Development of biology e-modules based on problem-based learning to enhance students' critical thinking and communication skills

Jurnal Riset Tindakan Indonesia October 25, 2026 Volume 11, Number 2 4 authors

Abstract

Critical thinking and communication skills are essential for students, yet biology learning remains dominated by passive lecture methods. Interactive digital materials using Problem-Based Learning (PBL) are also limited. This study developed a PBL-based Biology e-module on the Human Immune System and tested its validity, practicality, and effectiveness. Using the 4D model (define, design, develop, disseminate), the e-module was validated by five experts. Practicality was assessed through teacher and student questionnaires, while effectiveness was tested via a quasi-experimental nonequivalent pretest-posttest control group design involving 52 twelfth-grade students at SMAN 1 Kerinci (experimental group, n = 28; control group, n = 24). Results showed the e-module was highly valid (88.00%) and highly practical according to teachers (88.33%) and students (91.31%). Critical thinking skills improved significantly more in the experimental class (N-Gain = 0.58) than in the control class (N-Gain = 0.30), confirmed by an independent-samples t-test (p < 0.05). Similarly, communication skills improved more in the experimental class (N-Gain = 0.68) than in the control class (N-Gain = 0.24), verified by the Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this PBL-based Biology e-module is valid, practical, and effective in enhancing students' critical thinking and communication skills.

Authors

  1. Era Despitri

    Universitas Negeri Padang

  2. Lufri Lufri

    Universitas Negeri Padang

  3. Syamsurizal Syamsurizal

    Universitas Negeri Padang

  4. Elsa Yuniarti

    Universitas Negeri Padang

Keywords

Electronic moduleCritical thinkingCommunication skillsProblem-based learningHuman immune system

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