Science Education and Application Journal
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): Science Education and Application Journal

Critical Thinking Skills in High School Biology: Examining the Impact of the Mind Mapping-Assisted RICOSRE Model in an Intact Class Setting

Laila Puspita (Biology Education Study Program, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Raden Intan State Islamic University of Lampung, Indonesia)
Ahirul Umah (Biology Education Study Program, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Raden Intan State Islamic University of Lampung, Indonesia)
Aryani Dwi Kesumawardani (Biology Education Study Program, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Raden Intan State Islamic University of Lampung, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Sep 2026

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of the Reading, Identifying, Constructing, Solving, Reviewing, and Extending (RICOSRE) learning model assisted by Mind Mapping on the critical thinking skills of Grade 10 Biology students. A quantitative quasi-experimental design featuring a non-equivalent pretest-posttest control group design with intact classes was implemented. The study population comprised 112 Grade 10 Science students across four classes at SMAN Bhakti Mulya Bunga Mayang during the 2026/2027 academic year. Using cluster random sampling, two intact classes were selected: Class X.3 (n = 28) served as the experimental group (taught via Mind Mapping-assisted RICOSRE), while Class X.2 (n = 28) served as the control group (taught via conventional Discovery Learning). Data were collected using a validated 10-item essay test measuring five critical thinking indicators adapted from Ennis. Analysis of normalized gain (N-Gain) scores revealed that the experimental group achieved a mean posttest score of 81.21 ± 8.42 with a high average N-Gain of 0.70, whereas the control group obtained a mean posttest score of 62.64 ± 9.15 with a moderate N-Gain of 0.43. Because the posttest data violated normality and homogeneity assumptions, hypothesis testing was performed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test on posttest scores. The test yielded U = 0.50, z = -6.45, p < .001, indicating a statistically significant difference between the two groups. These findings suggest that integrating Mind Mapping specifically during the Constructing syntax of RICOSRE offers a structured visual scaffolding that facilitates students' analytical and evaluative skills in ecosystem topics.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

SEAJ

Publisher

Subject

Chemistry Computer Science & IT Education Energy

Description

The articles in SEAJ include developments and researches in Education, Science Education, include Chemistry, Physics, and Biology (theoretical studies, experiments, and its applications) and management education. More details about Focus and Scope, please check Focus and Scope. SEAJ also carries a ...