanations and providing
further explanations reach the highest score among the five other elements of critical thinking. Our findings
prove that using internet technology to write papers on renewable energy contexts facilitates students' ability
to determine the theme and dense, informative, and readable content.
3.2. Creative thinking ability after collaborative learning
Students' creative thinking skills measured from the t-test analysis in renewable energy contexts
were at 󰇛󰇜 󰇛󰇜, which indicates that implementing the collaborative learning model has
positively impacted the development of creative thinking skills.
The student's creative thinking skills increase in the N-gain test based on each category's pretest (left
bars) and posttest scores (right bars). At the beginning of the session, we found that the ability to focus on
questions, drafting, and considering inductions could have been more evident. However, collaborative work
facilitates problem-solving activities and encourages students to express their opinions, leading to peer
learning. The N-gain analysis of each aspect of creative thinking skills is shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. N-gain analysis of creative thinking aspects
Creative thinking skills in this research were developed through project activities to make digital
posters using Canva. Based on the data in Figure 2, the N-gain calculation was obtained at 0.40, which is
included in the moderate category. We found that creating digital posters is an activity that gives them space
to express their ideas by exploring Canvas features to present information creatively. They can identify
energy sources that have the potential to be optimized into alternative renewable energy sources. They can
also provide color contrast, design, font type, and font size as a viable way to produce creative products due
to their entity as Gen-Z, who quickly adapt to digital technology. In this section, the STEAM approach takes
the role optimally. Students learn not only the context of renewable energy but also how to convey ideas in
an attractive, persuasive way with the support of convincing data.
J Edu & Learn ISSN: 2089-9823
Critical thinking and creativity in STEAM-based collaborative learning on (Ellianawati Ellianawati)
117
The N-gain score for the fluency aspect received the most considerable N-gain value among the four
elements of creative thinking. This is characterized by students being able to find answer ideas or think of
more than one answer to solve problems. This activity has a positive impact, so students can answer the
posttest much better. In line with research results, students with fluent thinking skills can ask several
questions, are adept at conveying ideas or ideas, and can think faster than students in general [24]. The data is
the research results that show that making posters can support students' creative thinking skills [25] and
accommodate students' innovative ideas in the making process [26], [27].
The activity of creating digital poster works is aimed at improving students' creative thinking skills.
This is indicated by the acquisition of scores for fluency thinking skills, obtaining the highest score among
the four other elements of creative thinking. It strengthens the theory that students can provide many ideas by
making posters. The ideas in the poster contain information and raise current topics; the information provided
should be discussed [28], [29]. Making posters is one of the research activities that supports the development
of student character, especially the character of creative thinking. This finding is supported by the research
revealing that poster-making by students utilizing Canva media measures student creativity using assessment
aspects, including content/text, message delivery, design, images, many ideas, and STEAM elements [30].
4. CONCLUSION
The study investigates enhancing critical thinking skills through mini-projects involving article
writing and creative thinking skills through poster-making activities using Canva. The implementation of
collaborative learning has helped students solve problems together, and peer learning takes place, which
improves students' critical and creative thinking. The results of enhanced critical and creative thinking
demonstrate the effectiveness of each activity. The topic of renewable energy provides an opportunity for
students to recognize the importance of preparing alternative energy for the future and work together to solve
problems critically and creatively. Otherwise, additional and comprehensive research may be necessary to
verify its efficacy, particularly regarding the saturation of the topic and the innovation of mini-project
activities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors thank the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Universitas Negeri Semarang
for the financial support from fundamental research grant number DPA 023.17.2.690645/2023.04/2023.
REFERENCES
[1] L. Zhang and T. Ponomarenko, “Directions for sustainable development of China’s coal industry in the post-epidemic era,”
Sustainability., vol. 15, no. 8, p. 6518, Apr. 2023, doi: 10.3390/su15086518.
[2] B. Zakeri et al., “Pandemic, war, and global energy transitions,” Energies., vol. 15, no. 17, p. 6114, Aug. 2022, doi:
10.3390/en15176114.
[3] J. Szabo, “Corrigendum to ‘Energy transition or transformation? Power and politics in the European natural gas industry’s
trasformismo” Energy Research and Social Science., vol. 90, p. 102592, Aug. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.erss.2022.102592.
