Research Trends of Problem Based Learning (PBL) Models to Improve Students' Critical Thinking Skills and Learning Outcomes (2016-2025): A Systematic Review
DOI:
10.56566/cer.v1i4.410Downloads
Abstract
This study examines the trend of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model in improving critical thinking skills and student learning outcomes during the period 2016-2025. The PBL model is a learning model that involves students to solve a problem through the stages of the scientific method so that students can learn knowledge related to the problem and at the same time have the skills to solve problems. In learning, critical thinking is a high-level thinking skill that plays an important role in solving problems. Critical thinking is the ability to develop and explain arguments from data that is arranged into a complex decision or idea. Critical thinking is able to analyze data or information in a systematic way based on logic in investigating data or facts. This study aims to identify and analyze the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model to improve critical thinking skills and student learning outcomes. 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 analyzed were the types of publications, publication sources, and research titles on the PBL model to improve critical thinking skills and student learning outcomes that were widely cited. The data analysis method used bibliometric analysis assisted by VOS viewer software. The results of the study showed an increase in the number of publications from 2016 to 2020, with the peak of publications occurring in 2020 and a decline in 2021 to 2022. And there was an increase again in 2023 to 2024. In 2025 there was still a decline because the title was still rarely used. However, there are fluctuations that indicate challenges in this study. In addition, there are many types of publications in the form of article chapters, proceedings, edited books and monographs. However, the most common type of publication is articles, indicating a strong contribution from research in this field
Keywords:
Critical thinking Learning outcomes PBL modelReferences
Afkari, K., & Ilir, C. (2021). Application of Problem Based Learning Model to Improve Student Learning Outcomes in Science Subjects. Journal of Agricultural Technology Education, 4(5), 1700–1706. Retrieved from https://jurnal.uns.ac.id/shes
Amaludin, L. (2023). Implementation of Problem Based Learning Learning Models in Improving Learning Outcomes. Jurnal Pendidikan Profesi Guru, 1(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.22373/jppg.v1i1.2438
Arifudin, O. (2020). Educational Psychology: A Review of Theory and Practice. Bandung: Widina Bhakti Persada.
Doyan, A., Jufri, A. W., Susilawati, Hardiyansyah, A., Auliya, K., Hakim, S., & Muliyadi, L. (2020). Development of Learning Media of Microscope Portable Auto Design to Increase Student’s Problem-Solving Ability in Light and Optical Tools Topic. 4th Asian Education Symposium (AES 2019), 300–302. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.200513.068
Doyan, A., Susilawati, S., Hadisaputra, S., & Muliyadi, L. (2022). Effectiveness of Quantum Physics Learning Tools Using Blended Learning Models to Improve Critical Thinking and Generic Science Skills of Students. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 8(2), 1030–1033. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v8i2.1625
Ennis, R. H. (2018). Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum: A Vision. Inquiry: Critical Thinking Across the Disciplines, 34(1–2), 5–24. https://doi.org/10.5840/inquiryct20183412
Haris, A., Martawijaya, M. A., Dahlan, A., Yulianti, E., & Nua, M. T. P. (2024). Analysis of Critical Thinking Skills of High School Students. Jurnal Pendidikan Fisika, 12(1), 23–32. https://doi.org/10.26618/jpf.v12i1.12677
Hartini, A. (2020). Development of Project Based Learning Model Learning Tools to Improve Critical Thinking Skills of Elementary School Students. ELSE (Elementary School Education Journal): Journal of Elementary School Education and Learning, 1(2), 6–16. https://doi.org/10.30651/else.v1i2a.1038
Hartiyaningsih, A., Mulyaningrum, E. R., & Setiyono, R. (2024). Penggunaan Model Problem Based Learning Untuk Meningkatkan Komunikasi dan Kolaborasi Peserta Didik Kelas X. Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Profesional, 2(1), 31–43. https://doi.org/10.26877/jpgp.v2i1.834
Hayati, N., & Nuriyah, T. S. (2023). Pengembangan Lkpd Model Pbl (Problem Based Learning) Dalam Melatihkan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Peserta Didik. Jurnal Binomial, 6(2), 172–184. https://doi.org/10.46918/bn.v6i2.1901
Istiqomah, J. Y. N., & Indarini, E. (2021). Meta Analisis Efektivitas Model Problem Based Learning dan Problem Posing Terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Sekolah Dasar Pada Pembelajaran Matematika. Jurnal Cendekia : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 5(1), 670–681. https://doi.org/10.31004/cendekia.v5i1.553
Januarti, I. M., & Muliyadi, L. (2024). Development of Ethnoscience-Based Student Worksheet Using the Guided Inquiry Learning Model to Increase Students’ Learning Motivation and Scientific Literacy: A Review. International Journal of Science Education and Science, 1(1), 13–18. https://doi.org/10.56566/ijses.v1i1.109
Jufri, A. W. (2017). Science Learning and Learning. Bandung: Reka Cipta Library.
