Research Trends of E-Module Problem Based Learning Model to Improve Creative Thinking Skills of Learners (2016-2025): Literature Review

Authors

Wiwin Melia Utari , Agil Al Idrus

DOI:

10.56566/cer.v1i3.401

Published:

2025-09-30

Issue:

Vol. 1 No. 3 (2025): September

Keywords:

e-module, Problem based learning, Creative thinking

Review Articles

Downloads

How to Cite

Utari, W. M., & Al Idrus, A. (2025). Research Trends of E-Module Problem Based Learning Model to Improve Creative Thinking Skills of Learners (2016-2025): Literature Review. Current Educational Review, 1(3), 103–109. https://doi.org/10.56566/cer.v1i3.401

Abstract

One of the important skills for Indonesian people in the digital era is the ability to think creatively. Creative thinking is an aspect of life skills that must be improved to face the information age and increasingly intense competition. One of the high-level thinking abilities that can be utilised to solve problems in the learning process is student creativity. In problem solving, the application of creative thinking can generate various ideas that are useful for finding solutions. To support active learning, it is very important to have appropriate teaching materials, so that students can understand the material better and achieve learning objectives, one of which is through the use of problem-based learning e-modules. This study aims to identify, analyse the tendency of e-modules of problem-based learning models to improve students' creative thinking skills. This research method is descriptive and analytical. The data used in this study were obtained from documents indexed by google scholar from 2016-2025 using publish or perish and dimension.ai. The data identified and analysed are the type of publication, the source of publication, and the title of the research on the PBL e-module model to improve students' creative thinking skills that are widely cited. The data analysis method uses bibliometric analysis assisted by VOS viewer software. The results showed an increase in the number of publications from 2016 to 2023, with the peak of publications occurring in 2023. However, there are fluctuations that show the challenges in this study. In addition, there are many types of publications in the form of articles, procceding, chapters, edited books, preprints and monographs. However, the most common type of publication is article, signalling the strong contribution of research in this area

References

Almulla, M. A. (2020). The Effectiveness of The Project-Based Learning (Pbl) Approach as A Way to Engage Students in Learning. Sage Open, 10(3), 2158244020938702. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244020938702

Aryani, I., Masykuri, M., & Maridi, M. (2015). Development of Problem Based Learning (Pbl) Module on Animal Population Material to Improve Creative Thinking Ability of Biology Education Students of Sebelas Maret University. Inquiry: Journal of Science Education, 4(3), 68-77. https://doi.org/10.20961/inkuiri.v4i3.9592

Aytekin, A., & Topçu, M. S. (2024). Improving 6th Grade Students' Creative Problem Solving Skills Through Plugged And Unplugged Computational Thinking Approaches. Journal Of Science Education And Technology, 33(6), 867-891. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-024-10130-y

Basaroh, A. S., Al Muhdhar, M. H. I., Prasetyo, T. I., Sumberartha, I. W., Mardiyanti, L., & Fanani, Z. (2021). Development of an e-module model of experiential exploration of nature around (EJAS) on Plantae material. Journal of Biology Education, State University of Malang, 12(1), 30-39. http://journal2.um.ac.id/index.php/jpb

Febliza, A., Kadarohman, A., Aisyah, S., & Abdullah, N. (2025). Generation Z And The Use Of Digital Technology: A Review From 2014 To 2023. Indonesian Journal of Science Education, 13(1), 53-67. https://jurnal.usk.ac.id/jpsi/index

Feziyasti, A., Putra, A., & Sundari, P. D. (2024). Development of Physics E-Modules Based on Problem Based Learning Model of Simple Harmonic Vibration Material. Jpf (Journal of Physics Education) State Islamic University of Alauddin Makassar, 12(1), 32-38. https://doi.org/10.24252/jpf.v12i1.40557

Fonna, M., & Nufus, H. (2024). The Effect of Problem Based Learning (PBL) Application on 21st Century Skills. Ar-Riyadhiyyat: Journal of Mathematics Education, 5(1), 22-30. https://doi.org/10.47766/arriyadhiyyat.v5i1.2900

Hanifah, N., & Hidayah, R. (2024). Development of Problem Based Learning (Pbl) Oriented E-Modules to Train Creative Thinking Skills on Reaction Rate Material. Journal of Chemistry Education Fkip Halu Oleo University, 9(2), 175-192. https://doi.org/10.36709/jpkim.v9i2.99

Hasanah, M., Supeno, S., & Wahyuni, D. (2023). Development of E-Modules Based on Flip Pdf Professional to Improve Students' Creative Thinking Skills in Science Learning. Tarbiyah Wa Ta'lim: Journal of Education and Learning Research, 10(1), 44-58. https://doi.org/10.21093/twt.v10i1.5424

Herdiawan, H., Langitasari, I., & Solfarina, S. (2019). Application of Pbl to Improve Students' Creative Thinking Skills on the Concept of Colloids. Educhemia: Journal of Chemistry and Education, 4(1), 24-35. https://dx.doi.org/10.30870/educhemia.v4i1.4867

Ishlahul 'adiilah, I., & Haryanti, Y. D. (2023). The Effect of Problem Based Learning Model on Students' Creative Thinking Ability in Science Learning. Papanda Journal Of Mathematics And Science Research, 2(1), 49-56. https://doi.org/10.56916/pjmsr.v2i1.306

