Implementing a Challenge-Based Ethnoscience E-Book on Colloid Systems to Enhance Students’ Critical Thinking and Conceptual Understanding
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v15i1.33866Keywords:
challenge-based learning, critical thinking skill, e-book, ethnoscience, 4STMDAbstract
Colloid learning is often difficult for students to relate to real-world phenomena, leading to a lack of conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills. One relevant local context for concretizing the concept of colloids is tofu waste treatment, which involves colloidal systems and environmental issues in the community. Integrating this ethnoscience context through Challenge-Based Learning has the potential to provide more contextual, meaningful, and authentic learning oriented toward problem-solving. This study aims to develop and demonstrate the impact of a Challenge-Based Ethnoscience e-book about colloids in the context of tofu waste treatment on improving students' conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills. This research method used Design and Development Research, consisting of three phases: design (needs analysis and product design), development (based on the 4STMD model), and evaluation (Students' critical thinking and conceptual understanding). Implementation was conducted with 30 eleventh-grade students. Critical thinking skills were measured using the Ennis framework, while conceptual understanding was assessed through context-based essay questions. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test, Spearman correlation, and rank-biserial effect size. Results showed significant improvements in conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills, indicating consistent positive score changes across all participants. A very strong correlation was found between conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills, indicating a high degree of shared variance between the two. It can be concluded that the CBL e-book on ethnoscience related to colloid materials, developed according to the 4STMD, is a feasible and effective learning material for chemistry. This learning material aligns with the learning curriculum, is scientific, and organizes materials systematically through local wisdom, specifically in the context of tofu wastewater treatment, to enhance students' understanding of concepts and critical thinking skills.
References
Affandy, H., Aminah, N. S., & Supriyanto, S. (2019). Analisis Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Siswa pada Materi Fluida Dinamis di SMA Batik 2 Surakarta. Jurnal Materi dan Pembelajaran Fisika, 9(1), 25-33.
Aikenhead, G. (2021). Epilogue: Communicating Innovative Research. Science Education Research and Practice from Japan, 193.
Ameh, P. O., & Dantani, Y. S. (2012). Effects of Lecture and Demonstration Methods on the Academic Achievement of Students In Chemistry in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State. International Journal of Modern Social Sciences, 1(1), 29-37.
Ananga, P. (2020). Pedagogical Considerations of E-Learning in Education for Development in the Face of COVID-19. International Journal of Technology in Education and Science, 4(4), 310–321.
Andrade, C. (2021). The Inconvenient Truth About Convenience and Purposive Samples. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 43(1), 86–88.
Anekawati, A., Otok, B. W., Purhadi, P, & Sutikno, S. (2020). Exploring the related factors in education quality through spatial autoregressive modeling with latent variables: a rural case study. Education Research International, 2020(1), 8823186.
Anwar, M., Alimin, A., & Munawwarah, M. (2021). An interactive e-book development based on green chemistry study on Hydrocarbon. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1899(1), 12161.
Anwar, S. (2023). Metode Pengembangan Bahan Ajar Four Steps Teaching Material DevelopmenT (4STMD). Indonesia Emas Group.
Anyichie, A. C., Butler, D. L., & Nashon, S. M. (2023). Exploring Teacher Practices for Enhancing Student Engagement in Culturally Diverse Classrooms. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 7(5), 183-207.
Arikunto, S. (2017). Pengembangan Instrumen Penelitian dan Penilaian Program. Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar.
Astawan, I. G., Margunayasa, I. G., Jayanti, L. S. S. W., Fakhriyah, F., & Deng, J. (2025). The Impact of Problem-Based Learning on Reducing Science Misconceptions and Enhancing Scientific Literacy: Integrating Balinese Local Wisdom And Cognitive Style. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 14(3), 522–535.
Atmojo, S. E., Anggriani, M. D., Rahmawati, R. D., Skotnicka, M., Wardana, A. K., & Anindya, A. P. (2025). Bridging Stem and Culture: The Role of Ethnoscience in Developing Critical Thinking and Cultural Literacy. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 14(2), 251–266.
Bhaduri, I., Aryamol, K. B., & Sahoo, B. L. (2024). Leveraging Technology for Multidisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Learning to Achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. In Achieving Sustainable Business through AI, Technology Education and Computer Science: Volume 1: Computer Science, Business Sustainability, and Competitive Advantage (pp. 127-142). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Bae, C. L., & Lai, M. H. (2020). Opportunities to participate in science learning and student engagement: A mixed methods approach to examining person and context factors. Journal of Educational Psychology, 112(6), 1128.
