Enhancing high school students’ mathematics achievement and skills development through integrated STEM-PBL: A collaborative action research study

This chapter aims to present two action research case studies conducted in the English Language Schools of two universities in Turkey and discuss the long-term effects of this Professional Development activity on teachers' professional lives. In both of these studies, teachers were involved in collaborative action research. The first case study discusses a small scale collaborative Action Research project which targeted 16 English language teachers. Case Study Two, on the other hand, is a large scale project which explores 160 English language teachers' collaborative action research study. Detailed information about each case study is provided by highlighting the aims, institutional contexts, participant profiles, methodology used and findings. Teachers' perceptions about action research and the long-term impact of it on their professional growth are also discussed. Conclusion part highlights the factors that need to be taken into consideration while setting up collaborative action research projects in institutions. Finally, future research recommendations are made.

Impact of single classroom-based peer-led organ donation education exposure on high-school students and their families

Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine special and general teachers’ experiences and implications of participating in an in-school professional learning community to encourage the disabled students to participate in the inclusive classes.
 Methods The researcher used the collaborative action research to achieve the purpose of this study. For this pur-pose, the researcher used the action research method of problem addressing-planning-implementing-in-trospecting-modifying of the plan and re-implementing. To this end, the researcher organized and operated an in-school professional learning community wherein a special teacher and two general ones would participate.
 Results First of all, the results of teachers’ cooperative participation in the in-school professional learning com-munity to encourage the disabled students to participate positively in learning can be summed up as follows. First, the school community members experienced some positive changes, while improving the problems in the school professional learning community, through the collaborative action research study. Secondly, through the collabo-rative action research study, the school community members could experience and perceive the educational val-ue of the professional in-school learning community. Thirdly, it was found that the special teacher and general ones could form a partnership for a cooperative learning. Next, the conclusion about teachers’ experiences and implication of their participation in the in-school learning community can be summed up as follows. First, the teachers who participated in the in-school professional learning community would experience the positive change of teachers’ perception. Secondly, the teachers would experience a positive change in the interactions with the school community members. Thirdly, the teachers who participated in the professional learning com-munity would be able to develop their educational professionalism.
 Conclusions It is expected that this study would provide for some basic data to explore an effective method of enhancing inclusive education through the in-school professional learning community.

Pendidikan fisika membutuhkan inovasi untuk meningkatkan pemahaman konsep mahasiswa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi peran pembelajaran etnosains dalam meningkatkan pemahaman konsep mahasiswa pada mata kuliah Fisika Zat Padat di bawah kerangka Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM). Penelitian ini melibatkan 17 mahasiswa Program Studi Pendidikan Fisika FSTT UNDIKMA. Penelitian ini di batasai pada penilaian hasil pemahaman konsep mahasiswa dalam mata kuliah Pendahuluan Fisika Zat Padat sebelum dan setelah penerapan pembelajaran etnosains. Instrumen penelitian terdiri dari kuesioner, lembar observasi, dan wawancara dengan mahasiswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan peningkatan yang signifikan dalam pemahaman konsep fisika zat padat setelah menerapkan pendekatan etnosains. Sebelum penerapan pembelajaran etnosains, hanya terdapat 10 mahasiswa dari total 17 yang memiliki pemahaman konsep fisika zat padat yang memadai. Namun, setelah penerapan pembelajaran etnosains, terjadi peningkatan yang signifikan, di mana jumlah mahasiswa yang memahami konsep-konsep fisika zat padat meningkat menjadi 15 dari total 17 mahasiswa. Selain itu, Observasi mengindikasikan partisipasi dan keterlibatan mahasiswa yang lebih aktif. Sebelum penerapan pembelajaran etnosains, dimana sebagian besar mahasiswa memiliki tingkat partisipasi yang terbatas. Mereka cenderung menjadi pendengar pasif dalam diskusi kelas, dan interaksi antar mahasiswa kurang terlihat. Setelah penerapan pembelajaran etnosains, terlihat peningkatan yang signifikan dalam tingkat partisipasi mahasiswa. Mereka lebih aktif berkontribusi dalam diskusi kelas, mengajukan pertanyaan, dan memberikan tanggapan terhadap materi pembelajaran. Sementara wawancara menggambarkan respon positif terhadap pembelajaran yang terkait dengan budaya lokal. Implikasi penelitian ini mencakup perbaikan kurikulum, pelatihan dosen, dan penelitian lanjutan. Dengan demikian, pembelajaran etnosains dalam konteks fisika zat padat dapat dianggap sebagai metode inovatif yang efektif untuk meningkatkan pemahaman konsep mahasiswa Ethnoscience Learning in Enhancing Students' Understanding of Solid-State Physics Concepts Abstract The education of physics requires innovation to enhance students' understanding of concepts. This research aims to explore the role of ethnoscience learning in improving students' comprehension of concepts in the Solid-State Physics course under the framework of Independent Campus, Independent Learning (MBKM). The study involved 17 students from the Physics Education Study Program at FSTT UNDIKMA. It focused on assessing students' comprehension of concepts in the Solid-State Physics Introduction course before and after implementing ethnoscience learning. Research tools included questionnaires, observations, and interviews with students. The findings indicated a significant improvement in students' understanding of solid-state physics concepts after applying the ethnoscience approach. Before the implementation of ethnoscience learning, only 10 out of 17 students had adequate comprehension of solid-state physics concepts. However, after implementing ethnoscience learning, there was a notable increase, with 15 out of 17 students demonstrating an understanding of these concepts. Additionally, observations suggested increased active participation and involvement among students. Prior to the ethnoscience learning, most students had limited participation levels, often being passive listeners during class discussions, with minimal interaction among peers. Following the implementation of ethnoscience learning, there was a significant improvement in students' participation levels. They became more engaged in class discussions, asking questions, and providing responses to the learning material. Furthermore, interviews depicted a positive response to culturally relevant learning. The implications of this research encompass curriculum enhancements, faculty training, and further studies. Thus, ethnoscience learning in the context of solid-state physics can be considered an effective innovative method for enhancing students' conceptual understanding.