Kartina, A.A., Suciati, and Harlita. 2021. Creative Thinking Skills of Smp Class Viii Students in Solving Problems on the Material of Additives and Addictive Substances during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Quantum: Journal of Science Education Innovation. 12(2) : 150-160. https://dx.doi.org/10.20527/quantum.v12i2.10364

Kadir, I. A., Machmud, T., Usman, K., & Katili, N. (2022). Analysis of students' mathematical creative thinking ability on triangle material. Jambura Journal of Mathematics Education, 3(2), 128-138. https://doi.org/10.34312/jmathedu.v3i2.16388

Murdiasih, D., & Wulandari, F. E. (2022). Problem Based Learning Model with Stem Approach to Students' Creative Thinking Ability. Jipva (Journal of Veteran Science Education), 6(2), 80-91. https://doi.org/10.31331/jipva.v6i2.2166

Nafizatunni'am, N. A., Sukarso, A. A., & Lestari, T. A. (2024). The effect of problem-based learning model on students' creative thinking skills and Biology learning outcomes. Journal of Classroom Action Research, 6(3), 494-503. https://doi.org/10.29303/jcar.v6i3.8477

Nazifah, Naurah, & Asrizal Asrizal. (2022). Development Of Stem Integrated Physics E-Modules To Improve 21st Century Skills Of Students. Journal of Science Education Research 8.4 (2022): 1783-1789. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v8i4.1820

Ningrum, I. P., & Marsinun, R. (2022). Application of Problem Based Learning Model to Improve Students' Creative Thinking Ability. Basicedu Journal, 6(5), 8205-8214. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v6i5.3784

Nurjanah, N. E., Yetti, E., & Sumantri, M. S. (2024). Developing Creative Thinking In Preschool Children: A Comprehensive Review Of Innovative. European Journal Of Educational Research, 13(3), 1303-1319. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.13.3.1303

Perdana, T. I., & Sugara, H. (2020). Creative Thinking Ability of Smk Negeri 1 Kedawung Students Using Problem Based Learning Model. Literacy: Journal of Indonesian Language and Literature and Learning, 4(2), 102-107. https://dx.doi.org/10.25157/literasi.v4i2.4239

Panjaitan, H. R. (2023). Analysis of Students' Creative Thinking Ability Through the Application of Problem Based Learning Model at Smp Jendral Sudirman. Journal Prevalent Multidisciplinary, 1(3), 20-25. https://journal.universitasaudi.ac.id/index.php/JPM

Puteri, A. N., Yoenanto, N. H., & Nawangsari, N. A. F. (2023). The Effectiveness of Authentic Assessment in Learning. Journal of Education and Culture, 8(1), 77-87. https://doi.org/10.24832/jpnk.v8i1.3535

Ridwan, Y. H., Zuhdi, M., Kosim, K., & Sahidu, H. (2021). Development of Interactive Learning Media Based on Problem Based Learning Model to Improve Students' Creative Thinking Ability in Physics. Orbita: Journal of Physics Education and Science, 7(1), 103-108. https://doi.org/10.31764/orbita.v7i1.3832

Sulastri, E., Supeno, S., & Sulistyowati, L. (2022). Implementation of Problem-Based Learning Model to Improve Creative Thinking Skills of Elementary School Students in Science Learning. 4(4) https://repository.unej.ac.id/xmlui/handle/123456789/116243

Utari, W. M., Gunada, I. W., Makhrus, M., & Kosim, K. (2023). Development of E-Module Physics Learning Model Problem Based Learning Based on Flipbook to Improve Learners' Creative Thinking Skills. Scientific Journal of Education Profession, 8(4), 2724-2734. https://doi.org/10.29303/jipp.v8i4.1822

Vianis, R. O., Subroto, W. T., & Susanti, S. (2022). The Effectiveness of It-Based E-Module Teaching Materials with Problem Based Learning (Pbl) Models in Archives Subjects in Improving Student Learning Outcomes at Smk Sunan Giri Menganti. Journal of Office Administration Education (Jpap), 10(3), 211-222. https://doi.org/10.26740/jpap.v10n3.p211-222

Widia, W., Syahrir, S., & Sarnita, F. (2020). Creative Thinking is an Important Part of Improving Life Skills in the Industrial Age 4.0. Journal of Natural Science Education (Jp-Ipa), 1(02), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.56842/jp-ipa.v1i02.6

Wiranti, W., Iriani, R., Saadi, P., & Leny, L. (2022). Development of Electronic Module Based on Problem Based Learning Using Ispring to Improve Students' Critical Thinking Skills on Redox Reaction Material. JCAE (Journal of Chemistry And Education), 6(2), 77-86. https://doi.org/10.20527/jcae.v6i2.1686

Yani, Y. P., Hardeli, H., Oktavia, B., & Kurniawati, D. (2022). The Development Of An Integrated E-Module Of Scientific Literacy And Video Demonstration Using A Problem-Based Learning Model For High School Students On Acids And Bases. Journal of Science Education Research, 8(2), 452-462. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v8i2.1306

Author Biographies

Wiwin Melia Utari, University Of Mataram

Agil Al Idrus, University Of Mataram

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Wiwin Melia Utari, Agil Al Idrus

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Authors who publish with Current Educational Review, agree to the following terms:

  1. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY License). This license allows authors to use all articles, data sets, graphics, and appendices in data mining applications, search engines, web sites, blogs, and other platforms by providing an appropriate reference. The journal allows the author(s) to hold the copyright without restrictions and will retain publishing rights without restrictions.
  2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in Current Educational Review.
  3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).