Cover Image

Integration of PhET Simulations and Animated Videos in Discovery-Based E-Worksheets to Enhance Critical Thinking Skills

Luqmanul Hakim Abi Abdillah, Patar Ariyanto Sitorus, Rusdiman Buhera, Muhammad Ikhsan, Sabar Nurohman, Ismail Fikri Natadiwijaya

Abstract


In the digital era, critical thinking skills are essential for students to navigate complex challenges. However, these skills in science education remain a concern. This study examines the effectiveness of discovery learning-based electronic worksheets (e-worksheets) integrating PhET simulations and animated videos in enhancing students' critical thinking skills. A quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent control group was employed, involving 60 eighth-grade students from Junior High School X Yogyakarta. The experimental group used discovery learning-based e-worksheets, while the control group used conventional printed worksheets. Data was collected using a critical thinking test with 10 questions covering five indicators. Results showed significant improvements in the experimental group (N-gain = 0.23), while the control group declined (N-gain = -0.18). The experimental group's mean score increased from 42 to 56, whereas the control group declined from 41 to 37. The highest improvement was in the "providing arguments or explanations" indicator (N-gain = 0.425). The Mann-Whitney test indicated significant differences between groups (p < 0.05), with the experimental group achieving a higher mean rank (39.45) than the control group (21.55). These findings suggest that integrating digital tools in discovery learning effectively enhances students' critical thinking skills in science education.

Keywords


Animated Video; Critical Thinking Skills; Discovery Learning; E-worksheets, PhET

Full Text:

Download PDF

References


Abdelmoneim, R., Hassounah, E., & Radwan, E. (2022). Effectiveness of virtual laboratories on developing expert thinking and decision-making skills among female school students in Palestine. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 18(12). https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/12708

Anisa, V. M., & Astriani, D. (2022). Implementation of PhET simulation with discovery learning model to improve understanding of dynamic electricity concepts [Implementasi Simulasi PhET dengan Model Discovery Learning untuk Meningkatkan Pemahaman Konsep Listrik Dinamis]. Jurnal Pijar Mipa, 17(3), 292–301. https://doi.org/10.29303/jpm.v17i3.3438

Anwar, Y., Slamet, A., & Daniaty, U. (2023). Improving critical thinking skills through discovery learning models assisted animation video on digestive system material [Peningkatan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis melalui Model Discovery Learning Berbantuan Video Animasi pada Materi Sistem Pencernaan]. JPBI (Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi Indonesia), 9(3), 433–444. https://doi.org/10.22219/jpbi.v9i3.29042

Arviani, F. P., Wahyudin, D., & Dewi, L. (2023). Role of teaching strategies in promoting students’ higher order thinking skills and critical thinking dispositions. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 22(9), 332–349. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.22.9.19

Azhar, Manik, R. E., Nabila, R., Natuna, D. A., & Irawan, D. (2024). Critical thinking skills of students through guided discovery learning model assisted by PhET media on stationary and walking wave [Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Melalui Model Pembelajaran Guided Discovery Learning Berbantuan Media PhET pada Gelombang Diam dan Gelombang Berjalan]. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(7), 3548–3555. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i7.7212

Banda, H. J., & Nzabahimana, J. (2021). Effect of integrating physics education technology simulations on students’ conceptual understanding in physics: A review of literature. Physical Review Physics Education Research, 17(2), 23108. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.17.023108

Bano, M., Zowghi, D., Kearney, M., Schuck, S., & Aubusson, P. (2018). Mobile learning for science and mathematics school education: A systematic review of empirical evidence. Computers and Education, 121, 30–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2018.02.006

Best, J. W., & Kahn, J. V. (2006). Welcome to research in education. http://www.ablongman.com/researchnavigator.com

Brydges, C. R. (2019). Effect size guidelines, sample size calculations, and statistical power in gerontology. Innovation in Aging, 3(4), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igz036

Christina, S., Sitompul, S. S., & Oktavianty, E. (2022). Remediation of misconceptions of simple machines using STAD-type cooperative learning model at SMP Yakhalusti Pontianak [Remediasi Miskonsepsi Pesawat Sederhana Menggunakan Model Pembelajaran Kooperatif Tipe STAD di SMP Yakhalusti Pontianak]. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran Khatulistiwa, 11(12), 3238–3247. https://doi.org/10.26418/jppk.v11i12.60227

Cisterna-Zenteno, C., Contreras-Soto, Y., Barrera, S. M., Ceballos Muñoz, C., Alveal, D., & Navarrete, D. A. (2022). Undergraduates’ critical thinking skills development through the use of short animated videos during the COVID-19 pandemic. Revista Comunicación, 31, 35–50.

