Application of The Case-Based Method to Critical Thinking Based on Learning Motivation in Students of The Population Geography Course
DOI:
10.29303/jppipa.v12i6.15449Published:
2026-06-30Downloads
Abstract
This study investigated the effectiveness of a case-based learning (CBL) approach in improving students’ critical thinking skills in the Population Geography course at Universitas Negeri Padang. A quasi-experimental design was employed involving two classes: an experimental class receiving CBL and a control class receiving conventional instruction. Students with low, medium, and high initial abilities participated in the study. Data were collected through classroom observations and pretest–posttest assessments of critical thinking and analyzed using an independent-samples t-test and N-gain analysis with SPSS. The pretest results indicated no significant difference between the experimental and control groups, confirming comparable initial abilities. However, the posttest revealed a significant improvement in the experimental group compared with the control group. The experimental class achieved a higher mean posttest score (14.56) than the control class (9.85), with N-gain values of 84% and 31%, respectively, indicating substantially greater learning effectiveness. Further analysis showed that learning motivation did not significantly interact with the implementation of CBL in influencing critical thinking. The findings demonstrate that case-based learning effectively enhances critical thinking skills in Population Geography, regardless of students’ motivation levels, and supports its integration into geography education to promote higher-order thinking
Keywords:
Case-Based Method; Critical Thinking Motivation Population Geography CourseReferences
Ababio, B. T. (2013). Motivation and Classroom Teaching in Geography. International Journal for Innovation Education and Research, 1(3), 26–36. https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol1.iss3.112 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol1.iss3.112
Abdi, A. (2012). A Study on the Relationship of Thinking Styles of Students and Their Critical Thinking Skills. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 47, 1719–1723. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.06.889 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.06.889
Aliman, M., Roekhan, S., Harsiati, T., & Marni, S. (2020). Students Critical Thinking Skills Based on Gender And Knowledge Group. Turkish Journal of Science Education, 17(4), 544–560. https://doi.org/10.36681/tused.2020.44 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36681/tused.2020.44
Artino, A. R., Holmboe, E. S., & Durning, S. J. (2012). Control‐value theory: Using achievement emotions to improve understanding of motivation, learning, and performance in medical education: AMEE Guide No. 64. Medical Teacher, 34(3), e148–e160. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159x.2012.651515 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159X.2012.651515
Asih, F., Poedjiastoeti, S., Lutfi, A., Novita, D., Ismono, I., & Purnamasari, A. (2022). The practicality and effectiveness of case study-based module on chemical thermodynamics course (ideal and real gases) as learning tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Technology and Science Education, 12(2), 466. https://doi.org/10.3926/jotse.1654 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3926/jotse.1654
Ay, F. A., Karakaya, A., & Yilmaz, K. (2015). Relations Between Self-leadership and Critical Thinking Skills. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 207, 29–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.10.147 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.10.147
Barcus, H. R., & Halfacree, K. (2017). An Introduction to Population Geographies: Lives Across Space (A. Nepp, Ed.; 1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203855843 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203855843-1
Barta, A., Fodor, L. A., Tamas, B., & Szamoskozi, I. (2022). The development of students critical thinking abilities and dispositions through the concept mapping learning method – A meta-analysis. Educational Research Review, 37, 100481. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2022.100481 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2022.100481
Billah, A., Khasanah, U., & Widoretno, S. (2019). Empowering higher-order thinking through project-based learning: A conceptual framework. 020011. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5139743 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5139743
Birdsall, N., Kelley, A. C., & Sinding, S. W. (Eds.). (2001). Population matters: Demographic change, economic growth, and poverty in the developing world. Oxford University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/0199244073.001.0001
Block, K. K. (1996). The “case” method in modern educational psychology texts. Teaching and Teacher Education, 12(5), 483–500. https://doi.org/10.1016/0742-051X(95)00057-Q DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0742-051X(95)00057-Q
Careaga-Butter, M., Badilla-Quintana, M. G., & Fuentes-Henríquez, C. (2020). Critical and prospective analysis of online education in pandemic and post-pandemic contexts: Digital tools and resources to support teaching in synchronous and asynchronous learning modalities. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51698/aloma.2020.38.2.23-32
Chen, Y. (2024). Population analysis using GIS software tools A case study of Chengdu. Applied and Computational Engineering, 59(1), 99–105. https://doi.org/10.54254/2755-2721/59/20240770 DOI: https://doi.org/10.54254/2755-2721/59/20240770
Chukwudi, E. J. (2022). Motivational Strategies For Effective Learning Of Geography Among Senior Secondary School Students In Nnewi Eeducation Zone.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2008). Facilitating optimal motivation and psychological well-being across life’s domains. Canadian Psychology / Psychologie Canadienne, 49(1), 14–23. https://doi.org/10.1037/0708-5591.49.1.14 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0708-5591.49.1.14
Ennis, R. (1991, March). Critical Thinking: A Streamlined Conception. University of Illinois. https://education.illinois.edu/docs/default-source/faculty-documents/robert-ennis/ennisstreamlinedconception_002.pdf
Entwisle, B. (2007). Putting people into place. Demography, 44(4), 687–703. https://doi.org/10.1353/dem.2007.0045 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/dem.2007.0045
Facione, P. A. (2022). Critical Thinking: What It Is and Why It Counts. Critical Thinking.
