Attadrib: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah
Vol. 8 No. 3 (2025): Islamic Primary Education based on Islamic values

The Effectiveness of STEM-Based E-Modules in Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills of Elementary School Students

Wijayati, Ana Yuni (Unknown)
Widodo, Wahono (Unknown)
Istianah, Farida (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Dec 2025

Abstract

This systematic literature review examines the effectiveness of STEM-based e-modules in enhancing critical thinking skills among elementary school students. The review analyzed 24 empirical studies published between 2019 and 2025, focusing on digital learning interventions that integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) approaches with electronic modules. The analysis reveals that STEM-based e-modules, particularly those incorporating Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Augmented Reality (AR), and interactive digital features, consistently demonstrate significant effectiveness in improving students' critical thinking abilities. Studies reported effect sizes ranging from 0.48 to 0.84, with most interventions showing mean score improvements of 10-20 points in critical thinking assessments. Key findings indicate that e-modules integrating virtual experiments, flipbook features, and the MIKiR model show particularly strong results in energy and renewable energy topics. However, the review identifies several limitations including small sample sizes, short intervention periods, and limited cross-regional implementation. The majority of studies utilized quasi-experimental designs with pre-post test measurements, validating the pedagogical effectiveness through expert reviews and student performance data. Despite infrastructural challenges and teacher readiness concerns, the evidence strongly supports the integration of STEM-based e-modules as an effective pedagogical tool for developing 21st-century critical thinking competencies in elementary science education. Recommendations include longitudinal studies, broader implementation across diverse contexts, and integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and metaverse platforms.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

attadrib

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Other

Description

Attadrib: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah is published by the Department of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Teacher Education, STAI Daruttaqwa Manyar Gresik in collaboration with Indonesian Islamic Elementary Education Lecturers Association (Perkumpulan Dosen PGMI Indonesia). Publishing twice a year, ...