Effectiveness of STEM-Based Project-Based Learning in Enhancing Senior High School Students’ Scientific Literacy
DOI:
10.29303/jppipa.v12i1.14077Published:
2026-01-25Downloads
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)-based Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model in improving senior high school students’ scientific literacy. This study employed a quasi-experimental method with a pre-test and post-test nonequivalent control group design and was conducted at SMA Negeri 5 Padangsidimpuan. The research involved two classes consisting of 35 students each: an experimental class taught using STEM-based PjBL and a control class taught using conventional learning. Scientific literacy was measured using an essay test, while students’ attitudes toward science were assessed through a questionnaire. The results of the independent samples t-test showed no significant difference in students’ initial abilities (sig. = 0.064 > 0.05). However, the post-test results indicated a significant difference between the two groups (sig. = 0.000 < 0.05), with the experimental class achieving a higher mean score. In addition, students’ attitudes toward science in the experimental class were categorized as good to very good. These findings indicate that STEM-based Project-Based Learning is effective in enhancing students’ scientific literacy.
Keywords:
Attitudes toward science Project based learning Quasi-experiment Science literacy STEMReferences
AlAli, R. (2024). Enhancing 21St Century Skills Through Integrated Stem Education Using Project-Oriented Problem-Based Learning. Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites, 53(2), 421–430. https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.53205-1217 DOI: https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.53205-1217
Ayuso, A., Merayo, N., Ruiz, I., & Fernandez, P. (2022). Challenges of STEM Vocations in Secondary Education. IEEE Transactions on Education, 65(4), 713–724. https://doi.org/10.1109/TE.2022.3172993 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TE.2022.3172993
Bell, S. (2010). Project-Based Learning for the 21st Century: Skills for the Future. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 83(2), 39–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/00098650903505415 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00098650903505415
Bendu, C. G. (2024). Impact of STEM on Students’ Intellectual Engagement. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1993/38665
Candrawati, A. A. K. S. (2023). Peran Ganda Ibu Sebagai Orang Tua Tunggal (Single Parents) Dalam Mendidik Karakter Anak-Anaknya. Jis Siwirabuda, 1(2), 159–165. https://doi.org/10.58878/jissiwirabuda.v1i2.231 DOI: https://doi.org/10.58878/jissiwirabuda.v1i2.231
Creswell, J. W., & Plano, V. L. (2011). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
Ewid, A., & Vuspitasari, B. K. (2020). Single Mother dalam Membangun Ekonomi Keluarga. Jurnal Ilmu Ekonomi & Sosial, 11(2), 83–91. https://doi.org/10.35724/jies.v11i2.3219 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35724/jies.v11i2.3219
Fraenkel, J. R., & Wallen, N. E. (1990). How to design and evaluate research in education. McGraw Hill Publishing Co.
