International Journal of Essential Competencies in Education
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Bibliometric Analysis of the Thinking Styles in Math and Its' Implication on Science Learning
No full textThe exploration of mathematical thinking styles is a vital area of investigation, particularly concerning its influence on science education within the classroom, given the significant role mathematics plays in advancing scientific understanding. The examination of this subject holds great interest, and its pertinence strongly bolsters prospective teaching and research endeavors. This research aims to perform a bibliometric scrutiny of mathematical thinking styles and their implication on science learning. The focus of this bibliometric inquiry is to elucidate and scrutinize literature congruent with the concept of mathematical thinking styles and their alignment with science learning. The SCOPUS repository is employed as the primary source of document references. Document selection and analysis were conducted using specific keywords in the 'document search' section. Employing diverse document screening methodologies pertinent to mathematical thinking styles and their implication on science learning, a corpus of relevant documents addressing the subject matter was identified. The sequential screening procedures and document findings are discussed comprehensively in this article. Fundamentally, articles pertinent to the bibliometric analysis theme, 'mathematical thinking styles and their implications for science learning,' underscore the significance of delving into students' mathematical thinking styles. Variances in these cognitive styles pose significant challenges for educators' pedagogical approaches in both mathematics and science instruction. This constitutes a pivotal implication of the present study, necessitating educators to adeptly navigate diverse mathematical thinking styles when structuring pedagogy in science and mathematics. Ultimately, this study stands as a pivotal reference for future investigations delving into themes associated with mathematical thinking styles
Involving STEM Students in Critical Analysis Tasks on the Processes of Modifying Optical Properties of Materials
No full textThe present study aimed to train STEM students' critical analysis skills in the material modification process. The optical properties of the mixed polymer materials (polyvinyl alcohol, methylene blue dye, and trichloroacetic acid) were modified using gamma (?) radiation techniques. The fabrication process of polymer films blend irradiated with ? rays was carried out by the lecturer, including absorbance measurements. The task assigned to the STEM students was to critically analyze the optical characteristics of the irradiated polymer films. The method was divided into two sections: 1) the fabrication of ?-irradiated polymer films, which involved preparation, radiation, and absorbance measurement of the polymer film blend, and 2) the assessment of critical analysis skills in STEM students, which was based on a portfolio of critical analysis tasks. The results of the analysis showed changes in the physical properties and optical characteristics of the polymer film blend, including its potential application as ? radiation dosimetry. The results of the critical analysis task indicated that STEM students were able to complete the task effectively. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate the success of STEM students in conducting critical analysis of the optical characteristics of polymer films blends irradiated by ?-rays
Surmounting Obstacles in STEM Education: An In-depth Analysis of Literature Paving the Way for Proficient Pedagogy in STEM Learning
No full textThe modern educational system has recognized the significance of STEM as a vital component of students' preparation for a promising future. Consequently, there is a need for comprehensive research in STEM education, encompassing an understanding of its context, challenges, and strategies to overcome these obstacles. Ongoing research continues to focus on developing coherent studies in this area, particularly emphasizing effective STEM pedagogy, which has proven to positively impact students' learning outcomes. However, despite its potential, STEM education faces several challenges that could impede its progress. In the scope of this study, a thorough examination revealed at least six key challenges confronting, these challenges encompass: pedagogical challenges, curriculum-related issues, structural complexities, student apprehensions, assessment concerns, and the critical need for teacher support. These challenges, along with proposed solutions, are discussed in-depth in this article. It is worth noting that pedagogical challenges hold paramount importance, as teachers play a pivotal role in implementing successful STEM education in schools. As such, this article delves into various effective pedagogical aspects that can facilitate the advancement of STEM education and foster enhanced learning experiences for students. Several key aspects contribute to effective pedagogy in STEM education and learning, including: (a) cultivating an innovative learning environment that nurtures inquiry, experimentation, and critical thinking; (b) utilizing a diverse range of authentic learning methods and relevant educational resources; (c) facilitating a collaborative learning environment that encourages teamwork and knowledge sharing; (d) creating an inclusive learning environment that accommodates the diverse needs of students; and (e) encouraging continuous reflection on and improvement of teaching practices to optimize learning outcomes
Enhancing Engineering Electromagnetics Education: A Comparative Analysis of Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning Environments