Boada, D. A. (2022). Cultivating an Online Teacher Community of Practice around the Instructional Conversation Pedagogy: A Social Network Analysis. Educational Technology Research and Development, 70, 289–319.
Castro, M. P., & Zermeno, M. G. G. (2020). Challenge based Learning: Innovative Pedagogy for Sustainability through E-learning in Higher Education. Sustainability, 12(10), 4063.
Changwong, K., Sukkamart, A., & Sisan, B. (2018). Critical Thinking Skill Development: Analysis of A New Learning Management Model for Thai High Schools. Journal of International studies, 11(2), 37-48.
Elaish, M. M., Hussein, M. H., & Hwang, G. J. (2023). Critical Research Trends of Mobile Technology-Supported English Language Learning: A Review of the Top 100 Highly Cited Articles. Education and Information Technologies, 28(5), 4849-4874.
Engerman, J. A., & Otto, R. F. (2021). The Shift to Digital: Designing for Learning from a Culturally Relevant Interactive Media Perspective. Educational Technology Research and Development, 69(1), 301-305.
Ennis, R. (1985). A Logical Basis for Measuring Critical Thinking Skills. USA: University of Illinois.
Fadiawati, N., Diawati, C., & Syamsuri, M. (2020). Using Problem-Based Learning to Improve Students'critical Thinking Skills to Deal Hoax Information in Chemistry. Periodico Tche Quimica, 17(35), 120-134.
Farrokhi, F., & Mahmoudi-Hamidabad, A. (2012). Rethinking Convenience Sampling: Defining Quality Criteria. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 2(4), 784–792.
Facione, P. A. (2011). Critical thinking: What it is and why it counts. Insight assessment, 1(1), 1-23.
Fitriana, A. N., & Wiyarsi, A. (2024). Development of Chemical Equilibrium E-Book in the Environmental Context to Promote Students' Chemical Representation Ability. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1425(1), 12032.
Forsler, A., Nilsson, P., & Walan, S. (2024). What and Why in Teaching about Sustainability - Swedish Science Teachers' Emphasis on Content Choice when Teaching Sustainable Development. Nordic Studies in Science Education, 20(1), 4–21.
Gallagher, S. E., & Savage, T. (2022). Challenge Based Learning: Recommendations for the Future of Higher Education. The Emerald Handbook of Challenge Based Learning, 391.
Gold, J. D. (2021). Cognitive and sociocultural perspectives: Approaches and implications for learning, teaching and assessment. The European Journal of Social & Behavioural Sciences, 30(3), 217-235.
Hikmah, N., Yohandri, Y., Arsih, F., Azhar, M., & Razak, A. (2025). Uncovering The Potential of Ethnoscience in Science Learning to Improve Students' Literacy: A Systematic-Literature Review (2014–2024). Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 14(3), 550–562.
Jansson, S., Söderström, H., Andersson, P. L., & Nording, M. L. (2015). Implementation of Problem-Based Learning in Environmental Chemistry. Journal of Chemical Education, 92(12), 2080–2086.
Jones, A. (2007). Multiplicities or Manna from Heaven? Critical Thinking and the Disciplinary Context. Australian journal of education, 51(1), 84-103.
Karaer, G., Hand, B., & French, B. F. (2024). Examining the Impact of Science Writing Heuristic (SWH) Approach on Development of Critical Thinking, Science and Language Skills of Students with and without Disabilities. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 51, 101443.
Kartamiharja, M. R., Sopandi, W., & Anggraeni, D. (2020). Implementation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Approach in Chemistry Instructional with Context Of Tofu Liquid Waste Treatment. International Journal of Learning Teaching and Educational Research, 19(5), 47–77.
Kattoua, T., Al-Lozi, M., & Alrowwad, A. A. (2016). A Review of Literature on E-Learning Systems in Higher Education. International Journal of Business Management and Economic Research, 7(5), 754-762.
Kurniadin, M. Z. (2025). The Role of Interactive E-Books in Enhancing Science Literacy: A Review of Studies from 2015 to 2024. International Journal of Science Education and Science, 2(1), 17-25.
Larassati, F., & Rachmadiarti, F. (2021). The Development of E-Book based on Modified Free Inquiry on Ecology Topic to train critical thinking skills in Class X High School Students. Berkala Ilmiah Pendidikan Biologi (BioEdu), 10(2), 302-313.