[4] Z. Allam, S. E. Bibri, and S. A. Sharpe, “The rising impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the RussiaUkraine war: energy
transition, climate justice, global inequality, and supply chain disruption,” Resources., vol. 11, no. 11, p. 99, Oct. 2022, doi:
10.3390/resources11110099.
[5] D. Novianto, W. Gao, and S. Kuroki, “Review on people’s lifestyle and energy consumption of Asian communities: case study of
Indonesia, Thailand, and China,” Energy and Power Engineering., vol. 07, no. 10, pp. 465476, 2015, doi:
10.4236/epe.2015.710045.
[6] E. Liun, S. Suparman, S. Sriyana, D. Dewi, and J. Sitorus Pane, “Indonesia’s energy demand projection until 2060,” International
Journal of Energy Economics and Policy., vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 467473, Mar. 2022, doi: 10.32479/ijeep.12794.
[7] K. Fiel’ardh, I. Fardhani, and H. Fujii, “Integrating perspectives from education for sustainable development to foster plant
awareness among trainee science teachers: a mixed methods study,” Sustainability., vol. 15, no. 9, p. 7395, Apr. 2023, doi:
10.3390/su15097395.
[8] M. G. Bertrand and I. K. Namukasa, “A pedagogical model for STEAM education,” Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching
and Learning., vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 169191, Sep. 2023, doi: 10.1108/JRIT-12-2021-0081.
[9] B. Thornhill-Miller et al., “Creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration: assessment, certification, and
promotion of 21st century skills for the future of work and education,” Journal of Intelligence., vol. 11, no. 3, p. 54, Mar. 2023,
doi: 10.3390/jintelligence11030054.
[10] S. Ghavifekr, “Collaborative learning: a key to enhance students’ social interaction skills,” Malaysian Online Journal of Educational
Sciences., vol. 8, no. 4, 2020, [Online]. Available: https://jice.um.edu.my/index.php/MOJES/article/view/26394/12190
[11] A. S. Putri, Z. K. Prasetyo, L. A. Purwastuti, A. K. Prodjosantoso, and H. Putranta, “Effectiveness of STEAM-based blended
learning on students’ critical and creative thinking skills,” Int. J. Eval. Res. Educ., vol. 12, no. 1, p. 44, Mar. 2023, doi:
10.11591/ijere.v12i1.22506.
[12] S. R. Muzana, J. Jumadi, I. Wilujeng, B. E. Yanto, and A. A. Mustamin, “E-STEM project-based learning in teaching science to
increase ICT literacy and problem solving,” International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education., vol. 10, no. 4, p.
1386, Dec. 2021, doi: 10.11591/ijere.v10i4.21942.
[13] P. Srinivasan, M. A. Muniammal, M. Maruthavanan, S. Natarajan, K. Thangavel, and S. R. Kumar, Education 5.0 revolutionizing
ISSN: 2089-9823
J Edu & Learn, Vol. 19, No. 1, February 2025: 112-119
118
learning for the future (Vol.1). Tamil Nadu: Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), 2023.
[14] H. Habibi, M. Mundilarto, J. Jumadi, S. Gummah, S. Ahzan, and D. S. B. Prasetya, “Project brief effects on creative thinking
skills among low-ability pre-service physics teachers,” International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education., vol. 9,
no. 2, p. 415, Jun. 2020, doi: 10.11591/ijere.v9i2.20531.
[15] A. J. Anderson and A. J. Vingrys, “Small samples: does size matter?,” Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., vol. 42, pp. 1411141, 2001.
[16] K. M. Staller, “Big enough? sampling in qualitative inquiry,” Qualitative Social Work, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 897904, Jul. 2021, doi:
10.1177/14733250211024516.
[17] M. Aini, E. Narulita, and Indrawati, “Enhancing creative thinking and collaboration skills through ILC3 learning model: a case
study,” Journal of Southwest Jiaotong University., vol. 55, no. 4, 2020, doi: 10.35741/issn.0258-2724.55.4.59.
[18] L. D. Septiany, R. P. Puspitawati, E. Susantini, M. Budiyanto, T. Purnomo, and E. Hariyono, “Analysis of high school students
critical thinking skills profile according to Ennis indicators,” IJORER: International Journal of Recent Educational Research.,
vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 157167, Jan. 2024, doi: 10.46245/ijorer.v5i1.544.