Kartini, K., Doyan, A., Kosim, K., Susilawati, S., Khasanah, B. U., Hakim, S., & Muliyadi, L. (2019). Analysis of Validation Development Learning Model Attainment Concept to Improve Critical Thinking Skills and Student Learning Outcomes. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 5(2), 185–188. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v5i2.262
Larisang, L. (2024). Integrating Technology in Learning: A Literature Review. Technical and Vocational Education International Journal (TAVEIJ), 4(1), 10–14. https://doi.org/10.55642/taveij.v4i1.603
Mardiah, A., & Dahlan, Z. (2025). Development of student worksheets based on discovery learning to improve student’s critical thinking skills. Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan Dan Sains, 6(2), 498–506. Retrieved from https://ejournal.unwmataram.id/JIPS/article/view/2588/1235
Mayasari, A., Supriani, Y., & Arifudin, O. (2021). Implementasi Sistem Informasi Manajemen Akademik Berbasis Teknologi Informasi dalam Meningkatkan Mutu Pelayanan Pembelajaran di SMK. JIIP - Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan, 4(5), 340–345. https://doi.org/10.54371/jiip.v4i5.277
Meilasari, S., Damris M, D. M., & Yelianti, U. (2020). Kajian Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) dalam Pembelajaran di Sekolah. BIOEDUSAINS:Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi Dan Sains, 3(2), 195–207. https://doi.org/10.31539/bioedusains.v3i2.1849
Muliyadi, L., Doyan, A., Susilawati, Hamidi, Hakim, S., & Munandar, H. (2023). Training on Using PhET Media for Class XI Students at Islamic Senior High School of Syaikh Abdurrahman Kotaraja, East Lombok on Wave Material. Unram Journal of Community Service, 1(1), xx–xx. Retrieved from https://journals.balaipublikasi.id/index.php/jcss/article/view/67%0Ahttps://journals.balaipublikasi.id/index.php/jcss/article/download/67/64
Noviati, W. (2022). Application of Problem Based Learning (PBL) learning model in improving science learning outcomes in elementary schools. Journal of Education, 7(2), 19–27. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jkependidikan.v7i2.xx
Parwati, N. N., Suryaman, I. P., & Apsari, R. A. (2018). Learning and Teaching. Depok: Raja Grafindo Persada.
Qomariyah, S. N. (2019). Effect of Problem Based Learning Learning Model to Improve Student Learning Outcomes. International Journal of Educational Research Review, 4(2), 217–222. https://doi.org/10.24331/ijere.518056
Rediasih, I. N. A., Suwatra, I. W., & Putri, N. K. (2019). The influence of debate learning models on speaking skills and learning outcomes. Jurnal Mimbar PGSD Undiksha, 7(2), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/mimbarpgsd.v7i2.xxx
Rosarina, G., Sudin, A., & Sujana, A. (2016). Application of Discovery Learning Model to Improve Student Learning Outcomes in Material Change of Forms. Journal of Scientific Pens, 1(1), 307–313. https://doi.org/10.20961/shes.v5i5.78109
Susilawati, S., Doyan, A., Hardjono, A., & Muliyadi, L. (2021). Development of Physics Learning Media based on Guided Inquiry Model to Improve Students’ Concepts Mastery and Creativity. Journal of Science and Science Education, 2(2), 68–71. https://doi.org/10.29303/jossed.v2i2.711
Susilawati, S., Doyan, A., & Muliyadi, L. (2022). Effectiveness of Guided Inquiry Learning Tools to Improve Understanding Concepts of Students on Momentum and Impulse Materials. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 8(3), 1548–1552. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v8i3.1919
Telaumbanua, D. (2022). Analisis Kualitas Pembelajaran Dan Hasil Belajar Fisika. Educativo: Jurnal Pendidikan, 1(1), 278–282. https://doi.org/10.56248/educativo.v1i1.38
Wahyudi, A., Ariyani, Y. D., Rochaendi, E., & Apriyanti. (2021). the Position of Critical Thinking and Creative Thinking in Science Education. Jurnal Zarah, 9(1), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.31629/zarah.v9i1.2552
Wati, R. T., & Yuliani, Y. (2020). Pengembangan Lembar Kegiatan Peserta Didik (LKPD) Berbasis Problem Based Learning (PBL) Submateri Transpor Membran untuk Melatihkan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis. Berkala Ilmiah Pendidikan Biologi (BioEdu), 9(2), 340–349. https://doi.org/10.26740/bioedu.v9n2.p340-349
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Fitratunisyah, Imam Bactiar, Jamaluddin
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).