Li, Q., Hua, Y., Li, X., Kong, X., Zhang, C., & Chen, Y. (2024). Colloidal state–based studies on the chloride salts of magnesium- and calcium-induced coagulation of soymilks. Journal of Food Science, 89(12), 8555–8568.
Li, X., & Liu, J. (2021). Mapping The Taxonomy of Critical Thinking Ability in EFL. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 41, 100880.
Lieber, L., & Graulich, N. (2020). Thinking in Alternatives - A Task Design for Challenging Students' Problem-Solving Approaches in Organic Chemistry. Journal of Chemical Education, 97(10), 3731–3738.
Linda, R., Nufus, H., & Susilawati, S. (2020, June). The implementation of chemistry interactive e-module based on Kvisoft Flipbook Maker to improve student'self-learning. In AIP Conference Proceedings (Vol. 2243, No. 1, p. 030011). AIP Publishing LLC.
Ma, X., Zhang, Y., & Luo, X. (2023). Students' and teachers' critical thinking in science education: are they related to each other and with physics achievement?. Research in Science & Technological Education, 41(2), 734-758.
Malisetty, S., Rastegari, E., Siu, K. C., & Ali, H. H. (2024). Bridging Learning Gaps in Computing Education: A Focus on Assessing the Impact of Accessing Educational Material under Different Teaching Modalities. 45th International Conference on Information Systems Icis 2024.
Maulisa, A., Herliana, F., Mahzum, E., Elisa, E., Farhan, A., & Nurulwati, N. (2024). Development of problem based learning teaching modules based on blended learning in the implementation of the independent curriculum. Current STEAM and Education Research, 2(2), 69-80.
Mellor, K. E., Coish, P., Brooks, B. W., Gallagher, E. P., Mills, M., Kavanagh, T. J., ... & Anastas, P. T. (2018). The safer chemical design game. Gamification of green chemistry and safer chemical design concepts for high school and undergraduate students. Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews, 11(2), 103-110.
Membrillo-Hernández, J., J. Ramírez-Cadena, M., Martínez-Acosta, M., Cruz-Gómez, E., Muñoz-Díaz, E., & Elizalde, H. (2019). Challenge based learning: the importance of world-leading companies as training partners. International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing (IJIDeM), 13(3), 1103-1113.
Memon, M. A., Thurasamy, R., Ting, H., & Cheah, J.-H. (2025). Convenience Sampling: A Review and Guidelines for Quantitative Research. Journal of Applied Structural Equation Modeling, 9(2), 1-23.
Nizami, M. Z. I., Xue, V. W., Wong, A. W. Y., Yu, O. Y., Yeung, C., & Chu, C. H. (2023). Challenge-based learning in dental education. Dentistry journal, 11(1), 14.
Nurcahyani, D., Yuberti, Y., Irwandani, I., Rahmayanti, H., Ichsan, I. Z., & Mehadi, M. R. (2021, February). Ethnoscience learning on science literacy of physics material to support environment: A meta-analysis research. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 1796, No. 1, p. 012094). IOP Publishing.
Ondrada, J. J., Mario, J. A. B., Makilan, N. C., Langcoy, M. G. F., & Acanto, R. B. (2024). Innovative contextualized instructional materials utilizing ethanolic crude extract from blue porter weed (Stachytarpheta Jamaicensis) for enhancing science learning in the Philippines. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 8(5), 1740–1772.
Paramitadevi, Y. V., Resmeiliana, I., & Apriliani, F. (2019, December). Combining Both ends of pipe treatment and cleaner production–A Case study of tofu SME in Bogor. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 399, No. 1, p. 012052). IOP Publishing.
Prayogi, S., & Yuanita, L. (2018). Critical Inquiry Based Learning: A Model of Learning to Promote Critical Thinking among Prospective Teachers of Physic. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 15(1), 43-56.
Putra, H. S. (2021). Ethnoscience a bridge to back to nature. In E3S Web of Conferences (Vol. 249, p. 01002). EDP Sciences.
Rådberg, K. K., Lundqvist, U., Malmqvist, J., & Hagvall, O. (2020). From CDIO to Challenge-Based Learning Experiences–Expanding Student Learning as well as Societal Impact?. European Journal of Engineering Education, 45(1), 22-37.
Rahmadhani, P., Sutrisno, S., & Widarti, H. R. (2021, March). Increasing students' critical thinking skills in fundamental of analytical chemistry using inquiry-based learning with OE3R strategy. In AIP Conference Proceedings (Vol. 2330, No. 1, p. 020013). AIP Publishing LLC.
