The development and implementation of project-based innovative learning resources with multimedia to improve critical thinking skills in teaching cation analysis

Abstract

Critical thinking skills are needed by scientists. This study aims to develop and implement innovative project-based learning resources with multimedia to build critical thinking skills in Cation Analysis teaching. The study was conducted at the State University of Medan, involving 60 students that grouped as experimental and control classes. The research are developing innovative project-based learning resources, standardizing, and implementing it in the teaching of Analytical Chemistry. The results of the study indicate that the standard project-based learning resource package with multimedia equipped with learning tools has been designed systematically, completely, and packaged in electronic form for blended learning. Students can complete assigned projects, starting from planning, implementing, and reporting, and practicum used in the control class. Subjective assessment of project and practicum activities showed that students’ critical thinking skills in the experimental group (M=85.16±2.42) were higher than the control group (M=76.17±4.38). An increase in learning outcomes occurred in the experimental group, as indicated by the achievement of students in the experimental class (M=78.16±6.62) which was higher than the control class (M=71.66±6.73), and the two groups were significantly different (t-test 3,88>t-table 2,04). Student competence in analytical chemistry is achieved because innovative learning resources motivate students to study optimally.