Enhancing students' critical thinking skills in physics: Exploring problem-based learning and mobile technology integration in rotational dynamics education
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study examines and identifies the profile of students' critical thinking skills in studying Rotational Dynamics and explores the potential of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model in enhancing these skills. The research utilized a pre-research approach with qualitative descriptive analysis, involving a sample of 90 students from class XI MIPA in Nganjuk city. Data were collected through critical thinking tests, surveys, and interviews. The findings revealed that the majority of students exhibited low critical thinking skills, particularly in the areas of basic clarification, basic support, and advanced clarification. Gender differences were also evident, with male students generally outperforming female students across all indicators. Teachers predominantly employed lecture methods and conventional teaching materials, which hindered students' ability to visualize the concepts being taught. These results highlight the need for innovative learning approaches to enhance students' critical thinking skills in physics education. This study proposes the integration of Android-based 3D digital modules into physics learning on Rotational Dynamics. It is anticipated that this innovation will significantly increase student engagement and stimulate critical thinking skills. This research contributes to the literature by demonstrating the potential of combining PBL models with digital technology to improve the quality of physics education.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
References
- Abubakar, U., Ogunlade, O. O., & Ibrahim, H. A. (2024). The influence of technology-integrated curriculum resources on student engagement and academic achievement in higher education. Advances in Mobile Learning Educational Research, 4(2), 1208–1223. https://doi.org/10.25082/amler.2024.02.014
- Akhdinirwanto, R. W., Agustini, R., & Jatmiko, B. (2020). Problem-Based Learning with Argumentation as a Hypothetical Model to Increase the Critical Thinking Skills for Junior High School Students. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 9(3), 340–350. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v9i3.19282
- AMİN, S., UTAYA, S., BACHRİ, S., SUMARMİ, S., & SUSİLO, S. (2020). Effect of Problem Based Learning on Critical Thinking Skill and Enviromental Attitude. Journal for the Education of Gifted Young Scientists, 8(2), 743–755. https://doi.org/10.17478/jegys.650344
- Anesa, D. R. (2021). The Effectiveness of Problem Based Learning (PBL) Based E-Module on the Classic Genetic Materials to Improve the Student’s Critical Thinking Skills. International Journal of Social Science and Human Research, 04(07). https://doi.org/10.47191/ijsshr/v4-i7-30
- Aprilia, N., Syahril, & Azhar. (2024). Development of Blended Learning Media Based on Openedx Integrated PBL on Rotational Dynamics Material. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(1), 404–411. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i1.6486
- Armela, K. R., Rosidin, U., & Viyanti, V. (2024). E-module for physics using Smart Apps Creator Software with internalization of soft skills. Indonesian Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 7(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.24042/ijsme.v7i1.19332
- Daghriri, I., Liang, C. J., & Huang, W. (2024). Spatial Immersive Learning Environments in Primary Education: A Review of Impacts and Implementation Challenges. Proceedings of the 2024 International Conference on Information Technology, Data Science, and Optimization, 99–105. https://doi.org/10.1145/3658549.3658572
- Fadillah, M. A., Usmeldi, U., Lufri, L., Mawardi, M., & Festiyed, F. (2024). Exploring user perceptions: The impact of ChatGPT on high school students’ physics understanding and learning. Advances in Mobile Learning Educational Research, 4(2), 1197–1207. https://doi.org/10.25082/amler.2024.02.013
- Guissepe Hernández, Y. K., Moucharrafieh, S. M., Guerra Rincón, D. M., & Hernández Chávez, W. J. (2025). Empowering educators: Enhancing teacher engagement for excellence in virtual education. Advances in Mobile Learning Educational Research, 5(1), 1272–1283. https://doi.org/10.25082/amler.2025.01.004
- Hermiyati, N., & Yarmi, G. (2024). Pengaruh Metode Pembelajaran Problem Posing Berbantuan CABRI 3D Terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Peserta Didik Sekolah Dasar. Prosiding Mahasaraswati Seminar Nasional Pendidikan Matematika, 3(1), 386-398.