Dong, M., Li, F., & Chang, H. (2023). Trends and hotspots in critical thinking research over the past two decades: Insights from a bibliometric analysis. Heliyon, 9(6), e16934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16934

Drastisianti, A., Dewi, A. K., & Alighiri, D. (2024). Effectiveness of guided inquiry learning with PhET simulation to improve students’ critical thinking ability and understanding of reaction rate concepts. International Journal of Pedagogy and Teacher Education, 8(2), 235–252.

Emerson, R. W. (2023). Mann-Whitney U test and t-test. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 117(1), 99–100. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145482X221150592

Facione, P. A. (2015). Critical thinking: What it is and why it counts (ISBN 13: 978-1-891557-07-1). Insight Assessment. https://www.insightassessment.com/CT-Resources/Teaching-For-and-About-Critical-Thinking/Critical-Thinking-What-It-Is-and-Why-It-Counts/Critical-Thinking-What-It-Is-and-Why-It-Counts-PDF

Fahrunissa, P., Buhungo, T. J., & Pikoli, M. (2023). The analysis of misconceptions in simple airplane material for 8th grade students in SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Gorontalo [Analisis Miskonsepsi pada Materi Pesawat Sederhana untuk Siswa Kelas 8 di SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Gorontalo]. Science Education Journal (SEJ), 7(2), 111–122. https://doi.org/10.21070/sej.v7i2.1649

Fisher, A. (2011). Evaluating inferences: Deductive validity and other grounds. In Cambridge University.

Fitria, A., Utomo, D. H., Mutia, T., & Gadeng, A. N. (2023). Improving critical thinking skills of high school students through gamification-based learning media development. Jurnal Pendidikan Ilmu Sosial, 32(2), 193–200. https://doi.org/10.17509/jpis.v32i2.56997

Flora, Raja, P., & Mahpul. (2020). Discovery learning strategy: Integrating think-pair-share and teacher’s corrective feedback to enhance students’ writing language accuracy. International Journal of Education and Practice, 8(4), 733–745. https://doi.org/10.18488/journal.61.2020.84.733.745

García-Carmona, A. (2023). Scientific thinking and critical thinking in science education: Two distinct but symbiotically related intellectual processes. Science and Education, 34(1), 227–245. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-023-00460-5

Gunadi, G., Haryono, H., & Purwanti, E. (2022). The analysis of 21st century learning implementation and competency achievement of junior high school students in 3T regions. Innovative Journal of Curriculum and Educational Technology, 11(1), 10–18. https://doi.org/10.15294/ijcet.v11i1.44847

Hake, R. R. (1999). Analyzing change/gain scores. Measurement and Research Methodology, 1(7), 1–4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22025883

Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Qadri, M. A., & Suman, R. (2022). Understanding the role of digital technologies in education: A review. Sustainable Operations and Computers, 3(February), 275–285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susoc.2022.05.004

Heard, J., Scoular, C., Duckworth, D., Ramalingam, D., & Teo, I. (2020). Critical thinking: Skill development framework. Australian Council for Educational Research, September 2021, 1–23.

Hilmia, N., Zaini, M., & Kaspul, K. (2022). Learning outcomes of the Protista concept using electronic worksheets and students' critical thinking skills [Hasil Belajar Konsep Protista Menggunakan LKPD-Elektronik dan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Peserta Didik]. Practice of The Science of Teaching Journal: Jurnal Praktisi Pendidikan, 1(2), 44–52. https://doi.org/10.58362/hafecspost.v1i2.10

Karan, E. (2023). Discovery-based approach combined with active learning to improve student learning experiences for STEM students. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 11(4), 16. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v11i4.6205

Kefalis, C., & Skordoulis, C. (2025). Digital simulations in STEM education: Insights from recent empirical studies, a systematic review, 1–18.

Khaeruddin, & Amin, B. D. (2020). Development and validation of critical thinking skills instruments of physics subjects. In Proceedings of the 7th Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science Education International Seminar, MSCEIS 2019 (pp. 2–6). https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.12-10-2019.2296474

Khasinah, S. (2021). Discovery learning: Definition, syntax, strengths and weaknesses [Discovery Learning: Definisi, Sintaksis, Keunggulan dan Kelemahan]. Jurnal MUDARRISUNA: Media Kajian Pendidikan Agama Islam, 11(3), 402. https://doi.org/10.22373/jm.v11i3.5821

Kumar, D. (2024). PhET: An interactive simulation technology for learning outcomes based teaching-learning. May, 120–126.