[19] V. P. Coletta, “Evidence for a normal distribution of normalized gains,” Physical Review Physics Education Research., vol. 19,
no. 1, p. 010111, Feb. 2023, doi: 10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.19.010111.
[20] I. P. M. Sari, B. Jatmiko, and N. Suprapto, “Students’ physics problem-solving skills in daily life context: between confession and
fact,” Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan. IPA, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 231241, Jan. 2023, doi: 10.29303/jppipa.v9i1.2561.
[21] M. A. Martawijaya, S. Rahmadhanningsih, A. Swandi, M. Hasyim, and E. H. Sujiono, “The effect of applying the ethno-stem-
project-based learning model on students’ higher-order thinking skill and misconception of physics topics related to lake Tempe,
Indonesia,” Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia., vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 113, Mar. 2023, doi: 10.15294/jpii.v12i1.38703.
[22] N. Hanim Rahmat, N. Aripin, N. Maizura Lin, W. Whanchit, and Z. Khairuddin, “Exploring the connection between critical
thinking skills and academic writing,” International Journal of Asian Social Science., vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 118128, 2020, doi:
10.18488/journal.1.2020.102.118.128.
[23] L. Karanja, “Teaching critical thinking in a college-level writing course: a critical reflection,International Online Journal of Education
and Teaching., vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 229249, 2021, [Online]. Available: https://www.iojet.org/index.php/IOJET/article/view/1060/589
[24] M. P. Shabitha and S. Mekala, “Impact of integrated writing tasks on thinking and writing skills of Indian ESL learners,” Journal
of Applied Learning and Teaching., vol. 6, no. 1, Jan. 2023, doi: 10.37074/jalt.2023.6.1.7.
[25] M. Shcherbakova, “Potential for digital writing transfer with infographics: Students’ perspectives,” Journal of University
Teaching and Learning Practice., vol. 20, no. 2, Feb. 2023, doi: 10.53761/1.20.02.12.
[26] A. Suryawanshi, Y. Patil, and S. Mane, “Enriching life-long learning skills of students by poster development and presentation
(PDP) approach,” Journal of Engineering Education Transformations., vol. 36, no. S2, pp. 464470, Jan. 2023, doi:
10.16920/jeet/2023/v36is2/23071.
[27] M. Churiyah, A. Basuki, F. Filianti, S. Sholikhan, and M. Fikri Akbar, “Canva for education as a learning tool for center of
excellence vocational school (SMK Pusat Keunggulan) program to prepare competitive graduates in the field of creativity skills in
the digital age,” International Journal of Social Science Research and Review., vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 226234, Mar. 2022, doi:
10.47814/ijssrr.v5i3.228.
[28] G. Li and X. Yang, “Smartbanner: intelligent banner design framework that strikes a balance between creative freedom and design
rules,” Multimedia Tools and Applications., vol. 82, no. 12, pp. 1865318667, May 2023, doi: 10.1007/s11042-022-14138-7.
[29] L. Tarkhova, S. Tarkhov, M. Nafikov, I. Akhmetyanov, D. Gusev, and R. Akhmarov, “Infographics and their application in the
educational process,” International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning., vol. 15, no. 13, p. 63, Jul. 2020, doi:
10.3991/ijet.v15i13.14647.
[30] A. A. Chistyakov, S. P. Zhdanov, E. L. Avdeeva, E. A. Dyadichenko, M. L. Kunitsyna, and R. I. Yagudina, “Exploring the
characteristics and effectiveness of project-based learning for science and STEAM education,” Eurasia Journal of Mathematics,
Science and Technology Education., vol. 19, no. 5, p. em2256, May 2023, doi: 10.29333/ejmste/13128.
BIOGRAPHIES OF AUTHORS
Ellianawati Ellianawati is an Assistant Professor and lecturer at Universitas
Negeri Semarang. She was appointed as a lecturer in the Physics Education Study Program of
Universitas Negeri Semarang in 2005. She holds her Master’s degree in Material Physics from
ITB Bandung in 2007 and got a Doctoral degree in Science Education from UPI Bandung in
2016. She is passionate about improving the quality of teaching and learning in higher
education and schools. She research interests lie in STEM education, teaching media in
physics education, higher education, teacher education, learning evaluation, local wisdom-
based learning models, and thinking skills. She can be contacted at email:
ellianawati@mail.unnes.ac.id.
