Biosfer: Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi
Vol. 19 No. 2 (2026): Biosfer: Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi

Empowering critical thinking and self-awareness through biology learning mosquito larva control project

Yena Harmelayati (Master of Biology Education, Indonesia University of Education, Bandung, Indonesia)
Novantrya Salidar (Master of Biology Education, Indonesia University of Education, Bandung, Indonesia)
Ari Widodo (Master of Biology Education, Indonesia University of Education, Bandung, Indonesia)
Sariwulan Diana (Master of Biology Education, Indonesia University of Education, Bandung, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of a mosquito larva control project in enhancing students’ critical thinking skills and self-awareness within biology learning. Contemporary biology education increasingly demands the integration of cognitive and affective competencies through authentic learning contexts. A mixed-methods experimental design was employed involving 27 high school students in Bandung. Quantitative data were collected through pretest–posttest measures of critical thinking and a self-awareness questionnaire, while qualitative data were derived from student experiments, reflections, and group-based project activities. The intervention was implemented through a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) framework, encompassing problem identification, field investigation, and the design and testing of mosquito larva control solutions. Quantitative analysis using N-Gain indicated a moderate improvement in critical thinking skills (N-Gain = 0.7) and a high level of self-awareness (mean = 4.29). Qualitative findings revealed that students actively engaged in data-driven discussions, demonstrated analytical reasoning, and developed reflective awareness of their role in environmental health contexts. Most student groups successfully designed and implemented functional larval control strategies based on empirical observations.These findings suggest that the mosquito larva control project is effective in simultaneously strengthening students’ higher-order thinking skills and ecological self-awareness. The effectiveness of this approach may be further enhanced through extended project duration, structured reflective activities, and targeted teacher facilitation focusing on analytical and evaluative processes.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

biosfer

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

BIOSFER: Journal of Biology Education (BiosferJPB), Journal of Biology Education is published as one of the efforts to publish research results related to Biology education. Biosfer: Journal of Biology Education received research results from various parties oriented to the upgrades of science and ...