MAGISTRA: Media Pengembangan Ilmu Pendidikan Dasar dan Keislaman
Vol. 17 No. 1 (2026): June | MAGISTRA: Media Pengembangan Ilmu Pendidikan Dasar dan Keislaman

Implementing the Project-based Learning Model Through Two-dimensional Art-making To Improve Elementary School Students' Critical Thinking Skills

Alfian Eko Widodo Adi Prasetyo (Faculty of Islamic Education and Teacher Training, Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Andhika Yahya Putra (Faculty of Islamic Education and Teacher Training, Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University Yogyakarta, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study was motivated by the low level of elementary school students' critical thinking skills, particularly in expressing criticism and opinions. A Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model was needed to actively involve students in critical thinking activities. The purpose of this study was to describe the implementation of PjBL through the creation of two-dimensional artworks as a learning activity that helps students achieve the indicators of critical thinking. This study employed an Action Research (AR) approach conducted in two cycles, each consisting of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The participants were 25 fifth-grade elementary school students. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, while the data were analyzed using descriptive quantitative techniques with percentage-based achievement indicators. The findings show that the use of PjBL improved students' critical thinking skills. In Cycle I, learning was carried out through the creation of two-dimensional artworks that presented environmental issues and were followed by group presentations. In Cycle II, the activity was strengthened through two-dimensional art-making and a mini-exhibition. The observation results showed an increase in students' critical thinking performance from 71% in Cycle I to 90% in Cycle II. All four indicators showed meaningful improvement, although one indicator still required further strengthening. These findings indicate that PjBL is effective in improving students' critical thinking skills.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

MAGISTRA

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

MAGISTRA: Media Pengembangan Ilmu Pendidikan Dasar dan Keislaman — ISSN (print) 2087-2305. diterbitkan oleh Pusat Kajian dan Pengembangan Ilmu-ilmu Keislaman (PKPI2) Fakultas Agama Islam Universitas Wahid Hasyim Semarang sebagai media pengembangan kajian tentang ilmu-ilmu pendidikan dasar ...