Bambang Subali is an Associate Professor and lecturer at Universitas Negeri
Semarang. He was appointed as a lecturer in the Physics Education Study Program of
Universitas Negeri Semarang in 2005. He held a Master’s in Science Education from UNS
Surakarta in 2006 and a Doctoral in Science Education from UPI Bandung in 2015. He is
passionate about developing learning in higher education and schools. Dr. Bambang Subali's
research interests lie in teaching media in physics education, physics for secondary school,
physics for disabilities, and assessment in physics. He can be contacted at email:
bambangfisika@mail.unnes.ac.id.
J Edu & Learn ISSN: 2089-9823
Critical thinking and creativity in STEAM-based collaborative learning on (Ellianawati Ellianawati)
119
Bayu Ramadhani Putra recently graduated with a bachelor's in Physics
Education Study Program. He got his Bachelor's degree in 2023 from Universitas Negeri
Semarang with a cumlaude award. His research focuses on physics education, project-based
learning, STEAM in education, and higher-order thinking skills. He can be contacted at email:
bayuramadhani@students.unnes.ac.id.
Siti Wahyuni is an Assistant Professor and lecturer at Universitas Negeri
Semarang. She was appointed lecturer in the Physics Study Program of Universitas Negeri
Semarang in 2005. She holds her Master’s in Theoretical Physics from UGM Yogyakarta in
2007 and got her Doctoral degree in 2017. She is concerned with physics education,
astrophysics, and mathematical physics. Dr. Siti Wahyuni's research interests lie in higher-
order thinking skills, STEM education, and computational thinking. She can be contacted at
email: wahyuni.smg@mail.unnes.ac.id.
Pratiwi Dwijananti received a Doctoral degree in Science Education from the
Universitas Negeri Semarang. She has over 20 years of experience as a senior lecturer, is
currently an associate professor, and is a member of the editorial board of the Jurnal
Pendidikan Fisika Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Semarang. Her current research interests
include the development of learning models, higher-order thinking skills, learning media, and
physics for secondary schools. She can be contacted at email:
pratiwi.dwijananti@mail.unnes.ac.id.
Mohamad Aryono Adhi received a Doctoral degree in Geophysics from the
UGM Yogyakarta. He has over 20 years of experience as a senior lecturer, and she is currently
an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Universitas Negeri Semarang. His
research interests include earth science, disaster mitigation, and physics education. He can be
contacted at email: aryono_adhi@mail.unnes.ac.id.
Mohammad Mubarrak Mohd Yusof serves with unwavering dedication as a
Lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia, a position he has held since 2012.
Committed to enhancing the quality of teaching and learning experiences, Mohammad actively
fosters student development within school and higher education contexts. His areas of
expertise extend to creative science education, where he explores innovative approaches to
teaching, with a particular focus on instructional technology and dispelling misconceptions. In
addition to his academic pursuits, Mohammad is interested in integrating creativity in science
teaching and problem-solving processes into education. This commitment underscores his
dedication to cultivating critical thinking skills among students. He can be contacted at email:
mubarrak@uitm.edu.my.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.
Article
Full-text available
This paper challenges the widely held assumption that teaching writing inevitably equips students with the critical thinking skills required to succeed in college and beyond. The paper reviews the literature on the relationship between writing and the development of critical thinking skills, and critically reflects on the author's experiences in teaching an introductory college-level argumentative writing course. A synthesis of the literature and the author's experiences emphasize that the relationship between writing and critical thinking is not obvious, and that writing instructors must make intentional efforts to clarify this relationship to students, and to teach and assess critical thinking skills from students' essays. Additionally, the paper demonstrates that despite critical thinking skill development being an expected outcome in writing courses, the process of enhancing critical thinking skills through written tasks remains covert and largely undocumented. Following a critical analysis of her teaching practice, the author proposes and documents an integrated approach to fostering critical thinking within a college-level writing course. Ultimately, this paper makes a theoretical and practical contribution to the less explored quest of clarifying the link between critical thinking and writing and illuminating the process of integrating both skills sets in a writing course.