No full textThis study evaluates implementation of asynchronous learning in teaching engineering electromagnetics module. A group of first-year engineering students participated in the study. The instruction was divided into two periods, with the first period using asynchronous online mode and the second period using synchronous face-to-face mode. The performance evaluation was based on essay questions on class tests, and the data variances were statistically analysed. In addition, student feedback was gathered through interviews conducted at the end of the semester. In terms of overall performance, the results indicate that synchronous and asynchronous learning methods were equally effective, as no significant difference was found. However, individual student grades revealed a variety of outcomes for the asynchronous learning method, suggesting that students have different learning preferences and levels of adaptability. Positive feedback for asynchronous learning included the ability to adjust the pace of learning and conveniently access course materials. Students valued the availability of recorded lectures for reviewing difficult subject matter. Students with lower study motivation or limited experience with independent learning were negatively affected by the absence of scaffolding and immediate feedback in the asynchronous learning approach. Some students emphasized the importance of face-to-face interaction with the instructor, especially in a subject like electromagnetics that requires intuitive thought and elaboration
The Analysis of Students’ Design Thinking in Inquiry-Based Learning in Routine University Science Courses
No full textDesign thinking has garnered widespread recognition for its distinctive problem-solving and innovative approach, attracting the attention of both professionals and academics. It has expanded beyond its origins in the design field and is now being applied in diverse domains. This article focuses on the integration of design thinking into science education, particularly within the framework of inquiry-based learning. To comprehensively explore the study objectives, a mixed methods approach involving both quantitative and qualitative methods was employed. The study included 102 first-year university students enrolled in science courses. The assessment of students' design thinking dimensions is conducted using instruments that have been rigorously validated and proven to be reliable in terms of their psychometric properties. The findings revealed that students exposed to inquiry-based learning demonstrated significant improvements in their design thinking skills compared to those taught through conventional methods. Furthermore, interviews with lecturers provided additional support for the positive impact of inquiry-based learning on students' design thinking abilities
Problem-Based Learning in Remote Learning Scenario Utilizing Climate Change Virtual Reality Video in Mobile Application to Train Critical Thinking
No full textThe imperative to address climate change in educational curricula stems from its profound implications for the sustainability of human life. A crucial aspect of this education is fostering critical thinking (CT) in students, as they form their perspectives on climate change. Traditional teaching approaches alone have proven inadequate in developing students' CT concerning this complex issue, particularly when learning remotely. To address this challenge, students must be actively engaged with the realities of climate change. In response to this need, the current study aimed to apply the problem-based learning (PBL) in remote learning scenario utilizing climate change virtual reality (VR) video in mobile application to train students’ CT skills. Utilizing a mixed method approach, the study involved 86 high school students, divided evenly between experimental and control groups, using a 'true experimental design' to quantify CT skill improvements. Complementing the quantitative data, the study also conducted semi-structured interviews with teachers participating in the interventions, providing valuable insights into their responses to the learning methods. The instruments used to measure students' CT skills were carefully validated for psychometric properties (validity and reliability). The study's overall findings indicate that the PBL approach integrated with climate change VR videos in mobile applications effectively enhances students' critical thinking skills, surpassing the outcomes of traditional teaching methods. Moreover, the feedback received from teachers who took part in the teaching interventions was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the efficacy of the learning approach. This research highlights the significance of implementing PBL and VR experiences to cultivate CT among students, particularly in the context of climate change education
Utilizing Social Reality Videos in Mobile Apps to Enhance Electronic Learning: Examining the Influence on Cognitive Learning Outcomes Among Students
No full textThis research endeavors to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating electronic learning (e-learning) with social reality videos into a mobile application to enhance students' cognitive learning outcomes. The study adopts an experimental design, specifically a pretest-posttest control group design, involving two distinct groups: the experimental group exposed to e-learning featuring social reality videos, and the control group engaged in traditional face-to-face learning utilizing the expository method. Each group comprised twenty-eight students, and both groups underwent pre-tests and post-tests with identical tasks. The primary focus of this investigation is the assessment of cognitive learning outcomes among students, representing the educational impact of induced learning within each treatment group. Analysis of students' learning outcomes includes descriptive methods (such as the average learning outcomes and n-gain) and statistical procedures, including hypothesis testing to determine differences in achievement between the treatment groups, conducted at a significance level of 0.05. In summary, the findings of this study reveal that the integration of e-learning with social reality videos significantly enhances students' learning outcomes, surpassing the effectiveness of the expository method. Consequently, the researchers recommend the simultaneous incorporation of this innovative approach into conventional classroom lectures
