Comparing project-based learning and integrated STEM approach in enhancing scientific creativity in renewable energy education

Fifi Mufida Syamra; Ahmad Suryadi

doi:10.29333/pr/16751

Full Text (PDF)

Fifi Mufida Syamra ¹ , Ahmad Suryadi ² ^*

More Detail

¹ Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Jakarta, INDONESIA² Universitas Negeri Makassar, Makassar, INDONESIA ^* Corresponding Author

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study investigates the effectiveness of project-based learning (PjBL) and its integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) variant (PjBL-STEM) in enhancing scientific creativity among high school students. Conducted in an Indonesian senior high school, 69 tenth-grade students were assigned to an experimental group (PjBL-STEM, n = 36) and a control group (PjBL, n = 33) using a non-equivalent post-test-only design. A validated scientific creativity test (α = 0.79) was used to assess students’ performance across fluency, flexibility, and originality dimensions. Findings revealed that students in the PjBL-STEM group scored significantly higher in overall scientific creativity, especially in generating original and technical solutions in renewable energy contexts. The PjBL-STEM model was shown to foster deeper engagement through problem-solving, project refinement, and critical evaluation processes. The study demonstrates that PjBL could be the way to implement integrated STEM education.

Keywords

alternative energy
creativity skills
integrated STEM
project-based learning

License

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Research Article

PEDAGOGICAL RES, Volume 10, Issue 3, July 2025, Article No: em0244

https://doi.org/10.29333/pr/16751

Publication date: 13 Aug 2025

Article Views: 27

Article Downloads: 17

Open Access References How to cite this article

References

Abdurrahman, A., Maulina, H., Nurulsari, N., Sukamto, I., Umam, A. N., & Mulyana, K. M. (2023). Impacts of integrating engineering design process into STEM makerspace on renewable energy unit to foster students’ system thinking skills. Heliyon, 9(4), Article e15100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15100
Ajwar, M., Faridah, F., Mariamah, Ratnah, Suratman, Sulfahri, & Muniarti, P. (2021). The development of students creativity through the implementation of guided inquiry method on sciences. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1778, Article 012020. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1778/1/012020
Alkhatib, O. J. (2025). STEAM integration and engineering: Lessons from transformative approaches. In S. K. Behera, A. Sorayyaei Azar, S. Curle, & J. G. Dials (Eds.), Advances in educational technologies and instructional design (pp. 345-374). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-7408-5.ch015
Barak, M. (2020). Problem-, project- and design-based learning: Their relationship to teaching science, technology and engineering in school. Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 7(2), 94-97. https://doi.org/10.24313/jpbl.2020.00227
Baran, M., Baran, M., Karakoyun, F., & Maskan, A. (2021). The influence of project-based STEM (PjBL-STEM) applications on the development of 21st-century skills. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 18(4), 798-815. https://doi.org/10.36681/tused.2021.104
Birdman, J., Wiek, A., & Lang, D. J. (2022). Developing key competencies in sustainability through project-based learning in graduate sustainability programs. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 23(5), 1139-1157. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-12-2020-0506
Charyton, C., & Snelbecker, G. E. (2007). General, artistic and scientific creativity attributes of engineering and music students. Creativity Research Journal, 19(2-3), 213-225. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400410701397271
Chen, S., & Ma, L. (2025). Beyond collaboration: Embracing the positive side of competitive academic atmosphere for scientific creativity of doctoral students in collectivism cultural context. European Journal of Education, 60(2), Article e70119. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.70119
Chen, S.-Y., Lai, C.-F., Lai, Y.-H., & Su, Y.-S. (2022). Effect of project-based learning on development of students’ creative thinking. International Journal of Electrical Engineering & Education, 59(3), 232-250. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020720919846808
Creswell, J. W. (2014). John W. Mycological Research, 94(4), Article 522.
Diep, N. H., Thuy, H. T. P., Lai, D. T. B., van Viet, V., & Chung, N. T. K. (2023). A comparison of three STEM approaches to the teaching and learning of science topics: Students’ knowledge and scientific creativity. International Journal of Education and Practice, 11(2), 266-278. https://doi.org/10.18488/61.v11i2.3336
Dogan, A., & Kahraman, E. (2021). The effect of STEM activities on the scientific creativity of middle school students. International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction, 13(2), 1241-1266.
Domenici, V. (2023). Training of future chemistry teachers by a historical/STEAM approach starting from the visit to an historical science museum. Substantia, 7(1), 23-34. https://doi.org/10.36253/SUBSTANTIA-1755
Field, A. (2017). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics: North American edition. SAGE.
Florida, R., Mellander, C., & King, K. (2015). The global creativity index 2015. DiVA Portal. http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2:868391
Gutierrez-Berraondo, J., Iturbe-Zabalo, E., Arregi, N., & Guisasola, J. (2025). Influence on students’ learning in a problem- and project-based approach to implement STEM projects in engineering curriculum. Education Sciences, 15(5), Article 534. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15050534
Hsu, P.-S., & Van Dyke, M. (2021). A case study exploring learning experiences in a science summer camp for middle level students from Taiwan and the United States. RMLE Online, 44(5), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/19404476.2021.1907507
Hu, W., & Adey, P. (2002). A scientific creativity test for secondary school students. International Journal of Science Education, 24, 389-403. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500690110098912
Insyasiska, D., Zubaidah, S., & Susilo, H. (2015). Pengaruh project based learning terhadap motivasi belajar, kreativitas, kemampuan berpikir kritis, dan kemampuan kognitif siswa pada pembelajaran biologi [The influence of project-based learning on students’ learning motivation, creativity, critical thinking skills, and cognitive abilities in biology learning]. Jurnal Pendidikan Bioloji, 7(1), 9-21.