Raman, Y., Surif, J., & Ibrahim, N. H. (2024). The Effect of Problem Based Learning Approach in Enhancing Problem Solving Skills in Chemistry Education: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 18(5), 91–111.
Ramesh, V. B., Seery, M. K., & Cole, R. (2025). Assessing Science Practices in Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratories: Why We Need to Do Better and How We Should. Journal of Chemical Education, 103(1), 27.
Reyes, R. L., & Villanueva, J. A. (2024). Narrative-Based Concept Representations: Fostering Visual Cognition in the Introductory Chemistry Classroom. Journal of Chemical Education, 101(3), 1106–1119.
Richey, R. C., & Klein, J. D. (2007). Design and Development Research: Methods, Strategies, and Issues. New York: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Safarifard, R., Lavasani, M. G., Hejazi, E., & Thani, F. N. (2024). Pedagogical Aspect of e-Learning in Higher Education: A Systematic Literature Review. Knowledge Management & E-Learning, 16(3), 521-546.
Sayadi, D., & Pangandaman, H. (2025). Technology-Enhanced Science Teaching for 21st-Century Learning: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Strategies and Their Alignment with SDG 4. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 14(3), 585-598.
Shidiq, A. S., Nurlatifah, V., Yamtinah, S., Ulfa, M., & Fadilah, M. (2025). Promoting Sustainability-Oriented Chemistry Learning with Simple Photometer. Journal of Chemical Education, 102(12), 5149–5159.
Stöckert, A., & Bogner, F. X. (2020). Cognitive Learning about Waste Management: How Relevance and Interest Influence Long-Term Knowledge. Education Sciences, 10(4), 102.
Sulastri, S., Rasul, M. S., & Zatya, I. (2025). STEM-Based Guided Inquiry in Colloid Practicums and Its Influence on Students' Concept Mastery. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 14(2).
Sun, X., Lin, G., Zhan, M., Zheng, Y., Ye, J., & Chen, D. (2024). Effects of a Microcomputer-Based Laboratory on the Triple-Representation of a Preservice Chemistry Teacher: An Eye-Tracking Design and Evidence. Journal of Chemical Education, 101(3), 858–867.
Suriani, N. M., Agustini, K., Sudhata, I. G. W., & Dantes, G. R. (2023). The effectiveness of E-book in learning process: A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Social Sciences, 6(2), 43-50.
Taconis, R., & Bekker, T. (2023, August). Challenge Based Learning as authentic learning environment for STEM identity construction. In Frontiers in education (Vol. 8, p. 1144702). Frontiers Media SA.
Tania, L., & Fadiawati, N. (2015). The development of interactivee-book based chemistry representations referred to the curriculum of 2013. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 4(2), 164–169.
Tarlani-Aliabadi, H., Tazik, K., & Azizi, Z. (2022). Exploring the role of language knowledge and background knowledge in reading comprehension of specific-purpose tests in higher education. Language Testing in Asia, 12(1), 48.
Utami, R. A., & Muhtadi, A. (2020, May). TPACK-based e-book for learning chemistry in senior high school. In International Conference on Online and Blended Learning 2019 (ICOBL 2019) (pp. 166-168). Atlantis Press.
Vu, X. H. (2025). Leveraging Technology for Higher-Order Thinking Development: Instructional Design Strategies in Higher Education. International Journal of Technologies in Learning, 32(2), 25–46.
Widarti, H. R., Wiyarsi, A., Yamtinah, S., Shidiq, A. S., Sari, M. E. F., Fauziah, P. N., & Rokhim, D. A. (2025). Analysis of content development in chemical materials related to ethnoscience: a review. Journal of Education and Learning, 19(1), 422–430.
Wood, L. (2013). Representing Chemistry: How Instructional Use of Symbolic, Microscopic, and Macroscopic Mode Influences Student Conceptual Understanding in Chemistry. Arizona State University.
Xu, H., Xu, M., Li, Y., Liu, X., Guo, L., & Jiang, H. (2018). Characterization, origin and aggregation behavior of colloids in eutrophic shallow lake. Water Research, 142, 176–186.
Zand, A. D., & Hoveidi, H. (2015). Comparing aluminium sulfate and poly-aluminium chloride (PAC) performance in turbidity removal from synthetic water. Journal of Applied Biotechnology Reports, 2(3), 287–292.
Zhang, H., Xu, X., Zhang, Y., & Sun, Y. (2024). Promoting Higher Order Thinking Skills in Undergraduates: Conceptualizing Challenge-Based Learning Through Personal Learning Environments Platform. In Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems (pp. 1-7). IOS Press.

