یادگیری

This design case describes the development and iterative refinement of an instructional method for teaching the Spanish prepositions por and para, which are a persistent challenge for learners to master, even at advanced levels. This instructional design is a visually based mnemonic system that uses color-coded images to facilitate the memorization and contextual understanding of 14 distinct usage rules. Initially created from classroom necessity and refined over multiple semesters, the design combines visual aids, student interaction, and a novel “color reveal” step that retroactively assigns color categories—black-and-white for por and color for para—to previously memorized images. This delayed categorization allows learners to chunk and sort abstract grammar rules efficiently, reducing cognitive load and improving retention. The method was implemented in second-semester Spanish courses at a large Midwestern university and later adapted for asynchronous instruction. Only after developing the design did the theoretical underpinnings—dual coding, information processing theory, and schema formation—become clear. This case illustrates to the designer the value of practice-driven innovation and the role of cognitive theory in shaping effective instructional tools.

Purpose Academic procrastination (AP) is a pervasive self-regulatory problem that undermines students’ academic functioning and psychological well-being. This study examined the direct and indirect relationships between growth and fixed mindsets, internal and external locus of control, and AP in sports science students. Method Internal and external locus of control were tested as parallel mediators in separate growth and fixed mindset models. A cross-sectional predictive design was employed with 544 undergraduate sports science students in Eastern Anatolia, Türkiye. Participants completed measures of mindset, locus of control, and AP. Parallel mediation analyses were conducted using PROCESS Macro (Model 4) with 5,000 bootstrap samples, controlling for age and gender. Results The direct effects indicated that a growth mindset was negatively associated with AP, whereas a fixed mindset was positively associated with AP. A growth mindset was positively associated with an internal locus of control and negatively associated with an external locus of control, whereas a fixed mindset was negatively associated with an internal locus of control and positively associated with an external locus of control. An external locus of control was positively associated with AP and significantly mediated the relationships between both mindset dimensions and AP. In contrast, the internal locus of control did not significantly mediate either relationship. Male students reported higher AP levels than female students, and age was negatively associated with AP. Conclusion These findings suggest that an external locus of control is a key behavioral mechanism linking mindset beliefs to AP. Interventions targeting maladaptive external control beliefs may help reduce AP among sports science students.

Vocabulary acquisition constitutes a fundamental component in learning English as a foreign language; however, traditional teaching methods do not always promote motivation or long-term lexical retention. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of storytelling with urban legends in teaching vocabulary to young English learners. The re-search was developed under a quantitative approach and a quasi-experimental pretest and posttest design with a single group. The sample consisted of 48 students from the National and Foreign Languages Pedagogy major at the Technical University of Cotopaxi, and for data collection, a 30-item multiple-choice vocabulary test was used, which was applied before and after a pedagogical intervention based on four storytelling sessions using urban legends, de-signed for this research and validated through the judgment of three expert professors from the National and Foreign Languages Pedagogy major. The data were analyzed using descrip-tive statistics in Microsoft Excel, and the results showed an increase in the mean scores, which went from 20.27 in the pretest to 24.94 in the posttest; likewise, the minimum score increased from 5 to 11 points and the standard deviation decreased from 5.79 to 5.03, evi-dencing a more homogeneous performance after the intervention. In conclusion, the findings suggest that storytelling with urban legends constitutes a pertinent pedagogical strategy to strengthen English vocabulary learning by providing meaningful narrative contexts that favor the comprehension, retention, and use of new words.

This study aims to examine research trends and synthesize key findings related to the implementation of outdoor learning in science education through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach. The literature search was conducted using the Scopus database and focused on publications published between 2021 and 2025. The initial search retrieved 197 records, which were subsequently screened in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in 12 studies being selected for further analysis. Based on the descriptive mapping and synthesis of the selected studies, the findings suggest that outdoor learning may enhance students' conceptual understanding, engagement, learning motivation, and several aspects of thinking skills, although direct evidence regarding critical thinking remains limited. The reviewed studies suggest that outdoor learning may support conceptual understanding, engagement, motivation, and some aspects of thinking skills, although direct evidence on critical thinking remains relatively limited. Mixed methods emerged as the most frequently used research approach, followed by qualitative and quantitative methods. The review further identifies underexplored areas, particularly technology integration and the implementation of outdoor learning across diverse educational contexts, highlighting important opportunities for future research.