Kusuma, E., Handayani, A., & Rakhmawati, D. (2024). The importance of developing critical thinking skills in elementary school students: A literature review [Pentingnya Pengembangan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Pada Siswa Sekolah Dasar: Sebuah Tinjauan Literatur]. Wawasan Pendidikan, 4(2), 369–379. https://doi.org/10.26877/jwp.v4i2.17971

Kwangmuang, P., Jarutkamolpong, S., Duangngern, P., Gessala, N., & Sarakan, P. (2024). Promoting analytical thinking skills development in elementary school students through animated cartoons. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 15(May), 100467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2024.100467

Laar, E. van, Deursen, A. J. A. M. van, Dijk, J. A. G. M. van, & Haan, J. de. (2020). Determinants of 21st-century skills and 21st-century digital skills for workers: A systematic literature review. SAGE Open, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019900176

Liswar, F., Hidayati, A., Rayendra, R., & Yeni, F. (2023). Use of PhET interactive simulation software in physics learning. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(Special Issue), 135–142. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9ispecialissue.5982

Manurung, A. S., & Pappachan, P. (2025). The role of discovery learning in efforts to develop students’ critical thinking abilities. Journal of Education and Learning, 19(1), 46–53. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v19i1.21788

Marnita, M., Rahma, R., & Fatimah, F. (2021). Impact of e-learning media on students’ critical thinking skills at physics education study program, Almuslim University. JIPF (Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Fisika), 6(2), 131. https://doi.org/10.26737/jipf.v6i2.1908

Muhammad, F. N., Rosana, D., & Hastuti, P. W. (2022). The development of e-worksheet based on discovery learning with Google Docs to improve students’ higher order thinking skills. Journal of Science Education Research, 6(2), 120–126.

Muhayati, E. I., Trisnawaty, W., & Subaidah, S. (2023). Implementation of discovery learning models to improve students’ mathematic learning outcomes. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(5), 3975–3980. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i5.2190

Narayanan, T., & Zainal, M. Z. (2022). The level of critical thinking skills among new graduate nurses through practical learning and theoretical learning. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 11(1), 413–427. https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarped/v11-i1/12021

OECD. (2023). Pisa 2022. In Perfiles Educativos, 46(183). https://doi.org/10.22201/iisue.24486167e.2024.183.61714

Ozdem-Yilmaz, Y., & Bilican, K. (2020). Discovery learning—Jerome Bruner. In B. Akpan & T. J. Kennedy (Eds.), Science Education in Theory and Practice: An Introductory Guide to Learning Theory (pp. 177–190). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43620-9_13

Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2006). The miniature guide to critical thinking concepts and tools. Performance + Instruction, 4(6). https://doi.org/10.1002/pfi.4170340606

Rahmawati, S., Masykuri, M., & Sarwanto, S. (2021). The effectiveness of discovery learning module classification of materials and its changes to enhance critical thinking skills [Efektivitas Modul Discovery Learning Klasifikasi Materi dan Perubahannya untuk Meningkatkan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis]. Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan IPA, 7(1), 74–84. https://doi.org/10.21831/jipi.v7i1.33253

Raj, T., Chauhan, P., Mehrotra, R., & Sharma, M. (2022). Importance of critical thinking in the education. World Journal of English Language, 12(3), 126–133. https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v12n3p126

Rohmah, M. M., Hamdu, G., Suryana, Y., Upi, P., & Tasikmalaya, K. (2021). Analysis of misconceptions in simple machine materials in elementary school [Analisis Miskonsepsi pada Materi Pesawat Sederhana di Sekolah Dasar]. Jurnal Ilmu-Ilmu Sejarah, Sosial, Budaya dan Kependidikan, 8(1), 101–110.

Saarsar, P. (2018). Exploring the constructivist approach in education: Theory, practice, and implications. International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, June 2018, 716. https://www.academia.edu/117138980/Exploring_the_Constructivist_Approach_in_Education_Theory_Practice_and_Implications

Samitra, D., Firdaus, M. L., & Krisnawati, Y. (2023). Physics Education Technology Project (PhET): Interactive simulation to improve students’ understanding of concepts and perceptions. Jurnal Paedagogy, 10(3), 646. https://doi.org/10.33394/jp.v10i3.7879

Sanders, M., & Moulenbelt, J. (2011). Defining critical thinking. Inquiry: Critical Thinking Across the Disciplines, 26(1), 38–46. https://doi.org/10.5840/inquiryctnews20112616

