PENERAPAN PEMBELAJARAN STEAM PADA MATERI LISTRIK UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN BERPIKIR KRITIS DAN KOLABORASI SISWA KELAS 5 SDN 192 PEKANBARU

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of implementing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)-based learning integrated with the Project Based Learning (PjBL) model in improving critical thinking and collaboration skills of fifth-grade students at SDN 192 Pekanbaru on electricity material. The study employed a mixed-method approach using a quantitative pretest-posttest design and qualitative data through questionnaires and observations. The subjects of this research were fifth-grade elementary school students. The research instruments consisted of pretest and posttest sheets to measure students’ critical thinking skills and observation sheets to assess collaboration skills during the learning process. The findings showed an improvement in students’ average scores from 39 on the pretest to 70 on the posttest, with an N-Gain score of 0.48 categorized as moderate. STEAM-based project learning created meaningful learning experiences through group activities in designing simple electrical circuits. Besides improving conceptual understanding, this learning approach also encouraged students to think critically, collaborate, communicate, and solve problems collectively. Therefore, the implementation of STEAM learning integrated with the PjBL model was considered effective as an innovative learning strategy to support 21st-century skills development in elementary schools.