This study examines the impact of Project-Based Learning (PBL) on enhancing speaking skills among Paket C students at Pusat Kegiatan Belajar Masyarakat (PKBM) Husnan Limboto, a non-formal educational institution in Indonesia. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate the effectiveness of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in enhancing speaking skills in non-formal education settings. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena by combining numerical data with contextual insights, the study developed and evaluated PBL materials aimed at improving fluency, coherence, and pronunciation. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative assessments with qualitative feedback from students and teachers. The results showed significant improvements in students' speaking proficiency, with fluency increasing from a mean score of 3.2 to 4.5 (a 40.6% improvement), coherence rising from 3.0 to 4.3 (43.3% increase), and pronunciation improving from 2.8 to 4.1 (46.4% increase). Student motivation and engagement also saw considerable gains, with motivation scores increasing from 3.1 to 4.6 (48.4%) and engagement from 3.0 to 4.7 (56.7%). These improvements underscore the effectiveness of PBL in fostering speaking skills in a non-formal education setting. However, the study also highlights challenges such as insufficient technological resources and the need for professional development for teachers to fully implement PBL. Recommendations include addressing infrastructure issues, providing more training for educators, and developing cost-effective PBL models for resource-limited environments. Future research should explore the long-term impact of PBL on students' academic and professional success.

The detections of gravitational waves, which culminated in the 2017 physics Noble Prize award have again confirmed the triumph of the theory of general relativity. This theory, together with quantum mechanics, forms the backbones of our modern understanding of the world and significantly contributes to modern technologies we are using today. Despite the importance of these theories, they are still rarely part of high school physics curricula worldwide, including the Indonesian physics curriculum, due to assumptions that these theories are too difficult for students to grasp. However, there has been a growing interest to bring these theories to younger students and general public and there is growing evidence that appropriate teaching can result in measurable learning. The purpose of this research was to explore the impact of activity-based learning using models and analogies on high school students’ conceptual understanding of general relativity related concepts. It was conducted in one class of 31 students who participated in a three-week period program. Testing of their conceptual understanding used identical pre/post-tests. The results indicated a strong and statistically significant improvement in students’ conceptual understanding with a large effect size. Interestingly, the results showed that the change in conceptual understanding to physics of girls was higher than boys.

The research explores the dynamic landscape of education in Indonesia, marked by ongoing changes and enhancements across multiple domains. These transformations encompass curriculum revisions, improvements in educational standards, upgrades in school infrastructure, and advancements in the professional capabilities of educators including teachers and educational administrators. A primary objective of these reforms is to equip students with the competencies requisite for success in the 21st century, notably critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity, often referred to as the 4Cs.This research uses a mixed-methods model, combining qualitative and quantitative data. Initial research is conducted through observation and interviews, followed by pretest and posttest given to students. The results show a significant improvement in students' understanding of scientific concepts, scientific process skills, and creativity after implementing project-based learning (PjBL). Additionally, students' response to PjBL is positive.The research concludes that PjBL affects students' understanding of scientific concepts, scientific process skills, and creativity. However, internal and external factors such as students' interest, motivation, learning environment, teachers, and learning materials also influence the effectiveness of learning.This research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative data. Initial investigation involves observations and interviews, followed by administering pretests and posttests to students. The findings demonstrate a notable enhancement in students' comprehension of scientific concepts, scientific process skills, and creativity subsequent to the implementation of PjBL. Moreover, students' reception of PjBL is affirmative.