Filgona, J., Sakiyo, J., Gwany, D. M., & Okoronka, A. U. (2020). Motivation in Learning. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 16–37. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2020/v10i430273 DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2020/v10i430273
Gojkov, G., Stojanović, A., & Rajić, A. G. (2015). Critical Thinking of Students – Indicator of Quality in Higher Education. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 191, 591–596. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.04.501 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.04.501
Hake, R. R. (1999, June 19). Analyzing Change/Gain Scores. Indiana University. https://web.physics.indiana.edu/sdi/AnalyzingChange-Gain.pdf
Hassan, M. I. (2020). Population Geography: A Systematic Exposition (1st ed.). Routledge India. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003007982 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003007982-1
Hodijah, S., Hastuti, S. D., & Zevaya, Y. N. (2022). Implementation of Case-Based Learning to Improve Students’ Critical Thinking Ability. International Journal of Instruction, 15(4), 123–136. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2022.1547a DOI: https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2022.1547a
Jamil, M. M., Ningrum, E., & Yani, A. (2019). Level of Learning Motivation Student Based on ARCS Model on Geographic Subject. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 286(1), 012010. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/286/1/012010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/286/1/012010
Jia, A., Liang, X., Wen, X., Yun, X., Ren, L., & Yun, Y. (2023). GIS-Based Analysis of the Spatial Distribution and Influencing Factors of Traditional Villages in Hebei Province, China. Sustainability, 15(11), 9089. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15119089 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su15119089
Jianli, S. (2012). The Research on Case Method in Management Teaching. IERI Procedia, 3, 41–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ieri.2012.09.008 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ieri.2012.09.008
Khairani, S., Suyanti, R. D., & Saragi, D. (2020). The Influence of Problem Based Learning (PBL) Model Collaborative and Learning Motivation Based on Students’ Critical Thinking Ability Science Subjects in Class V State Elementary School 105390 Island Image. Budapest International Research and Critics in Linguistics and Education (BirLE) Journal, 3(3), 1581–1590. https://doi.org/10.33258/birle.v3i3.1247 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33258/birle.v3i3.1247
Kirmizi, F. S., Saygi, C., & Yurdakal, I. H. (2015). Determine the Relationship Between the Disposition of Critical Thinking and the Perception About Problem Solving Skills. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 191, 657–661. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.04.719 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.04.719
Larsson, K. (2017). Understanding and teaching critical thinking—A new approach. International Journal of Educational Research, 84, 32–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2017.05.004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2017.05.004
Lau, J. Y. F. (2011). An introduction to critical thinking and creativity: Think more, think better. Wiley. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118033449
Laurillard, D. (2016). The educational problem that MOOCs could solve: Professional development for teachers of disadvantaged students. Research in Learning Technology, 24(1), 29369. https://doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v24.29369 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v24.29369
Lin, M.-H., Chen, H.-C., & Liu, K.-S. (2017). A Study of the Effects of Digital Learning on Learning Motivation and Learning Outcome. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 13(7), 3553–3564. https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2017.00744a DOI: https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2017.00744a
Lo, K. W. K., Ngai, G., Chan, S. C. F., & Kwan, K. (2022). How Students’ Motivation and Learning Experience Affect Their Service-Learning Outcomes: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 825902. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.825902 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.825902
Mahdi, O. R., & Almuslamani, H. A. (2020). The role of using case studies method in improving students’ critical thinking skills in higher education. International Journal of Higher Education, 9(2), 297–303. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v9n2p297 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v9n2p297
Newbold, K. B. (2014). Population geography: Tools and issues (Second edition). Rowman & Littlefield.
