Experiential Learning Model Boosts Science Process Skills and Critical Thinking in Elementary School Students

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by Silvia Erawati and Woro Sri Hastuti of Yogyakarta State University has found that the implementation of the Experiential Learning model has a significant effect on science process skills in communication and critical thinking skills in grade IV elementary school students. The study aimed to analyze the effect of the Experiential Learning model on science process skills and compare it with the Problem Based Learning model. The results showed that the Experiential Learning model had a significant effect on both science process skills and critical thinking skills, with partial eta squared values of 67.5% and 30%, respectively.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Experiential Learning model provides direct experience for students, allowing them to explore, reflect, and present scientific findings, which is not possible with conventional learning models.
  • The study used a quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent control group, taking a sample of grade IV elementary school students through purposive sampling.
  • The instruments, including essay tests, were declared valid and reliable, with a Sig. (2-tailed) value of 0.000 and Cronbach's Alpha of 0.661 for science process skills and 0.728 for critical thinking skills.
  • The study found that the Experiential Learning model had a significant effect on both science process skills in communication and critical thinking skills, with a significance value of 0.000.
  • MANOVA testing indicated a significant effect of the model on both variables, with partial eta squared values of 67.5% for science process skills in communication and 30% for critical thinking skills.
  • The study suggests that the Experiential Learning model is effective in enhancing science process skills and critical thinking skills among fourth-grade elementary school students.
  • The research aimed to provide a foundation for studies on experiential learning and its application in enhancing students' scientific learning abilities.

Statistics:

  • Sig. (2-tailed) value: 0.000
  • Cronbach's Alpha for science process skills: 0.661
  • Cronbach's Alpha for critical thinking skills: 0.728
  • Partial eta squared values for science process skills in communication: 67.5%
  • Partial eta squared values for critical thinking skills: 30%
  • Sample size: grade IV elementary school students

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers at Yogyakarta State University Report Research in Education (From Experiment to Innovation: The Effect of Experiential Learning on Elementary School Children's Science and Critical Thinking Skills). Education Letter. August 27, 2025; p 571.
  • Ideguru. From Experiment to Innovation: The Effect of Experiential Learning on Elementary School Children's Science and Critical Thinking Skills. 2025,10(2).