This study investigates the effectiveness of Project Based Learning (PjBL) in enhancing numeracy skills among students at SDN 028227 Binjai Selatan Strucktre. The research employs a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design, which includes planning, implementing, observing, and reflecting through three distinct cycles. Each cycle involved a series of projects designed to engage students actively in their learning process. Results indicate a significant improvement in students' numeracy skills, with completion rates rising from 40% in the first cycle to an impressive 79% in the third cycle. The qualitative data collected through observations and student feedback further support these findings, highlighting increased student engagement and motivation towards mathematics. Additionally, students reported a greater understanding of mathematical concepts as they applied their knowledge to real-world problems through project work. This demonstrates that PjBL can effectively foster a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and improve overall learning outcomes. The study concludes that implementing PjBL not only enhances numeracy skills but also promotes critical thinking and collaboration among students, making it a valuable pedagogical approach for educators aiming to improve mathematics education in elementary schools.

The low level of numeracy literacy among students in the city of Bima and West Nusa Tenggara requires more contextual and relevant learning innovations that are relevant to local life and culture. This study aims to develop an Project Based Learning (PjBL) based ethno-STEM to improve the numeracy literacy of elementary school students. The research method used a research and development approach, which included needs analysis, model design, expert validation, limited trials, and effectiveness testing at SDN 11 Kota Bima. Data collection instruments consisted of questionnaires, observation sheets, and numeracy literacy tests. The validity test results showed that the Project Based Learning (PjBL) based ethno-STEM met the criteria for content, language, and implementation feasibility. The application of the model in field trials provided a significant improvement in students' numeracy literacy skills compared to conventional learning, as indicated by higher post-test scores and positive responses from teachers and students. These findings confirm that the integration of local culture in project-based learning effectively improves students' understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. This study concludes that the Project Based Learning (PjBL) based ethno-STEM can be an alternative contextual and relevant learning innovation to improve numeracy literacy in elementary schools

This Classroom Action Research aimed to enhance the mathematics learning outcomes of fourth-grade students at SDN Pakis 01 Surabaya in understanding the multiplication of whole numbers up to 100. The study involved 27 students. Data was collected through observation, tests, and documentation. The cooperative learning model, Teams Games Tournament (TGT), was implemented. Results indicated a significant improvement in students' mathematics achievement, particularly in multiplication, following the implementation of TGT. The percentage of students achieving mastery increased from 37.04% in the pre-cycle to 85.19% in Cycle II. This substantial improvement suggests that TGT effectively created an active, collaborative, and engaging learning environment, motivating students to participate more actively in the learning process. Furthermore, there was a notable increase in the class average across cycles. The implementation of TGT successfully achieved the research objective of enhancing students' understanding of the multiplication concept. Therefore, it is recommended that the TGT model be considered as an alternative to improve the quality of mathematics education in elementary schools.

The demand for 21st-century learning requires instructional models that strengthen higher-order thinking, inquiry, and collaboration. In biology education, however, teacher-centered methods still dominate and limit students’ scientific reasoning and process skills. This gap underscores the importance of developing models that integrate inquiry-based and critical thinking approaches.The study aimed to design, validate, and test the effectiveness of the ACADEMIE instructional model, which combines Project-Based Learning (PjBL) and Scientific Critical Thinking (SCT) to enhance conceptual understanding and science process skills in higher education biology. Using the ADDIE framework, the model development included five phases: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Data were drawn from needs assessments, expert validations, small-scale practicality trials, and quasi-experimental testing. Quantitative data (Likert-scale rubrics, TCR percentages, t-test) and qualitative inputs (expert comments and student feedback) were analyzed. Thirty-two journal sources informed the theoretical basis of the study. Expert validation yielded scores above 4.3 for content, language, and design. The practicality index exceeded 82% for all products, while experimental testing showed significant improvement in students’ conceptual understanding and science process skills compared with traditional instruction (p < .001). The ACADEMIE model bridges the gap between theory and practice through inquiry and critical analysis in biology learning. Its high validity, practicality, and effectiveness confirm its potential as an innovative and adaptable instructional framework for developing essential 21st-century competencies.