- Kalogiannakis, M., & Papadakis, S. (2019). Pre-service kindergarten teachers’ acceptance of “ScratchJr” as a tool for learning and teaching computational thinking and science education. The Journal of Emergent Science, 15, 31–34. https://www.ase.org.uk/journals/journal-emergent-science
- Kalogiannakis, M., & Papadakis, S. (2020). The Use of Developmentally Mobile Applications for Preparing Pre-Service Teachers to Promote STEM Activities in Preschool Classrooms. Mobile Learning Applications in Early Childhood Education, 82–100. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-1486-3.ch005
- Mabrur, M., Huda, N., & Utami, S. (2024). The Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning Assisted by Digital Technology to Improve Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills in SMKN 3 Sampang Students. Jurnal Indonesia Sosial Sains, 5(09), 2450–2457. https://doi.org/10.59141/jiss.v5i10.1468
- Mammadov, T., & Jamalova, M. (2025). Adapting to a rapidly evolving world: Insights from AI initiatives in Azerbaijan. Advances in Mobile Learning Educational Research, 5(1), 1262–1271. https://doi.org/10.25082/amler.2025.01.003
- Mardhiyah, R. H., Aldriani, S. N. F., Chitta, F., & Zulfikar, M. R. (2021). Pentingnya keterampilan belajar di abad 21 sebagai tuntutan dalam pengembangan sumber daya manusia. Lectura: Jurnal Pendidikan, 12(1), 29-40. https://doi.org/10.31849/lectura.v12i1.5813
- Masrinah, E. N., Aripin, I., & Gaffar, A. A. (2019). Problem based learning (PBL) untuk meningkatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis. Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pendidikan, 1, 924-932.
- Naufal, A. L. A. (2022). Pengembangan e-book matematika untuk meningkatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa pada materi persamaan garis lurus. MATHEdunesa, 11(2), 378-389. https://doi.org/10.26740/mathedunesa.v11n2.p378-389
- Qotrunnada, N. A., Prahani, B. K., Marianus, Wibowo, F. C., & Uulaa, R. F. R. (2023). A Profile of Senior High School Students’ Problem-solving Skills on Dynamic Fluid Materials. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2623(1), 012032. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2623/1/012032
- Kardoyo, K., Nurkhin, A., Muhsin, M., & Pramusinto, H. (2020). Problem-Based Learning Strategy: Its Impact on Students’ Critical and Creative Thinking Skills. European Journal of Educational Research, 9(3), 1141–1150. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.9.3.1141
- Pamungkas, R. S. A., & Wantoro, J. (2024). Peningkatan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis melalui Model Problem Based Learning dalam Pembelajaran PPKn Sekolah Dasar. Jurnal Basicedu, 8(2), 1286–1297. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v8i2.7360
- Papadakis, S. (2020). Evaluating a game-development approach to teach introductory programming concepts in secondary education. International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 12(2), 127. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijtel.2020.106282
- Papadakis, S. (2020). Apps to promote computational thinking concepts and coding skills in children of preschool and pre-primary school age. In Mobile learning applications in early childhood education (pp. 101-121). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-1486-3.ch006
- Papadakis, S., & Kalogiannakis, M. (2020). Exploring Preservice Teachers’ Attitudes About the Usage of Educational Robotics in Preschool Education. Handbook of Research on Tools for Teaching Computational Thinking in P-12 Education, 339–355. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-4576-8.ch013
- Papadakis, S., & Kalogiannakis, M. (2019). Evaluating a course for teaching introductory programming with Scratch to pre-service kindergarten teachers. International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 11(3), 231. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijtel.2019.100478
- Papadakis, S., Vaiopoulou, J., Sifaki, E., Stamovlasis, D., Kalogiannakis, M., & Vassilakis, K. (2021). Factors That Hinder in-Service Teachers from Incorporating Educational Robotics into Their Daily or Future Teaching Practice. Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Computer Supported Education. https://doi.org/10.5220/0010413900550063