Article
Full-text available
Objective: This study aims to identify the profile of senior high school students' critical thinking skills in ecosystem material on several critical thinking indicators compiled by Ennis. Method: This research uses quantitative descriptive methods. The research used six essay questions prepared to analyze students' thinking skills based on several indicators compiled by Ennis. The population in this study were all high school students at one of the senior high schools in West Nusa Tenggara, with the sample being class X students with a total of 60 students. Results: Based on research findings, it is known that the skills of the students in the sample are divided into three categories, namely very low, low, and moderate. Half of the sample size is in the very low category. At the same time, the rest is divided into the low and moderate categories, where a small number of students belong to the moderate category. Novelty: The novelty of this research is to explore the level of students' critical thinking skills using indicators compiled by Ennis. These results will provide an overall understanding of students' critical thinking skills, which teachers can use as a basis for designing learning designs to train students' critical thinking skills to reach the high and very high categories.
Article
Full-text available
This mixed-method study aimed to investigate the efficacy of an intervention unit that integrates perspectives from Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) to foster plant awareness, within the context of botanical lessons for trainee science teachers. Third-year undergraduate students (n = 91) studying to become lower secondary school (grade 7–9) science teachers from a public university in East Java, Indonesia, participated in this study. Data were collected through a self-reported questionnaire, reflective journal entries, and focus group interviews. The findings revealed a statistically significant increase in the participants’ attention and attitude towards plants, relative interest in plants, and self-efficacy in teaching plant-related topics. The triangulation of the analysis results from the reflective journals and focus group interviews demonstrated that through transformative learning, the participants’ experiences, perceptions, and learning evolved throughout the intervention unit, leading to their more comprehensive understanding of plant-related issues and their connection to broader sustainability concerns. These findings imply that the integration of ESD perspectives into botanical education positively affects plant awareness. Future research could further investigate the long-term impact of integrating ESD perspectives on teacher training programs.
Article
Full-text available
China’s energy structure is dominated by fossil fuels, especially coal consumption, which accounts for a relatively high share. In January 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak affected the global coal market, and many countries experienced negative economic growth. Economic development requires energy consumption. In 2021, China set a target of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 in order to phase out the dependence of carbon emissions on economic development. Therefore, the aim of this article is to develop directions for the sustainable development of China’s coal industry. Based on the macroenvironment and situation analysis, the article concludes that, under the influence of geopolitics, China’s shortage of imported coal resources and China’s continuous rise in coal demand, the share of coal in China’s energy structure will not decrease significantly in the long-term. The main directions for the sustainable development of China’s coal industry are to ensure the safety of coal energy storage and improve the level of safety supervision; coordinate the development of regional energy; increase the clean, efficient, and low-carbon utilization of coal; and strengthen international coal strategic cooperation.
Article
Full-text available
In recent years’ students are very reluctant to read books for studying for any course. They are preferring only teachers’ notes or PowerPoint slides and mobile apps for exam study. Any type of information or study material is easily available on various networking sites. This can lead to poor interest and less engagement of students in the classroom teaching learning process. Also, in class activities are not fulfilling the expected level of learning of students, especially in the conceptual courses. So students need an activity based learning approach in the classroom. Nowadays most of the teachers in engineering institutions face these challenges. Hence, to utilize the capabilities of students, make them aware of course related books and achieve expected level of learning of students, a poster presentation module was implemented. In this practice paper, implementation of poster development and presentation (PDP) to improve learning of course fluid mechanics and machineries is detailed. This PDP approach empowers the student in life-long learning skills. Keywords— Poster development and presentation, assessment, book reading, life-long learning.
Article
Full-text available
This article addresses educational challenges posed by the future of work, examining “21st century skills”, their conception, assessment, and valorization. It focuses in particular on key soft skill competencies known as the “4Cs”: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. In a section on each C, we provide an overview of assessment at the level of individual performance, before focusing on the less common assessment of systemic support for the development of the 4Cs that can be measured at the institutional level (i.e., in schools, universities, professional training programs, etc.). We then present the process of official assessment and certification known as “labelization”, suggesting it as a solution both for establishing a publicly trusted assessment of the 4Cs and for promoting their cultural valorization. Next, two variations of the “International Institute for Competency Development’s 21st Century Skills Framework” are presented. The first of these comprehensive systems allows for the assessment and labelization of the extent to which development of the 4Cs is supported by a formal educational program or institution. The second assesses informal educational or training experiences, such as playing a game. We discuss the overlap between the 4Cs and the challenges of teaching and institutionalizing them, both of which may be assisted by adopting a dynamic interactionist model of the 4Cs—playfully entitled “Crea-Critical-Collab-ication”—for pedagogical and policy-promotion purposes. We conclude by briefly discussing opportunities presented by future research and new technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality.
