Hydrogen: Jurnal Kependidikan Kimia
Vol. 14 No. 4 (2026): August 2026

The Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning in Chemistry Learning: Conceptual Understanding and 21st Century Skills

Aura Nawang Wulan Aura (Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Mulawarman University, Jl. Muara Pahu, Kel. Gunung Kelua, Kec. Samarinda Ulu, Samarinda Ulu District, Samarinda City, Indonesia 75123)
Dewi Matius (Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Mulawarman University, Jl. Muara Pahu, Kel. Gunung Kelua, Kec. Samarinda Ulu, Samarinda Ulu District, Samarinda City, Indonesia 75123)
Khotijah Mahmuda Widi Riani (Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Mulawarman University, Jl. Muara Pahu, Kel. Gunung Kelua, Kec. Samarinda Ulu, Samarinda Ulu District, Samarinda City, Indonesia 75123)
Yofita Jelita Linda Sari Dakhi (Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Mulawarman University, Jl. Muara Pahu, Kel. Gunung Kelua, Kec. Samarinda Ulu, Samarinda Ulu District, Samarinda City, Indonesia 75123)
Akhmad Syaikah Nur Fad'ah (Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Mulawarman University, Jl. Muara Pahu, Kel. Gunung Kelua, Kec. Samarinda Ulu, Samarinda Ulu District, Samarinda City, Indonesia 75123)
Wirhanuddin Wirhanuddin (Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Mulawarman University, Jl. Muara Pahu, Kel. Gunung Kelua, Kec. Samarinda Ulu, Samarinda Ulu District, Samarinda City, Indonesia 75123)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Aug 2026

Abstract

Project-Based Learning (PjBL) is a student-centered learning model considered effective in improving conceptual understanding and developing 21st-century skills in chemistry learning. This study aims to systematically assess the effectiveness of PjBL implementation on students' conceptual understanding, learning outcomes, and 21st-century skills in chemistry learning. This study used the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method, referring to the PRISMA steps, which include article identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and inclusion. Literature sources were obtained from Google Scholar and Scopus databases based on established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 824,157 articles identified, 20 articles published between 2022 and 2026 met the criteria and were further analyzed. The results showed that most studies reported positive impacts of PjBL on improving students' conceptual understanding, learning outcomes, critical thinking skills, creativity, communication, and collaboration. Furthermore, project-based activities make the chemistry learning process more contextual, meaningful, and relevant to everyday life. Despite this, several obstacles were still encountered, such as limited learning time, inadequate facilities and infrastructure, varying teacher preparedness, and imbalanced student participation in group work. The findings and percentages presented in this study are a synthesis of the reviewed articles and not derived from direct experimental data. This study also has limitations in the form of differences in research design, learning context, and variations in Project-Based Learning (PjBL) implementation in each analyzed study. Overall, the study results indicate that Project-Based Learning (PjBL) has the potential to be an effective learning approach to improve conceptual understanding, learning outcomes, and 21st-century skills in chemistry education when implemented optimally.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

hydrogen

Publisher

Subject

Chemistry Education

Description

Hydrogen: The Chemistry Education Journal published by the Chemistry Education Study Program which contains articles raised from the results of conceptual research and studies in chemistry and chemistry education including education and learning, device development, media and learning ...