Development of GENSEN interactive media using PjBL-STEM to improve elementary science literacy
Abstract
Learning activities in Science and Social Studies (IPAS) regarding energy source material at the elementary school level are generally still implemented using traditional instructional approaches, characterized by a heavy reliance on textbook-based lectures and limited integration of interactive digital media. Consequently, students’ scientific literacy and critical thinking abilities have not yet developed optimally, as learning tends to focus on the passive delivery of factual knowledge rather than encouraging students to explore concepts actively and apply them in real-life contexts. This condition indicates an urgent need for instructional innovation that aligns with the demands of 21st-century education. In response to this gap, the present study was conducted to design and evaluate the effectiveness of GENSEN, a Genially-based interactive media integrated with the STEM-oriented Project-Based Learning (PjBL-STEM) model. Adopting a Research and Development (R&D) approach using the ADDIE framework, this study involved 38 fourth-grade students in a pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design. Data were collected through scientific literacy assessments, classroom observations, and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analysis using a paired sample t-test demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in students’ scientific literacy (p < 0.001), with the mean score increasing substantially from 51.5 on the pretest to 88.6 on the posttest. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the intervention was confirmed by a normalized gain (N-Gain) score of 0.76, placing the improvement in the "High" category. The results showed that GENSEN media is highly practical, with teacher response scores reaching 92.5% and student responses at 87.9%, both falling into the 'Very Practical' category. Overall, these findings suggest that genially interactive media integrated with PjBL-STEM effectively supports conceptual understanding, fosters critical thinking, and promotes active participation. Consequently, this media represents a promising innovative alternative for contextual IPAS instruction in elementary education.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/ijpe.v10i1.97593
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