- Petousi, V., & Sifaki, E. (2020). Contextualising harm in the framework of research misconduct. Findings from discourse analysis of scientific publications. International Journal of Sustainable Development, 23(3/4), 149. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijsd.2020.115206
- City Qurnia Sari Pohan, Kartika Manalu, & Reflina. (2024). Pengembangan Lembar Kerja Peserta Didik (LKPD) Berbasis Problem Solving pada Materi Sistem Ekskresi Manusia Kelas XI SMA/MA. Jurnal Dirosah Islamiyah, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.47467/jdi.v6i2.2070
- Pohan, S. A., & Dafit, F. (2021). Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran Kurikulum 2013 di Sekolah Dasar. Jurnal Basicedu, 5(3), 1191–1197. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v5i3.898
- Prahani, B. K., Rizki, I. A., Nisa’, K., Citra, N. F., Alhusni, H. Z., & Wibowo, F. C. (2022). Implementation of online problem-based learning assisted by digital book with 3D animations to improve student’s physics problem-solving skills in magnetic field subject. Journal of Technology and Science Education, 12(2), 379. https://doi.org/10.3926/jotse.1590
- Pranata, O. D., & Noperma, N. (2023). Critical Thinking Skills in Rotational Dynamics: Learning Physics With and Without Free-body Diagrams. Tarbawi: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan, 19(2), 153–164. https://doi.org/10.32939/tarbawi.v19i2.4215
- Putri, S. J., & Prahani, B. K. (2024). Enhancing students’ critical thinking skills through mobile technology: An analysis of problem-based learning implementation in heat material instruction. Advances in Mobile Learning Educational Research, 5(1), 1242–1253. https://doi.org/10.25082/amler.2025.01.001
- Rahayu, A. A., Mezzaluna, A. S., & Setiaji, B. (2022). Pengembangan modul berbasis 3D Pageflip professional materi pemantulan dan pembiasan cahaya untuk meningkatkan kemandirian belajar siswa. WaPFi (Wahana Pendidikan Fisika), 7(1), 75–82. https://doi.org/10.17509/wapfi.v7i1.45372
- Rizky, A., & Prahani, B. K. (2024). Profiling students’ critical thinking skills and the implementation of Problem-Based Learning using innovative digital modules on static fluid concepts. Advances in Mobile Learning Educational Research, 5(1), 1254–1261. https://doi.org/10.25082/amler.2025.01.002
- Lubis, S. K., & Bunawan, W. (2024). Portrait of Students’ Misconceptions Using Four-Tier Multiple Choice Diagnostic Test on Rotational Dynamics Material in Class XI Senior High School. Journal of Learning and Technology in Physics, 5(1), 36. https://doi.org/10.24114/jltp.v5i1.56266
- Saphira, H. V., & Prahani, B. K. (2022). Profile of Senior High School Students’ Critical Thinking Skills and The Need of Implementation PBL Model Assisted by Augmented Reality Book. Jurnal Pendidikan Sains Indonesia, 10(3), 579–591. https://doi.org/10.24815/jpsi.v10i3.25031
- Setiawan, T. A., & Airlanda, G. S. (2023). Efektivitas Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning dan Inquiry Learning Dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis. Jurnal Educatio FKIP UNMA, 9(4), 2043-2051. https://doi.org/10.31949/educatio.v9i4.5751
- Setiawan, T. Y., Destrinelli, D., & Wulandari, B. A. (2022). Keterampilan Berfikir Kritis Pada Pembelajaran IPA Menggunakan Model Pembelajaran Radec di Sekolah Dasar: Systematic Literature Review. Justek: Jurnal Sains Dan Teknologi, 5(2), 133. https://doi.org/10.31764/justek.v5i2.11421
- Sholikhah, A. N. Y., & Arif, S. (2024). Pengembangan Modul Berbasis STEM 3D untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa. Jurnal Tadris IPA Indonesia, 4(1), 127–140. https://doi.org/10.21154/jtii.v4i1.3074
- Suci, S. K., Muhaimin, M., & Zurweni, Z. (2022). The Implementation and Effect of Problem-Based Learning Based on Local Wisdom Toward Students’ Communication and Critical Thinking Ability on Temperature and Heat Material. Jurnal Penelitian & Pengembangan Pendidikan Fisika, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.21009/1.08115
- Sujanem, R., Suwindra, I. N. P., & Suswandi, I. (2022). Efektivitas E-Modul Fisika Berbasis Masalah Berbantuan Simulasi Phet dalam Ujicoba Terbatas untuk Meningkatkan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Peserta didik SMA. Jurnal Pendidikan Fisika Undiksha, 12(2), 181-191.
