Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills through Project-Based Chemistry Practicum Using Seaweed Hydrogel Design

Yeanchon Henry Dulanlebit, Hernani Hernani, Liliasari Liliasari, Muhammad Bachri Amran

Abstract


This study explores the effectiveness of a project-based chemistry practicum in enhancing critical thinking and conceptual understanding among chemistry teacher candidates. Using a seaweed-based hydrogel as a medium for adsorbing metal ions, the practicum incorporates contextual learning processes, including problem investigation, collaborative engagement, and technology design. Conducted with 36 students at Pattimura University, the study applied a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative observations and quantitative data analysis. Results indicate significant improvements in students' critical thinking, as evidenced by an N-Gain of 0.72, enhanced worksheet scores, and better practicum outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of integrating environmental resources and technological tools in practicum activities to foster creativity and innovation. However, the study highlights the need for adequate laboratory resources, extended practicum time, and advanced rubrics to assess complex learning outcomes effectively. These insights contribute to the development of advanced chemistry practicum models that align with 21st-century learning skills.

Keywords


Chemistry education; Conceptual understanding; Critical thinking skills; Project-based practicum; Seaweed hydrogel

References


Almulla, M. A. (2020). The Effectiveness of the Project-Based Learning (PBL) Approach as a Way to Engage Students in Learning. SAGE Open, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244020938702

Amizera, S., Santri, D. J., Arifin, Z., & Santoso, L. M. (2023). Students’ Critical Thinking Skills Through the Reports of Practicum-Based Guided Inquiry Learning. Proceedings of the Fifth Sriwijaya University Learning and Education International Conference (SULE-IC 2022), 3–10. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-010-7_2

Aranzabal, A., Epelde, E., & Artetxe, M. (2022). Team formation on the basis of Belbin’s roles to enhance students’ performance in project based learning. Education for Chemical Engineers, 38(September 2021), 22–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ece.2021.09.001

Araújo, J. L., Morais, C., & Paiva, J. C. (2022). Student participation in a coastal water quality citizen science project and its contribution to the conceptual and procedural learning of chemistry. Chemistry Education Research and Practice, 23(1), 100–112. https://doi.org/10.1039/d1rp00190f

Atabaki, A. M. S., Keshtiaray, N., & Yarmohammadian, M. H. (2015). Scrutiny of critical thinking concept. International Education Studies, 8(3), 93–102. https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v8n3p93

Bellaera, L., Weinstein-Jones, Y., Ilie, S., & Baker, S. T. (2021). Critical thinking in practice: The priorities and practices of instructors teaching in higher education. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 41(January), 100856. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2021.100856

Boz, Y., Ekiz-Kiran, B., & Kutucu, E. S. (2019). Effect of practicum courses on pre-service teachers’ beliefs towards chemistry teaching: A year-long case study. Chemistry Education Research and Practice, 20(3), 509–521. https://doi.org/10.1039/c9rp00022d

Chen, S. Y., Lai, C. F., Lai, Y. H., & Su, Y. S. (2022). Effect of project-based learning on development of students’ creative thinking. International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Education, 59(3), 232–250. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020720919846808

Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2010). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research 2nd Edition. In Fire Risk Management (Vol. 33, Issue JUN). https://g.co/kgs/HZ7eUv%0Ahttps://id.zlibrary-asia.se/book/12477716/46ca29/designing-and-conducting-mixed-methods-research.html

Genc, M. (2015). The project-based learning approach in environmental education. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 24(2), 105–117. https://doi.org/10.1080/10382046.2014.993169

Gomez-del Rio, T., & Rodriguez, J. (2022). Design and assessment of a project-based learning in a laboratory for integrating knowledge and improving engineering design skills. Education for Chemical Engineers, 40(February), 17–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ece.2022.04.002

Goyal, M., Gupta, C., & Gupta, V. (2022). A meta-analysis approach to measure the impact of project-based learning outcome with program attainment on student learning using fuzzy inference systems. Heliyon, 8(8), e10248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10248

Guo, P., Saab, N., Post, L. S., & Admiraal, W. (2020). A review of project-based learning in higher education: Student outcomes and measures. International Journal of Educational Research, 102(November 2019), 101586. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101586

Helaluddin, Mannahali, M., Purwati, D., Alamsyah, & Wijaya, H. (2023). An Investigation into the Effect of Problem-Based Learning on Learners’ Writing Performance, Critical and Creative Thinking Skills. Journal of Language and Education, 9(2), 101–117. https://doi.org/10.17323/jle.2023.14704

Janse van Rensburg, J., & Rauscher, W. (2022). Strategies for fostering critical thinking dispositions in the technology classroom. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 32(4), 2151–2171. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-021-09690-6

Kokotsaki, D., Menzies, V., & Wiggins, A. (2016). Project-based learning: A review of the literature. Improving Schools, 19(3), 267–277. https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480216659733

Kristianto, H., Gandajaya, L., Simanjorang, L. W., & Saptasari, H. (2023). An offline Practicum Workshop as An Aid for Students’ Chemistry Laboratory Practical Skills: A Case Study. Jurnal Pendidikan Sains (Jps), 11(2), 9. https://doi.org/10.26714/jps.11.2.2023.9-14

Li, B., Jia, X., Chi, Y., Liu, X., & Jia, B. (2020). Project-based learning in a collaborative group can enhance student skill and ability in the biochemical laboratory: a case study. Journal of Biological Education, 54(4), 404–418. https://doi.org/10.1080/00219266.2019.1600570