Saputra, A. R., Wahiidin, & Nur, S. H. (2021). Utilization of web-based multimedia in discovery learning model to improve student learning outcomes and critical thinking on structure and anatomy of the human body [Pemanfaatan Multimedia Berbasis WEB dalam Model Discovery Learning untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar dan Berfikir Kritis Siswa pada Materi Struktur dan Fungsi Anatomi Tubuh Manusia]. Jurnal Bio Educatio, 6(1), 52–62. https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/378901-none-64f4c724.pdf

Sastradewi, N. M. P. (2022). Improving students' critical thinking ability through interactive multimedia based on problem solving in science subjects [Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berfikir Kritis Siswa Melalui Multimedia Interaktif Berbasis Problem Solving pada Muatan Pelajaran IPA]. Jurnal Media dan Teknologi Pendidikan, 2(1), 10–19. https://doi.org/10.23887/jmt.v2i1.44855

Saudelli, M. G., Kleiv, R., Davies, J., Jungmark, M., & Mueller, R. (2021). PhET simulations in undergraduate physics: Constructivist learning theory in practice. Brock Education Journal, 31(1), 52–69. https://journals.library.brocku.ca/brocked

Seden, K., Thomas, D. A., & Rinchen, S. (2023). Effects of self-assessment on students’ evaluative skills: A convergent mixed-methods study at Samtse College of Education. Assessment Matters, February. https://doi.org/10.18296/am.0064

Simbolon, D. H., & Silalahi, E. K. (2023). Virtual laboratory-based physics learning “PhET simulation” to improve student learning activities. Jurnal Ilmiah Sekolah Dasar, 7(3), 461–468. https://doi.org/10.23887/jisd.v7i3.61001

Sriwidadi, T. (2011). Testing Mann Whitney U on the analysis of the influence of sales force training in selling new products [Pengujian Mann Whitney U pada Analisis Pengaruh Pelatihan Wiraniaga dalam Penjualan Produk Baru]. Binus Business Review, 2(2), 751–762. https://journal.binus.ac.id/index.php/BBR/article/view/1221

Subedi, K. (2022). Cognition in the psychological perspectives. ResearchGate, September. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.29414.70720

Sudatha, I. G. W., & Simamora, A. H. (2021). The effectiveness of using dynamic visualization in natural science learning to improve students’ understanding in junior high schools. Journal of Educational Science and Technology (EST), 7(1), 32–39. https://doi.org/10.26858/est.v7i1.17681

Sudirman, Megahati S, R. R. P., Agustin, R., Masita, E., & Pranoto, N. W. (2024). E-worksheet to improve critical thinking and scientific argumentation skills: A systematic literature review. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(6), 277–283. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i6.7327

Verawati, N. N. S. P., & Sukaisih, R. (2021). Higher order thinking skills of students in inquiry learning with PhET simulation: A preliminary study [Keterampilan Berpikir Tingkat Tinggi Siswa dalam Pembelajaran Inkuiri dengan Simulasi PhET: Studi Pendahuluan]. Empiricism Journal, 2(1), 40–46. https://doi.org/10.36312/ej.v2i1.591

Vygotsky, L. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes (M. Cole, V. John-Steiner, S. Scribner, & E. Souberman, Eds.; 2nd ed.). Harvard University Press.

Wardani, I. S., Widodo, A., & Munir. (2024). The effect of smartphones media to improve critical thinking skills student of elementary school. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(2), 479–486. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i2.3346

Widyapuraya, N. W., Suryana, A. L., Suyanta, S., & Wilujeng, I. (2023). Profile of students’ critical thinking skills at SMP Negeri 1 Juwangi in science learning [Profil Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Siswa SMP Negeri 1 Juwangi pada Pembelajaran IPA]. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(3), 1368–1374. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i3.1723

Zajda, J. (2023). Globalisation and education reforms: Promoting engaging learning environments. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-24400-1_2

Zohar, A., & Barzilai, S. (2013). A review of research on metacognition in science education: Current and future directions. Studies in Science Education, 49(2), 121–169. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057267.2013.847261




DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/jsl.v8i2.80836

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Bookmark and Share


Copyright (c) 2025 Luqmanul Hakim Abi Abdillah, Patar Ariyanto Sitorus, Rusdiman Buhera, Muhammad Ikhsan, Sabar Nurohman, Ismail Fikri Natadiwijaya

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Journal of Science Learning is published by Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
in collaboration with the Indonesian Society of Science Educators
Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi 229 Bandung 40154, West Java, Indonesia
Website: http://www.upi.edu
Email: jslearning@upi.edu
View My Stats