Critical thinking is a key competency for 21st-century students, essential for logical reasoning, decision-making, and academic success. However, studies indicate that Indonesian students often exhibit low levels of critical thinking. Chemistry, particularly topics like oxidation-reduction reactions, offers real-life applications, such as waste oil disposal, that can be leveraged to improve these skills. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of integrating dilemma stories into project-based learning (PBL) to enhance students' critical thinking skills in the context of oxidation-reduction reactions. The study was conducted at SMAN 77 Jakarta with 36 students from Class X Mathematics and Natural Science 2. A qualitative approach was used, with data collected through observations, reflective journals, interviews, and critical thinking tests. The integration of dilemma stories in PBL was implemented through five stages: value reflection, problem-solving, project development, monitoring and evaluation, and transformation. The findings indicate significant improvements in students' critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Based on test results, students achieved level 3 (Acceptable) in critical thinking. The approach also enhanced their understanding of chemical concepts and awareness of addressing real-world problems. The integration of dilemma stories within PBL has proven effective in fostering critical thinking and other 21st-century skills in chemistry learning. This approach can serve as a model for innovative educational practices in STEM subjects.

This quasi-experimental research study examines whether the use of Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS), an ITS, shows a statistically significant improvement in students' mathematics achievement than traditional teacher-led instructions. This non-randomized research study measured the efficacy of ALEKS on 'underachieving students' mathematics achievement among 158 (60 in teacher-led group and 98 in ALEKS-led group) 8th-grade students. A pretest and posttest were employed between teacher-led instructions versus ALEKS-led instructions from two consecutive years. During the first year, only McGraw's curriculum "Reveal" was used with no use of ALEKS. In the second year, the school implemented ALEKS as a supplemental tool in a math support class for fifty minutes every other day for a year to provide instruction to struggling students along with McGraw's curriculum "Reveal." We also compare the results of five years of End of Grade (EOG) without ALEKS with one-year EOG with the use of ALEKS. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and analysis of covariance (ANOVA) to evaluate the efficacy of ALEKS on students' mathematics achievement. We find that the results of ALEKS-led and teacher-led instructions are highly statistically significant. The results show that teacher-led instructions are more effective because of higher test scores and lower variance for teacher-led instructions.

Understanding molecular geometry poses a significant challenge for high school students due to its abstract nature, often leading to misconceptions. This study aims to develop and evaluate an EddPuzzle-based interactive video to enhance students’ conceptual understanding and visual intelligence in molecular geometry. Employing a Research and Development (RD) method, the study adopts the 4D model (Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate) but is limited to the development phase. The interactive video was validated by three experts and achieved a median score of 4 across content, construct, and visual intelligence criteria, indicating excellent validity. The product was tested on 30 eleventh-grade students using a one-group pretest-posttest design. The results showed a significant improvement in students’ understanding and visual intelligence, supported by N-Gain scores—93.3% of students reached the high category for cognitive tests, and 86.7% for visual intelligence tests. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test confirmed a statistically significant difference (p 0.05) between pretest and posttest scores. Student feedback indicated high practicality: 100% expressed interest in using the media, 97.8% found the material easier to understand, and 96.7% considered the video user-friendly. These findings suggest that EddPuzzle-based interactive videos are effective and feasible tools for improving students’ visual intelligence in chemistry learning. Integrating interactive technology into science education supports more engaging and student-centered learning aligned with 21st-century education goals.

This community engagement program aims to enhance digital literacy and digital ethics among Generation Z, particularly high school students in grades XI and XII in Wonomulyo, in response to the complex challenges of the information era. As digital natives, Generation Z has broad access to technology but often lacks the critical and ethical skills necessary for responsible digital media use. This program was designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to use digital platforms wisely, safely, and ethically through participatory and experiential learning methods. The implementation included socialization sessions, interactive workshops, case simulations, group discussions, and student-led digital campaigns. The results showed a significant improvement in students’ conceptual understanding, critical thinking abilities, and ethical awareness in navigating digital content. Participants also displayed strong enthusiasm in formulating a digital code of ethics and raising collective awareness about the dangers of misinformation, cyberbullying, and negative digital footprints. With active support from school officials and facilitators, the program effectively fostered responsible digital citizenship. It is hoped that this initiative can be sustainably replicated within the school environment and further developed as part of a character education curriculum rooted in digital competence. Strengthening digital literacy and ethics is a crucial step in preparing young generations to face global challenges wisely and ethically.