Lithoxoidou, A., & Georgiadou, T. (2023). Critical Thinking in Teacher Education: Course Design and Teaching Practicum. Education Sciences, 13(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13080837

Liyanage, I., Walker, T., & Shokouhi, H. (2021). Are we thinking critically about critical thinking? Uncovering uncertainties in internationalised higher education. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 39(June 2020), 100762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2020.100762

Mulyani, H. R. A., Sujarwanta, A., & ... (2018). Model of scientific learning approach Project Based Learning (PjBL) based on practicum for students Biology teacher candidate. Profunedu International …, August, 7–9. http://www.repository.profunedu.id/index.php/proceeding/article/view/25%0Ahttp://www.repository.profunedu.id/index.php/proceeding/article/download/25/22

Ngereja, B., Hussein, B., & Andersen, B. (2020). Does project-based learning (PBL) promote student learning? a performance evaluation. Education Sciences, 10(11), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci10110330

Nurrahman, A. A., Husen, N. P., & Rukmana, O. (2020). Designing Information System for Student Practicum Assessment in the Laboratory. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 847(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/847/1/012047

Pamenang, F. D. N., Harta, J., Listyarini, R. V., Wijayanti, L. W., Ratri, M. C., Hapsari, N. D., Asy’Ari, M., & Lee, W. (2020). Developing chemical equilibrium practicum module based on guided inquiry to explore students’ abilities in designing experiments. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1470(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1470/1/012097

Pan, G., Shankararaman, V., Koh, K., & Gan, S. (2021). Students’ evaluation of teaching in the project-based learning programme: An instrument and a development process. International Journal of Management Education, 19(2), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2021.100501

Quinn, S., Hogan, M., Dwyer, C., Finn, P., & Fogarty, E. (2020). Development and Validation of the Student-Educator Negotiated Critical Thinking Dispositions Scale (SENCTDS). Thinking Skills and Creativity, 38(May), 100710. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2020.100710

Rohm, A. J., Stefl, M., & Ward, N. (2021). Future Proof and Real-World Ready: The Role of Live Project-Based Learning in Students’ Skill Development. Journal of Marketing Education, 43(2), 204–215. https://doi.org/10.1177/02734753211001409

Sabila, A. A., & Gunawan, W. (2019). 21st Century Learning Skills. https://doi.org/10.1145/3337682.3337696

Saimon, M., Lavicza, Z., & Dana-Picard, T. (Noah). (2023). Enhancing the 4Cs among college students of a communication skills course in Tanzania through a project-based learning model. Education and Information Technologies, 28(6), 6269–6285. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11406-9

Sajidan, Parmin, Atmojo, I. R. W., & Gunawan. (2022). Application of Science Integrated Learning in Practicum Assessments to Improve Science Student Teachers’ Creative Thinking. International Journal of Instruction, 15(4), 113–146. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2022.1548a

Sanchez, J. M. (2021). Use of control charts and scientific critical thinking in experimental laboratory courses: How they help students to detect and solve systematic errors. Journal of Chemical Education, 98(5), 1822–1828. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c00885

Sari, D. K., Ibrahim, A. R., & Wancik, K. A. (2020). The Importance of Verification Practicum before Projet Based Practicum based on Local Material in Science Education. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1467(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1467/1/012067

Sinaga, P., Setiawan, W., & liana, M. (2022). The impact of electronic interactive teaching materials (EITMs) in e-learning on junior high school students’ critical thinking skills. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 46(229), 101066. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2022.101066

Sumarni, W., & Kadarwati, S. (2020). Ethno-stem project-based learning: Its impact to critical and creative thinking skills. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 9(1), 11–21. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v9i1.21754

Syahril, S., Nabawi, R. A., & Safitri, D. (2021). Students’ Perceptions of the Project Based on the Potential of their Region: A Project-based Learning Implementation. Journal of Technology and Science Education, 11(2), 295–314. https://doi.org/10.3926/JOTSE.1153

Ulvik, M., Eide, L., Helleve, I., & Kvam, E. K. (2023). Negotiating coherence through meeting spaces in practicum. Social Sciences and Humanities Open, 8(1), 100549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100549

Van Brederode, M. E., Zoon, S. A., & Meeter, M. (2020). Examining the effect of lab instructions on students’ critical thinking during a chemical inquiry practical. Chemistry Education Research and Practice, 21(4), 1173–1182. https://doi.org/10.1039/d0rp00020e

Young, S. A., Newton, A. R., Fowler, S. R., & Park, J. (2023). Critical thinking activities in Florida undergraduate biology classes improves comprehension of climate change. Journal of Biological Education, 57(1), 184–195. https://doi.org/10.1080/00219266.2021.1877785

Zemel, Y., Shwartz, G., & Avargil, S. (2021). Preservice teachers’ enactment of formative assessment using rubrics in the inquiry-based chemistry laboratory. Chemistry Education Research and Practice, 22(4), 1074–1092. https://doi.org/10.1039/d1rp00001b

Zhang, J., & Chen, B. (2021). The effect of cooperative learning on critical thinking of nursing students in clinical practicum: A quasi-experimental study. Journal of Professional Nursing, 37(1), 177–183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2020.05.008




DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24042/tadris.v9i2.24847

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.




Creative Commons License

Tadris: Jurnal Keguruan dan Ilmu Tarbiyah is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International Licensep-ISSN 2301-7562e-ISSN 2579-7964