Journal of Educational Sciences
Vol. 10 No. 6 (2026): Journal of Educational Sciences

The Effect of Problem-Based Learning Supported by Augmented Reality and Learning Motivation on the Critical Thinking Skills of Elementary School Students

Nur Dani Rumanti (Department of Elementary Education, Sebelas Maret University,57126, Indonesia)
Kartika Chrysti (Department of Elementary Education, Sebelas Maret University,57126, Indonesia)
Sudiyanto Sudiyanto (Department of Accountancy Education, Sebelas Maret University, 57126, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model supported by Augmented Reality on critical thinking skills. Critical thinking skills are an important variable because they are related to the ability to think reflectively and rationally. PBL was chosen because it encourages students to analyze problems and evaluate information. The study employed a quantitative approach with a one-group pretest-posttest design involving 58 fourth-grade students in the Gajah Mada Cluster on the topic of the solar system. The research instrument consisted of a critical thinking skills test developed based on Ennis’s indicators. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through paired t-tests and N-Gain tests. The results showed an improvement in critical thinking skills, indicated by an increase in the average score from the pretest to the posttest, as well as a statistically significant difference (sig. < 0.05). The N-Gain value of 0.53 falls into the moderate category, indicating that the learning process had a sufficiently effective impact. This improvement was supported by students’ active engagement in critical thinking and concrete visualization through Augmented Reality, which aided the analysis and reasoning processes. Thus, Problem-Based Learning supported by Augmented Reality is effective in improving the critical thinking skills of elementary school students.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JES

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Library & Information Science Other

Description

JES publishes original articles on the latest issues and trends occurring regionally and internationally in the educational sciences with the aim to advance our knowledge both in term of theory and practice. Moreover, this journal also covers the issues concerned with the following special sections: ...