Article
Full-text available
p>The critical and creative thinking skills of Indonesian students are relatively low from countries in the Malay family such as Malaysia and Singapore. This research aims to improve students’ critical and creative thinking skills through the use of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics (STEAM) based blended learning. This research is a quasi-experimental study using a nonequivalent pretest-posttest control-group design. The sample consists of 180 junior high school students in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The samples in this study are 90 experimental class students and 90 control class students selected by random sampling cluster techniques because the selected samples come from individual groups or clusters. The instrument in this study consists of six questions in the form of essay questions. Test questions are analyzed using the gain score test and Kruskal-Wallis with SPSS 22. The results show steam-based blended learning can improve critical and creative thinking skills on all indicators with medium to high categories. The improvement of students’ critical and creative thinking skills in experimental classes is higher than that of the control class. In addition, there are differences in learning outcomes between control classes and experimental classes. STEAM-based blended learning can be an alternative for teachers to solve the problem of low critical and creative thinking skills.</p
Article
This study aims to determine the effect of applying the Ethno-STEM-Project Based Learning model about the concept of physics related to Lake Tempe on students’ conceptual understanding of physics, which is characterized by higher-order thinking skills and the level of misconceptions. The sample in this study was eleventh-grade students in senior high school. Students are exposed to local wisdom-based learning strategies integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through group project assignments. Students are given a pre-Achievement Test (PAT) to determine their initial Higher-Order Thinking Skill of physics concepts in everyday life. Then after being treated through project work, they are asked to do a Post-Achievement Test (PAT). A three-tier test was carried out before and after treatment to determine the level of misconceptions. In addition, focus group interviews were conducted with several students to strengthen the pre and post-test results. Student responses to focus group interviews and the PAT’s open-ended questions were analyzed using the N-Gain Score equation. The data in the initial and final tests were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Based on the analysis results, it was found that using the Ethno-STEM-PjBL model affected the understanding of physics concepts. It was marked by increases in higher-order thinking skills and decreases in misconceptions on several physics topics related to students’ activities around Lake Tempe.
Article
The purpose of this article is to determine project-based learning (PjBL) from the characteristics, effectiveness and implementation aspects of science and science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) education. Eric database was used in order to investigate key words. Thus, this mini review reviewed 36 articles on PjBL for science and STEAM education based on the available Eric database reference. The data obtained were analyzed using content analysis methods. The results showed that on average PjBL can be categorized as a learning model that can improve student learning outcomes in science learning and train students in problem solving (critical thinking). The review reveals that PjBL has an influence on student learning, especially in science and STEAM education. From this article, it can be concluded and can be recommended three recommendations related to the essential success of PjBL in schools.
Article
Between 2020-22 COVID-19 blurred the line between academic and digital writing as more students and educators used digital platforms to write, share, and collaborate on academic work. Today, students can video-conference, engage in digital annotating, communicate via chats with different audiences, and write more audience-oriented emails - some of the skills they transferred from their daily interactions prompted by the pandemic. To help the students enhance their digital writing skills needed to succeed in the post-pandemic world, the researcher of this study decided to introduce and implement infographics in her first-year composition. During the pandemic, this genre became one of the popular mediums for transmitting and sharing information, with public health organisations worldwide relying on them to illustrate the scale of the crisis and the actions needed to combat it. This exploratory study collected data from 13 students in a blended college-level writing course by employing qualitative research methods such as surveys and reflections to learn about students' perspectives on possible affordances and constraints of infographics and to discover a more robust understanding of infographics as a potential tool for digital writing transfer. A thematic analysis was used to code students' responses. The literature review and the findings of this study suggest that infographics can be used as a tool to improve intellectual skills (e.g., audience awareness, information filtering, concision) and life skills (e.g., self-efficacy), which are both needed for more effective digital writing skills required for success in the post-pandemic world.