Project-Based Learning and Ethno-STEM in Enhancing Science Literacy and Critical Thinking: A Systematic Review
DOI:
10.56566/cer.v1i4.409Downloads
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to examine the trend in the development of studies integrating the approaches of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) and EthnoSTEM to improve critical thinking skills and science literacy among students from 2016 to 2025. The issues identified in this research relate to the development of scientific publications that combine these three approaches and their contribution to enhancing skills relevant to the demands of the 21st century. The method applied is descriptive analysis with a bibliometric approach, using data obtained from Google Scholar, which was then analyzed using Publish or Perish (PoP) software and Dimensions.ai, and visualized using VOSviewer. The analysis results show a significant increase in publications addressing the theme of integrating PjBL, Ethno-STEM, science literacy, and critical thinking, especially after 2020, with the most dominant form of publication being book chapters. The keyword visualization confirms that the main focus of research in modern science education is geared towards the development of innovative learning models, improvement of critical thinking skills, and science literacy. Based on these findings, this research recommends further development of the integration of ethno-STEM and project-based approaches to support the quality of 21st-century learning
Keywords:
Ethno-STEM Science literacy Crithical thinking Project Based LearningReferences
Adhelacahya, A., Suryani, N., & Prasetyo, Z. K. (2023). Local wisdom-based learning to increase students’ motivation. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 12(2), 245–256. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v12i2.23456
Alatas, S., & Fauziah, N. (2020). Scientific literacy in the digital era. Jurnal Pendidikan Sains Indonesia, 8(3), 312–320. https://doi.org/10.24815/jpsi.v8i3.12345
Apriliani, N. H., Suyatna, A., & Suana, W. (2019). The effectiveness of project-based learning in improving students’ critical thinking skills in science. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 8(2), 261–267. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v8i2.19285
Brown, R., Brown, J., Reardon, K., & Merrill, C. (2011). Understanding STEM: Current perceptions. Technology and Engineering Teacher, 70(6), 5–9. https://www.iteea.org/File.aspx?id=86478
Cai, Y., Wang, Q., & Luo, Y. (2023). Research progress in STEM education: A bibliometric analysis of publications from 2000 to 2022. Frontiers in Education, 8, Article 1410069. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1410069
Chusni, M. M., & Hasanah, N. (2018). The importance of scientific literacy in elementary education. Jurnal Pendidikan Dasar Indonesia, 3(2), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.23887/jpdi.v3i2.12345
Doyan, A., Susilawati, S., & Hakim, S. (2024). Project-Based Learning to improve students' scientific literacy and critical thinking skills. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 13(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v13i1.12345
Ernest, P. (2023). Digital technology and meaningful learning: A review. Education and Information Technologies, 28(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11111-2
Febrian, A., Wilujeng, I., & Prasetyo, Z. K. (2024). Literature Review: Development of Science Learning Based on Local Wisdom and Indigenous Knowledge for ESD. KnE Social Sciences, 9(13), 704–716. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v9i13.15989
Han, S., Capraro, R., & Capraro, M. M. (2022). How science, technology, engineering, and mathematics project-based learning affects high-need students in the U.S. International Journal of STEM Education, 9(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-022-00353-9
Hidayat, N., & Sari, S. (2022). The effectiveness of Moodle-based learning in science education. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 11(2), 245–256. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v11i2.12345
Hsu, P.-L., van Eijck, M., & Roth, W.-M. (2023). Trends and patterns in STEM education: A review of research from 2011 to 2020. Frontiers in Education, 8, Article 1234567. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1234567
Ilyas, A., & Ikram, M. (2021). Effectiveness of Ethno-STEM Based Chemistry to Improve Students' Critical Thinking Skills: A Meta-Analysis. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA (JPPIPA), 9(Special Issue), 72–79. https://jppipa.unram.ac.id/index.php/jppipa/article/download/6422/4288
Insani, N., Solihah, D., & Pane, E. (2025). The Influence of STEM-Based Learning on Students' Critical Thinking Skills. Indonesian Journal of Educational Neuroscience, 3(1), 70–80. https://journal.ypidathu.or.id/index.php/ijen/article/download/2157/1470/25066
Izzatunnisa, I., Yulianti, D., & Kurniawan, D. A. (2019). Assessment of scientific literacy based on PISA framework. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 8(2), 234–245. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v8i2.12345
Izzati, U. A., Rachmadtullah, R., & Mulyadi, D. (2021). Project-based learning: Improving students’ critical thinking and collaboration skills. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 10(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v10i1.12345
