Evaluation of Implementation of the PjBL-Based STEAM Approach Affect on Critical Thinking Skills and Creativity

Abstract

A scientific approach with a problem-based model is presently employed to enhance students' critical thinking abilities and creativity at. Nevertheless, students are not frequently afforded the chance to construct their own knowledge or learning experiences by creating products that incorporate Scientific, Technological, Engineering, Artistic, and Mathematical aspects (STEAM). As a result, the researchers will endeavor to develop a project-based STEAM approach to engage students in technology integration. Environmental Pollution, which applies biology and technology principles in everyday life, is a suitable Biology topic to be integrated with the STEAM approach. This quasi-experimental study aimed to enhance students' critical thinking and creativity skills by implementing an online STEAM-based project learning approach. The research design employed in this study was the Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design. A purposive sample of 20 students was divided into experimental and control groups, and data were collected through critical thinking skills tests, questionnaires, observation, and documentation. Descriptive analysis and average difference tests were used for data analysis. The study found a significant difference in critical thinking skills between the experimental and control groups after implementing the STEAM approach. Furthermore, the experimental group demonstrated high levels of creativity, achieving 82.5% fluency, 90% flexibility, 90% originality, and 86.88% elaboration, with an overall average score in the very good category.