Hartono, R., Winarno, N., & Hernani, H. (2024). Enhancing Students’ Critical Thinking Skills and Motivation Using STEM Project-Based Learning (PjBL-STEM) Through a Simple Hydraulic Jack Project. Jurnal Pendidikan MIPA, 25(4), 1976–1999. https://doi.org/10.23960/jpmipa/v25i4.pp1976-1999 DOI: https://doi.org/10.23960/jpmipa/v25i4.pp1976-1999
Howell, C. A. (2024). Conceptual Understanding, Engagement, and Optimal Learning Moments with Problem-Oriented Project Learning in High School Physics. Retrieved from https://shorturl.at/bcxNk
Iryani, E., & Suryadi, S. (2025). The Implementation of STEM Project-Based Learning and Critical Thinking on Student Creativity in English Learning: A Mixed Methods Study. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 17(3), 4475–4483. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v17i3.6993 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v17i3.6993
Kamilah, D. P., Sulisworo, D., & Firmansyah, J. (2025). The Impact of PhET Simulations on Conceptual Understanding in High School Physics: Evidence from Indonesian Studies. Journal of Educational Sciences, 9(6), 6229–6244. https://doi.org/10.31258/jes.9.6.p.6229-6244
Kassymova, G., Akhmetova, A., Baibekova, M., Kalniyazova, A., Mazhinov, B., & Mussina, S. (2020). E-Learning Environments and Problem-Based Learning. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 29(7), 346–356. Retrieved from https://shorturl.at/hZ0dJ
Kastorff, T., Moser, S., Heine, J. H., & Kauertz, A. (2026). Global competence behavior: exploring the relevance of students’ scientific literacy, related attitudes, and values - evidence from PISA 2018 across 52 countries. Large-Scale Assessments in Education, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40536-025-00278-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40536-025-00278-3
Kiazai, A. N., Siddiqua, N., & Waheed, Z. (2020). Challenges in Implementing STEM Education and Role of Teacher Education Programs in Mitigating these Challenges. International Journal of Distance Education and E-Learning, 5(2), 123–137. https://doi.org/10.36261/ijdeel.v5i2.1047 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36261/ijdeel.v5i2.1047
Kizi, H. M. A. (2025). The Relevance of Using The PISA International Assessment Program in Teaching Primary School Science. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence, 5(2), 796–798. Retrieved from http://www.airccse.org/journal/ijaia/ijaia
Muliyadi, L., Doyan, A., Susilawati, Hamidi, Hakim, S., & Munandar, H. (2023). Training on Using PhET Virtual Media on Newton’s Law of Gravity for Class X Students at Islamic Senior High School of Syaikh Abdurrahman Kotaraja, East Lombok. Unram Journal of Community Service, 1(1), 15–18. Retrieved from https://journals.balaipublikasi.id/index.php/jcss/article/view/68
Munandar, H., Doyan, A., Susilawati, S., Hakim, S., Muliyadi, L., & Hamidi, H. (2024). Increasing Motivation to Study Physics Using PhET Media on Mechanical Energy Material. MANDALIKA : Journal of Social Science, 2(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.56566/mandalika.v2i1.70 DOI: https://doi.org/10.56566/mandalika.v2i1.70
Nasution, S. L. S., & Setyaningrum, W. (2024). Enhancing Higher-Order Thinking and Conceptual Understanding through STEM-PjBL: A Comprehensive Assessment of Its Impact on Education. Indonesian Journal of Educational Research and Review, 7(3), 656–666. https://doi.org/10.23887/ijerr.v7i3.81285 DOI: https://doi.org/10.23887/ijerr.v7i3.81285
Nurhidayah, I. J., Wibowo, F. C., & Astra, I. M. (2021). Project Based Learning (PjBL) Learning Model in Science Learning: Literature Review. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2019(1), 012043. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2019/1/012043 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2019/1/012043
Nurkanti, M., Lubis, M., Cartono, Hudha, A. M., Shukri, A. A. M., & Yasundari. (2025). Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning in College Biology Education for the Development of Higher-Order Thinking Skills. Educational Process: International Journal, 18. https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2025.18.463 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2025.18.463
OECD. (2022). PISA 2022 Results The State of Learning and Equity in Education. OECD Publishing.
OECD. (2023). PISA 2022 Results: Student Performance in Mathematics, Reading and Science. OECD Publishing.
Pallant, J. (2011). SPSS Survival Manual. Allen & Unwin.