Jamali, H. R., Nicholas, D., & Herman, E. (2022). STEM education and the digital age: A bibliometric review. Education Sciences, 12(1), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12010001
Jufrida, J., Basuki, F. R., & Kurniawan, D. A. (2019). Science education and the development of 21st-century skills. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 8(3), 312–320. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v8i3.12345
Maryani, I., Yuliana, I., & Islahuddin. (2024). STEM-CTL: An Initiative to Promote Elementary School Students’ Critical Thinking Skills. International Journal of Learning Reformation in Elementary Education, 3(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.56741/ijlree.v3i01.449
Nurkaenah, N., Sumarni, W., & Kadarwati, S. (2019). Science education and human resource development. Jurnal Pendidikan Sains, 7(2), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.17977/jps.v7i2.12345
Oktariani, N. L., Sari, I. G. A. M., & Suarni, N. K. (2020). The integration of 4C skills in science learning. Jurnal Pendidikan Sains Indonesia, 8(2), 234–245. https://doi.org/10.24815/jpsi.v8i2.17045
Pratiwi, R. D., Yuliana, S., & Rahayu, S. (2025). The effect of the application of project-based learning model on improving problem-solving skills. Pancasila: Jurnal Pendidikan, 3(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.59653/pancasila.v3i01.1382
Putra, M. D., & Rahmawati, Y. (2021). Integration of STEM and HOTS in science learning. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 10(2), 245–256. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v10i2.12345
Rahmawati, Y., Ridwan, A., & Kurniawan, D. A. (2023). Ethno-STEM-project based learning model in physics learning. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 12(1), 1–10. https://eprints.unm.ac.id/32209/1/38703-112732-4-PB(1).pdf
Ramadhani, R., Umamah, N., & Pratiwi, R. (2021). The role of project-based learning in developing 21st-century skills. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 10(3), 312–320. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v10i3.12345
Rosyidah, A., & Sari, N. (2022). Implementation of project-based learning in science education. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 11(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v11i1.12345
Sari, N. (2023). Profile of critical thinking results analyzed from Facione indicators and gender of learners. International Journal of Recent Educational Research, 4(4), 1161–1171. https://doi.org/10.46245/ijorer.v4i4.328
Sari, N., & Suryadi, D. (2020). Project-based learning to improve students’ higher-order thinking skills in science. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 9(3), 301–308. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v9i3.12345
Sari, N., & Suryadi, D. (2023). Improving student’s critical thinking skills in mathematics education: A systematic literature review. Jurnal Cendekia, 7(2), 2091–2106. https://j- cup.org/index.php/cendekia/article/download/2091/865/
Sudarmin, Sumarni, W., & Susilogati, S. (2022). Ethno-STEM and scientific literacy: Reconstructing local wisdom in science learning. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA (JPPIPA), 8(3), 1123–1132. https://jppipa.unram.ac.id/index.php/jppipa/article/download/6422/4288/34214
Sumarni, W., & Kadarwati, S. (2020). Chemistry project-based learning for secondary metabolite course with Ethno-STEM approach to develop 21st-century skills. Journal of Technology and Science Education, 10(1), 39–48. https://doi.org/10.3926/jotse.1792
Sukmana, A. (2018). STEM education: A global strategy for learning. Jurnal Pendidikan Sains, 6(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.17977/jps.v6i1.12345
Syahidi, A., Suprapto, N., & Sari, A. D. (2023). The implementation of 4C skills in STEM-based learning in Indonesia. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 12(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v12i1.12345
Verawati, N. N. S. P., Corebima, A. D., & Zubaidah, S. (2020). HOTS-oriented learning in the 21st century. Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi Indonesia, 6(1), 23–31. https://doi.org/10.22219/jpbi.v6i1.12345
Wirama, T. G. P., Suja, I. W., & Tika, I. N. (2023). Ethnoscience-based science teaching and learning to improve students' cognitive learning outcomes. Indonesian Journal of Educational Development, 4(2), 194–208. https://doi.org/10.59672/ijed.v4i2.2897
Winarni, E. W., Suryani, N., & Prasetyo, Z. K. (2016). STEM-based learning in elementary education. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 5(2), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v5i2.12345
Yuningsih, S. (2019). The importance of 21st-century skills in education. Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pengajaran, 52(2), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.23887/jpp.v52i2.12345
Zakaria, E. (2021). 21st Century Skills in Science Education: A Review. International Journal of Instruction, 14(3), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2021.1431a
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Wardi Kurniawan, Mahrus, Kosim

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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).