Integrating Game-Based-Learning to Improve Students’ Essay Writing in High School Sociology
No full textThis study integrates game-based learning (GBL) in sociology lessons to investigate its impact on students’ essay writing. The study had a sample size of seven students from a Year 12 Sociology class in one of the high schools in Brunei Darussalam. This qualitative research made use of data collection instruments consisting of pre-test and post-test essay questions, semi-structured interviews, and lesson observations. Findings from the study have shown that the implementation of games that utilize civilization-building elements such as city building and resource management in a sociology lesson had a significant impact on students' performance in essay writing, specifically the quality of their argument, provided that they were used within the right context. The study also found an increase in students’ motivation, collaboration, and enjoyment of learning, attributing this to the games' designs and their easy accessibility via smartphones. Students’ perceptions of the use of GBL indicated a willingness to use it again as a learning tool in the near future. The findings provided insights into this area of study and may be able to provide useful information to educators, especially sociology teachers, who wish to make use of games to aid in making their students' learning an enjoyable experience in their lessons
Examining STEM Students' Computational Thinking Skills through Interactive Practicum Utilizing Technology
No full textThis research study explores and compares the computational thinking skills demonstrated by STEM students during interactive practicums involving both virtual laboratories and physical laboratories. The objectives of the study are to assess the performance of computational thinking skills in each practicum setting and to determine any differences between the two environments. An experimental approach was adopted, and 106 first-year STEM students from a distinguished private university in Indonesia participated in the study. The students were divided into two groups, one using virtual labs and the other using physical labs. The study employed a portfolio instrument to assess various aspects of computational thinking, including problem reformulation, recursion, problem decomposition, abstraction, and systematic testing. The findings show that both groups of students achieved "good" scores for computational thinking skills. However, students in the virtual labs group demonstrated superior skills compared to the physical labs group. The aspects of problem reformulation and abstraction received the highest scores in both groups, while problem decomposition received the lowest scores. A MANOVA test confirmed statistically significant differences in computational thinking skills between the two practicum environments. The study suggests that the use of virtual labs can positively impact students' computational thinking abilities. The results have implications for educators and institutions seeking to enhance students' computational thinking skills and design effective STEM practicums
Development of Evaluative-Process Learning Tools Integrated with Conceptual-Problem-Based Learning Models: Study of Its Validity and Effectiveness to Train Critical Thinking
No full textThis study aimed to develop an evaluative-process learning tool integrated with the conceptual-problem-based learning (CPBL) model to train students' critical thinking skills. The learning tools developed (lesson plans, textbooks, worksheets, and critical thinking test instruments) were evaluated for validity and Effectiveness in training students' critical thinking skills at the higher education level. Validity evaluation is carried out on content and construct validity aspects. This is done through a focus group discussion (FGD) mechanism involving four expert validators. Furthermore, the Effectiveness of the developed learning tools is evaluated by implementing them in the classroom. The experimental design (intact-group comparison) involved a sample group from the State Islamic University of Mataram. The experimental group was taught by evaluative-process learning tools integrated with the CPBL model, while lectures and discussions taught the control group. Critical thinking data were collected using a valid essay test instrument, and the results were analyzed. The validity test results show that all the elements that make up the learning tools in the aspect of content and construct validity have been declared valid. Furthermore, at the implementation stage in the classroom, evaluative-process learning tools integrated with the CPBL model have been effective in training students' critical thinking skills compared to teaching that relies on lectures and discussion. This Effectiveness is based on two aspects, (1) the conceptual framework of the CPBL model, which is constructed and arranged from a problem-based learning model with five learning steps, namely prior knowledge, organize, investigate, analyze, and evaluation; (2) the concept of evaluative-process which is integrated with the CPBL model. These two aspects support capacity in training students to think critically