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

  • Era Despitri
    Universitas Negeri Padang
    Indonesia
  • Lufri Lufri 
    Universitas Negeri Padang
    Indonesia
  • Syamsurizal Syamsurizal
    Universitas Negeri Padang
    Indonesia
  • Elsa Yuniarti
    Universitas Negeri Padang
    Indonesia

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.

Keywords
  • Electronic module
  • Critical thinking
  • Communication skills
  • Problem-based learning
  • Human immune system
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