- Syahfitri, J., & Safitri, D. (2024). The Effect of Digital-Based Interactive Modules to Improve Student’s Critical Thinking Skills and Learning Motivation on Biology Learning. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(5), 2495–2502. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i5.3878
- Syahrial, A. H., Wulan Deliana, Vina Dwi Cahyani, & Ahmad Fakhri Husaini. (2022). Pembelajaran Fisika Materi Mekanika Benda Tegar: Review Media, Model, dan Metode. Mitra Pilar: Jurnal Pendidikan, Inovasi, Dan Terapan Teknologi, 1(2), 119–140. https://doi.org/10.58797/pilar.0102.06
- Takus, Y., Sunarno, W., & Wahyuningsih, D. (2021). The Critical Thinking Skills Analysis of High School on Rotational Dynamics. Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Law, Social Science, Economics, and Education, ICLSSEE 2021, March 6th 2021, Jakarta, Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.6-3-2021.2306189
- Vaiopoulou, J., Papadakis, S., Sifaki, E., Stamovlasis, D., & Kalogiannakis, M. (2021). Parents’ Perceptions of Educational Apps Use for Kindergarten Children: Development and Validation of a New Instrument (PEAU-p) and Exploration of Parents’ Profiles. Behavioral Sciences, 11(6), 82. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs11060082
- Valentin, J. A., Shinta, N. M., Saputra, D. A., & Kartiningtyas, W. (2024). Problem Based Learning (PBL) Dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Dan Hasil Belajar Peserta Didik. Jurnal Review Pendidikan dan Pengajaran (JRPP), 7(2), 5962-5970. https://doi.org/10.31004/jrpp.v7i2.28448
- Wahyuni, E. E., Sudarti, S., Wuryaningrum, R., & Wicaksono, I. (2024). Implementasi Aplikasi Asisten Belajar (SI BELA) Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Literasi Digital Peserta Didik. Jurnal Riset Pendidikan Dasar, 7(1), 21-35. https://doi.org/10.26618/jrpd.v7i1.13474
- Wijayanti, R., & Siswanto, J. (2020). Profil Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa SMA pada Materi Sumber-sumber Energi. Jurnal Penelitian Pembelajaran Fisika, 11(1), 109–113. https://doi.org/10.26877/jp2f.v11i1.5533
- Yuanata, B. E., Dwikoranto, D., & Setiani, R. (2023). Profile of the PhET Assisted Problem-Based Learning Model for Improving Critical Thinking Skills of High School Students. Prisma Sains: Jurnal Pengkajian Ilmu Dan Pembelajaran Matematika Dan IPA IKIP Mataram, 11(3), 870. https://doi.org/10.33394/j-ps.v11i3.8415
- Yulianti, Y., Lestari, H., & Rahmawati, I. (2022). Penerapan model pembelajaran RADEC terhadap peningkatan kemampuan berpikir kritis peserta didik. Jurnal Cakrawala Pendas, 8(1), 47-56.
- Sarkingobir, Y., & Bello, A. (2024). Helping Students Become Proficient Physics Problem Solvers Through Problem-Based Learning. International Journal of Essential Competencies in Education, 3(1), 13–27. https://doi.org/10.36312/ijece.v3i1.1813