Karlina, C. M., Susilowati, E., & Fakhrudin, I. A. (2023). Pengaruh model pembelajaran STEM-PjBL terhadap kemampuan berpikir kreatif siswa SMP Negeri 1 Slogohimo Wonogiri di era pandemi pada materi hidrosfer [The influence of the STEM-PjBL learning model on the creative thinking abilities of students at SMP Negeri 1 Slogohimo Wonogiri in the pandemic era on the hydrosphere material]. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika dan IPA, 3(1), 33-41. https://doi.org/10.53299/jagomipa.v3i1.270
Kemdikbud. (2014). Materi pelatihan guru implementasi kurikulum 2013 tahun ajaran 2014/2015: Mata pelajaran IPA SMP/MTs [Teacher training materials for implementing the 2013 curriculum for the 2014/2015 academic year: Science subjects for junior high schools/Islamic junior high schools]. Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan.
Kizhukarakkatu, J. A. (2025). Pedagogical approaches in STEAM education: Fostering innovation and creativity in the classroom. In S. K. Behera, A. Sorayyaei Azar, S. Curle, & J. G. Dials (Eds.), Advances in educational technologies and instructional design (pp. 79-102). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-7408-5.ch004
Kurniati, E., Suwono, H., Ibrohim, I., Suryadi, A., & Saefi, M. (2022). International scientific collaboration and research topics on STEM education: A systematic review. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 18(4), Article em2095. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/11903
Laboy-Rush, D. (2011). Integrated STEM education through project-based learning. Student at the Center. https://studentsatthecenterhub.org/resource/integrated-stem-education-through-project-based-learning/
Larmer, J. (2015). Project based learning vs. problem-based learning vs. X-BL. edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/pbl-vs-pbl-vs-xbl-john-larmer
Lestari, E. R., Halidjah, S., Ghasya, D. A. V., Kresnadi, H., & Salimi, A. (2022). Validitas bahan ajar berbasis project based learning tematik kelas iv sekolah dasar [Validity of teaching materials based on thematic project-based learning for grade IV elementary school]. At-Thullab Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, 6(2), Article 152. https://doi.org/10.30736/atl.v6i2.1085
Li, M.-M., & Tu, C.-C. (2024). Developing a project-based learning course model combined with the think-pair-share strategy to enhance creative thinking skills in education students. Education Sciences, 14(3), Article 233. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14030233
Li, Y., Wang, K., Xiao, Y., & Froyd, J. E. (2020). Research and trends in STEM education: A systematic review of journal publications. International Journal of STEM Education, 7, Article 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-020-00207-6
Lidya, N., Habibah, H., & Suryadi, A. (2024). The effect of design-based STEM learning on students’ scientific creativity in solar energy topic. Momentum: Physics Education Journal, 8(2), 166-180. https://doi.org/10.21067/mpej.v8i2.9767
Liu, F., Qu, S., Fan, Y., Chen, F., & He, B. (2023). Scientific creativity and innovation ability and its determinants among medical postgraduate students in Fujian province of China: A cross sectional study. BMC Medical Education, 23(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04408-9
Morgan, G. A., Leech, N. L., Gloeckner, G. W., & Barrett, K. C. (2012). IBM SPSS for introductory statistics: Use and interpretation. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203127315
Mullis, I. V. S., Martin, M. O., Foy, P., Kelly, D. L., & Fishbein, B. (2019). TIMSS 2019 international results in mathematics and science. TIMSS & PIRL International Study Center.
Orozco Gómez, M. L., Toma, R. B., & Merino, M. (2021). Creativity development through problem-based informal science: The case of double exceptionality students. In B. Jarosievitz, & C. Sükösd (Eds.), Teaching-learning contemporary physics (pp. 251-261). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78720-2_17
Prajoko, S., Sukmawati, I., Maris, A. F., & Wulanjani, A. N. (2023). Project based learning (PjBL) model with STEM approach on students’ conceptual understanding and creativity. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 12(3), 401-409. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v12i3.42973
Primadhini, A. F. (2021). Analisis kepercayaan diri siswa kelas VIII pada pembelajaran matematika di tengah pandemi COVID-19 [Analysis of eighth grade students’ self-confidence in mathematics learning amidst the COVID-19 pandemic]. Jurnal Cendekia: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 5(3), 2294-2301. https://doi.org/10.31004/cendekia.v5i3.751
Qalbina, F., Witri, G., & Antosa, Z. (2023). Dampak pembelajaran pasca daring terhadap sikap siswa sekolah dasar di Sdn 95 Pekanbaru [The impact of post-online learning on the attitudes of elementary school students at Sdn 95 Pekanbaru]. Jurnal Kiprah Pendidikan, 2(1), 60-67. https://doi.org/10.33578/kpd.v2i1.135
Siew, N. M., & Ambo, N. (2018). Development and evaluation of an integrated project-based and STEM teaching and learning module on enhancing scientific creativity among fifth graders. Journal of Baltic Science Education, 17(6), 1017-1033. https://doi.org/10.33225/jbse/18.17.1017
Siregar, N. F., Sholihah, R. N., Supriatno, B., & Anggraeni, S. (2022). Analisis dan rekonstruksi desain kegiatan laboratorium alternatif bermuatan literasi kuantitatif pada praktikum fotosintesis Ingenhousz [Analysis and reconstruction of alternative laboratory activity designs containing quantitative literacy in the Ingenhousz photosynthesis practicum]. Jurnal Basicedu, 6(4), 7532-7543. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v6i4.3568
Triprani, E. K., Sulistyani, N., & Aini, D. F. N. (2023). Implementasi pembelajaran steam berbasis pjbl terhadap kemampuan problem solving pada materi energi alternatif di SD [Implementation of PjBL-based steam learning on problem solving skills in alternative energy material in elementary schools]. Scholaria: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan, 2, 176-187. https://doi.org/10.24246/j.js.2023.v13.i2.p176-187
Utami, N. S., & Nurlaela, A. (2021). The influence of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning approach on students’ learning outcomes on newton’s law concept. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1836, Article 012066). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1836/1/012066
Wahono, B., Purmanna, A., Ramadhani, R., & Manalu, M. S. (2025). Strengthens the student collaboration and decision-making skills through integrated STEM education: A research and development study. Science Education International, 36(1), 86-93. https://doi.org/10.33828/sei.v36.i1.9
Zhang, L., Lin, Y., & Oon, P.-T. (2025). The implementation of engineering design-based STEM learning and its impact on primary students’ scientific creativity. Research in Science & Technological Education, 43(2), 568-588. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2024.2309907