Nur’aini, K. D., Werang, B. R., & Suryani, D. R. (2020). Student’s Learning Motivation and Learning Outcomes in Higher Education. Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Social Sciences (ICSS 2020). 3rd International Conference on Social Sciences (ICSS 2020), Makassar, Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201014.101 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201014.101
Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2004). And the Art of Close Reading, Part III.
Pihlanto, P. (1994). The action-oriented approach and case study method in management studies. Scandinavian Journal of Management, 10(4), 369–382. https://doi.org/10.1016/0956-5221(94)90024-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0956-5221(94)90024-8
Raymer, J., Willekens, F., & Rogers, A. (2019). Spatial demography: A unifying core and agenda for further research. Population, Space and Place, 25(4), e2179. https://doi.org/10.1002/psp.2179 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/psp.2179
Riswanto, A., & Aryani, S. (2017). Learning motivation and student achievement: Description analysis and relationships both. COUNS-EDU: The International Journal of Counseling and Education, 2(1), 42. https://doi.org/10.23916/002017026010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.23916/002017026010
Sanchez, J. A., & Castillo, J. N. P. (2020). Teaching-Learning Framework Based on Case Studies for the Agile Implementation of Geospatial Analytics Projects. 2020 15th Iberian Conference on Information Systems and Technologies (CISTI), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.23919/CISTI49556.2020.9140840 DOI: https://doi.org/10.23919/CISTI49556.2020.9140840
Sato, M., & Rogers, C. (2010). Case Methods in Teacher Education. Elsevier, 592–597. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-044894-7.00662-X
Skop, E. (2006). The methodological potential of focus groups in population geography. Population, Space and Place, 12(2), 113–124. https://doi.org/10.1002/psp.402 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/psp.402
Suasti, Y. (2019). A Typology Model Of Population Growth Characteristics And Land Limitations In Regency And City, West Sumatra Province—Indonesia. International Journal of GEOMATE, 17(62). https://doi.org/10.21660/2019.62.65854 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21660/2019.62.65854
Susetyo, B. B., Sumarmi, S., & Astina, I. K. (2017). Pengaruh Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning Berbasis Outdoor Adventure Education Terhadap Kecerdasan Spasial. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17977/jptpp.v2i12.10326
Ünsar, A. S., & Engin, E. (2013). A Case Study to Determine Critical Thinking Skills of University Students. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 75, 563–569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.04.061 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.04.061
Urhahne, D., & Wijnia, L. (2023). Theories of Motivation in Education: An Integrative Framework. Educational Psychology Review, 35(2), 45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09767-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09767-9
Wijayanto, P. A., Utaya, S., & Astina, I. K. (2017). Increasing Student’s Motivation and Geography Learning Outcome Using Active Debate Method Assisted by ISpring Suite. International Journal of Social Sciences and Management, 4(4), 240–247. https://doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v4i4.18336 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v4i4.18336
Yang, R., Xu, Q., Xu, X., & Chen, Y. (2019). Rural settlement spatial patterns and effects: Road traffic accessibility and geographic factors in Guangdong Province, China. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 29(2), 213–230. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-019-1593-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-019-1593-2
Yang, W., Zhang, X., Chen, X., Lu, J., & Tian, F. (2024). Case-based learning and flipped classroom as a means to improve international students’ active learning and critical thinking ability. BMC Medical Education, 24(1), 759. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05759-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05758-8
Yuliana, M., & Nandiyanto, A. B. D. (2023). Case-Based Learning in Science and Engineering Education: A Meta-Analysis Review. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review, 16(3), 204–210. https://doi.org/10.25103/jestr.163.25 DOI: https://doi.org/10.25103/jestr.163.25
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Yurni Suasti, Rahmanelli, Bigharta Bekti Susetyo, Bayu Wijayanto, Ahyuni
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).