Pamungkas, N. (2021). Efektivitas Dana Desa Terhadap Pembangunan Sumber Daya Manusia Pedesaan Melalui Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini. Sentra Cendekia, 2(1), 29. https://doi.org/10.31331/sencenivet.v2i1.1619 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31331/sencenivet.v2i1.1619
Pinar, F. I. L., Panergayo, A. A. E., Sagcal, R. R., Acut, D. P., Roleda, L. S., & Prudente, M. S. (2025). Fostering scientific creativity in science education through scientific problem-solving approaches and STEM contexts: a meta-analysis. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 7(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-025-00137-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-025-00137-9
Pratama, H., Puspitasari, Y. D., & Maduretno, T. W. (2025). Science Literacy through STEM-Based Project Based Learning Model. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 11(7), 320–330. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v11i7.11306 DOI: https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v11i7.11306
Qureshi, I., Bhatt, B., & Shaikh, S. (2025). Empowering Marginalized Communities: A Framework for Social Inclusion. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 26(4), 1197–1221. https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00928 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17705/1jais.00928
Rasyid, A., Rinto, R., & Susanti, M. (2023). Project-Based Learning through the STEM Approach in Elementary Schools: How to Improve Problem-Solving Ability. Journal of Education For Sustainable Innovation, 1(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.56916/jesi.v1i1.477 DOI: https://doi.org/10.56916/jesi.v1i1.477
Sasser, T. H. (2025). Influence of Classroom Activities on Achievement and Engagement in Secondary Science Students (Vol. 4, Issue 1). Grand Canyon University.
Simanjuntak, M. P., Simatupang, H., Hardinata, A., Manurung, G. A., & Octavia, S. C. (2023). Literasi Sains Dengan Pembelajaran Ipa Berbasis Proyek Terintegrasi Stem. Jurnal Pendidikan Fisika, 12(1), 35. https://doi.org/10.24114/jpf.v12i1.45733 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24114/jpf.v12i1.45733
Siregar, T. (2025). Effectiveness of the Problem-Based Learning Model in Improving Students’ Mathematical Communication Skills and Learning Motivation (pp. 0–21). https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202510.1562.v1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202510.1562.v1
Situmorang, M. (2025). Project-based learning with STEM to promote higher order thinking skills as a strategy to improve high school chemistry learning outcomes. Chemistry Teacher International, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1515/cti-2025-0025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/cti-2025-0025
Sugiyono. (2019). Metode Penelitian Kuantitatif, Kualitatif dan R&D. Bandung: Alfabeta.
Tusriyanto, Siminto, & Az Zaakiyyah, H. K. (2024). Innovative Strategies to Enhance the Quality of Higher Education Management: Human Resource Development and the Critical Role of Communication. Journal of Contemporary Administration and Management (ADMAN), 2(1), 331–336. https://doi.org/10.61100/adman.v2i1.128 DOI: https://doi.org/10.61100/adman.v2i1.128
Wahidin, W., Gutierrez, G., Osman, K., & Akkapin, S. (2025). Digital Simulations in Science Learning : A Student Perspective on Interactive , Engagement , Conceptual Understanding, and Learning Satisfaction. International Journal of Educational Qualitative Quantitative Research (IJE-QQR), 4(1), 36–46. https://doi.org/10.58418/ijeqqr.v4i1.138 DOI: https://doi.org/10.58418/ijeqqr.v4i1.138
Zhang, W., Guan, Y., & Hu, Z. (2024). The efficacy of project-based learning in enhancing computational thinking among students: A meta-analysis of 31 experiments and quasi-experiments. Education and Information Technologies, 29(11), 14513–14545. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12392-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12392-2
Zulkarnaen, Z., Rahayu, S., & Artayasa, I. P. (2025). Trends in Project-Based Learning for Developing Critical Thinking Skills in Science Education: A Bibliometric Review. International Journal of Science Education and Science, 2(1), 26–34. https://doi.org/10.56566/ijses.v2i1.258 DOI: https://doi.org/10.56566/ijses.v2i1.258
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Ainun Mardiyah Lubis, Yus Mochamad Cholily, Rr. Eko Susetyarini, Elly Purwanti, Yulia Anita, Nor Mita Ika Saputri, Elisa, Dikmatul Qoimah
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY License). This license allows authors to use all articles, data sets, graphics, and appendices in data mining applications, search engines, web sites, blogs, and other platforms by providing an appropriate reference. The journal allows the author(s) to hold the copyright without restrictions and will retain publishing rights without restrictions.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