This study aims to explore and analyze effective learning strategies for gifted and talented students in elementary schools. Using a systematic literature review, it identifies the distinctive needs of gifted students and examines appropriate strategies, including curriculum enrichment, curriculum compacting, and acceleration. The findings indicate that gifted students need more challenging and targeted approaches to help them reach their full potential. Dynamic and relevant curriculum development, together with professional teacher training, is essential to creating a supportive and inspiring learning environment. Educational policies should therefore be more responsive to the needs of gifted students.

Cognitive flexibility enables individuals to navigate unpredictable situations and rapid changes. Because the prefrontal cortex governs both cognitive flexibility and emotional input, lifetime traumatic experiences may influence its development. Despite this, research examining the impact of childhood trauma on cognitive flexibility in early adulthood remains limited. This study investigates the relationship using a sequential explanatory approach. A total of 275 undergraduate and diploma students (ages 18–25) from Gadjah Mada University completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) and the Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS). Simple linear regression and thematic analysis indicated that childhood trauma predicts cognitive flexibility in early adulthood. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the long-term impact of childhood trauma on cognitive adaptability, which may inform interventions to enhance resilience in early adulthood. Future research should consider developmental timing, sociocultural environment, education, socioeconomic status, and spirituality, as well as experimental performance measures.

The research aimed to examine the effects of gamification environments on university students' achievement, flow experiences, and emotional states. This study utilized a mixed-methods design, incorporating a quasi-experimental approach for the quantitative phase and a phenomenological approach for the qualitative phase. The study group consisted of 80 students (Quizizz, n = 32; Quizlet, n = 48) enrolled in the Educational Psychology course at a state university. Data were collected through the Achievement Test, Flow Experience Scale, and Positive and Negative Affect Scale. Both groups showed significant pre-test to post-test gains in achievement, with no significant difference between the two groups. Flow experience was positively correlated with positive emotion in both groups, but with achievement only in the Quizlet group. In the Quizizz group, achievement was moderately and negatively correlated with negative emotion, whereas no such relationship was found in the Quizlet group. No significant relationship was found between achievement and positive emotion in either group. Qualitative findings revealed that students actively engaged in both environments, reported higher motivation, and found learning more enjoyable. However, they experienced the platforms differently. Quizizz users emphasized excitement through competition and scoring, whereas Quizlet users highlighted confidence gained from repetition and individual progress. Overall, these results indicate that gamification tools led to similar achievement gains, but through different flow and emotional processes.

This study is motivated by the declining use of sagata, a form of Lampung oral literature, due to the influence of global culture and reduced transmission of the local language to younger generations. It aims to describe the implementation of sagata instruction among fifth-grade students at MIN 10 Bandar Lampung, including planning, implementation, evaluation, and supporting/inhibiting factors. A qualitative descriptive approach was used. The subjects were three participants: one Lampung language teacher, one madrasah principal, and one fifth-grade student selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, then analyzed through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing; data validity was established through triangulation. Findings show that instructional planning was carried out systematically, covering module development, objective formulation, material selection, method selection, media preparation, and evaluation planning. Supporting factors included madrasah support, teachers’ roles, and student enthusiasm, while inhibiting factors included limited sagata-specific teaching materials, varying student vocabulary mastery, and the declining everyday use of sagata. Overall, sagata instruction has been implemented in a structured manner, though further strengthening of materials, media, and practice opportunities is needed to sustain its preservation through formal education. ABSTRAK Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh menurunnya penggunaan sagata, salah satu bentuk sastra lisan masyarakat Lampung, akibat derasnya arus budaya global serta berkurangnya pewarisan bahasa daerah kepada generasi muda. Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan implementasi pembelajaran sastra lisan sagata pada siswa kelas V MIN 10 Bandar Lampung, mencakup perencanaan, pelaksanaan, evaluasi, serta faktor pendukung dan penghambat pembelajaran. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian deskriptif. Subjek penelitian berjumlah tiga orang, yaitu satu guru Bahasa Lampung, satu kepala madrasah, dan satu siswa kelas V yang dipilih melalui teknik purposive sampling. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi, kemudian dianalisis melalui kondensasi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Keabsahan data diuji melalui triangulasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perencanaan pembelajaran sagata dilakukan secara sistematis melalui penyusunan modul ajar, perumusan tujuan, penentuan materi, pemilihan metode, penyiapan media, dan perencanaan evaluasi. Faktor pendukung meliputi dukungan madrasah, peran guru, serta antusiasme siswa, sementara faktor penghambat mencakup keterbatasan bahan ajar khusus sagata, perbedaan penguasaan kosakata bahasa Lampung, dan berkurangnya penggunaan sagata dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Implementasi pembelajaran sagata telah terlaksana secara terstruktur, meskipun masih memerlukan penguatan bahan ajar, media, dan kesempatan praktik untuk mendukung keberlanjutan pelestariannya melalui pendidikan formal.

