Indonesian Journal of Learning and Instructional Innovation
Vol 4 No 01 (2026): Indonesian Journal of Learning and Instructional Innovation: June 2026

The Effect of Web-Based Game Media (Earthgames) on Critical Thinking Skills in Earth Structure Learning for Junior High School Students

Lewi Damar Oktavian (Educational Technology, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia)
Eka Budhi Santosa (Educational Technology, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia)
Fatma Sukmawati (Educational Technology, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia)
Cinta Kasih Putri Thomas (Educational Technology, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Sleman, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of web-based game media, specifically Earthgames supported by the Wordwall platform, on the critical thinking skills of eighth-grade students in the topic of Earth Structure in the Natural Sciences (IPA) subject. A pre-experimental design using a one- group pretest-posttest approach was employed, involving 64 students from SMP Negeri 27 Surakarta during the 2025/2026 academic year. Data were collected through validated critical thinking tests covering indicators of interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, explanation, and problem-solving based on Facione's framework. Results showed a significant improvement in students' mean scores from 45.57 (pretest) to 67.27 (posttest). The hypothesis test using the Paired Sample t-test (Sig. < 0.001) confirmed a statistically significant difference, with an N- Gain score of 0.43 (moderate category). These findings indicate that Earthgames via Wordwall positively influenced students' critical thinking by providing interactive, visual, and game-based learning experiences. The media supports Mayer's Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning and aligns with the constructivist principles underpinning 21st-century science education.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijolii

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences Other

Description

Indonesian Journal of Learning and Instructional Innovation is peer reviewed journal of educational technology research which publishes reviews, analysis, dan empirical research on designing, developing, managing, utilizing and evaluating educational Technology to facilitating learning and improving ...