How to cite this article

APA

Syamra, F. M., & Suryadi, A. (2025). Comparing project-based learning and integrated STEM approach in enhancing scientific creativity in renewable energy education. Pedagogical Research, 10(3), em0244. https://doi.org/10.29333/pr/16751

Vancouver

Syamra FM, Suryadi A. Comparing project-based learning and integrated STEM approach in enhancing scientific creativity in renewable energy education. PEDAGOGICAL RES. 2025;10(3):em0244. https://doi.org/10.29333/pr/16751

AMA

Syamra FM, Suryadi A. Comparing project-based learning and integrated STEM approach in enhancing scientific creativity in renewable energy education. PEDAGOGICAL RES. 2025;10(3), em0244. https://doi.org/10.29333/pr/16751

Chicago

Syamra, Fifi Mufida, and Ahmad Suryadi. "Comparing project-based learning and integrated STEM approach in enhancing scientific creativity in renewable energy education". Pedagogical Research 2025 10 no. 3 (2025): em0244. https://doi.org/10.29333/pr/16751

Harvard

Syamra, F. M., and Suryadi, A. (2025). Comparing project-based learning and integrated STEM approach in enhancing scientific creativity in renewable energy education. Pedagogical Research, 10(3), em0244. https://doi.org/10.29333/pr/16751

MLA

Syamra, Fifi Mufida et al. "Comparing project-based learning and integrated STEM approach in enhancing scientific creativity in renewable energy education". Pedagogical Research, vol. 10, no. 3, 2025, em0244. https://doi.org/10.29333/pr/16751