Implementation of a Deep Learning-Based PBL Model to Improve Critical Thinking Skills

Nazwa Khaira Ramadanti (Universitas Negeri Surabaya)
Nur Ainiyah (Universitas Negeri Surabaya)

IJOEM: Indonesian Journal of Elearning and Multimedia
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026): Indonesian Journal of E-learning and Multimedia

Background: Biology learning on the human movement system often emphasizes memorization, so students get limited opportunities to analyze concepts and connect them to real situations.Aims: This study investigates whether integrating deep learning principles into Problem-Based Learning (PBL) yields greater improvements in learners’ critical reasoning skills compared with the use of PBL alone.Methods: A quasi-experimental design compared an experimental class (PBL using deep learning methodology) and a control class (PBL). Students (N = 65, Grade XI) completed pretest and posttest critical thinking assessments. Improvement was analyzed using normalized gain (N-gain) and an independent samples t-test.Results: Both groups improved with high N-gain, but the experimental group obtained a higher average N-gain (0.97) than the control group (0.79). The difference in N-gain was statistically significant (p = 0.015). Conclusion: Integrating a deep learning approach into PBL produced greater gains in critical thinking than PBL alone for the human movement system topic.