Synchronous video conferencing (VC) has become an established mode of higher education, but sustaining student engagement remains challenging, particularly in practice-oriented disciplines such as graphic design. This study examined the effects of three gamification mechanisms, including animated badges, experience points, and level upgrades, on behavioural, emotional, and cognitive engagement in synchronous VC learning. Guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT), a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design was implemented with 124 first-year graphic design students from three public universities in China. Participants were distributed equally across a non-gamified control condition and three gamified conditions (n = 31 per group). Engagement was assessed before and after a four-week instructional intervention. Significant improvements were observed within the engagement components across all three gamified conditions, with no statistically significant change observed within the control condition. Participant-level total scores for each dimension of engagement were then used to estimate baseline-adjusted regression models. The models accounted for 97.4% of the variance in post-intervention behavioural engagement, 96.6% in emotional engagement, and 98.8% in cognitive engagement. Relative to the control condition and after controlling for baseline engagement, animated badges, experience points, and level upgrades were associated with increases of 40.35, 46.90, and 49.36 points in behavioural engagement; 48.82, 51.76, and 52.48 points in emotional engagement; and 95.86, 105.46, and 107.36 points in cognitive engagement, respectively. The results suggest that gamification mechanisms vary in the strength and direction of their relationship with engagement, with the strongest adjusted relationships being found between progression-based gamification and the cognitive dimension of engagement. The study extends the analysis beyond significance testing by introducing a quantitative, baseline-adjusted model to estimate post-intervention engagement given gamification condition and baseline engagement and offers a more precise basis for the design of gamified VC interfaces.

Objectives Cross-cultural equivalence translations of the widely used Implicit Theories of Intelligence Scale (ITIS) into Chinese are limited. Past research has focused on Western educational contexts, and Eastern cultural perspectives have been overlooked. This study aimed to translate and validate the Chinese version of the ITIS, and assess the growth mindset in undergraduate medical students. Methods This study was conducted among final-year undergraduate medical students in Fujian, China. Following forward and back-translation of the Implicit Theories of Intelligence Scale (ITIS), cognitive interviews were conducted with students to assess the clarity and comprehensibility of the translated items, followed by an online survey distributed through medical schools. Construct validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability (CR), while test–retest reliability was evaluated separately for the Fixed Mindset and Growth Mindset dimensions using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results A total of 444 responses were obtained. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor structure with satisfactory model fit ( χ 2 = 52.293, df = 17, CMIN/DF = 3.076, CFI = 0.984, NFI = 0.977, RFI = 0.962, IFI = 0.984, TLI = 0.974, RMSEA = 0.068, SRMR = 0.059). Standardized factor loadings were satisfactory, while CR values were 0.908 for Fixed Mindset and 0.910 for Growth Mindset, and AVE values were 0.713 and 0.717, respectively, supporting convergent validity. Discriminant validity was supported by the Fornell–Larcker criterion, AVE values exceeding the corresponding maximum shared variance values, and HTMT ratios below 0.90. Test–retest reliability differed between the two dimensions: the Fixed Mindset dimension demonstrated moderate temporal stability (ICC = 0.662, 95% CI: 0.443–0.806), whereas the Growth Mindset dimension showed limited temporal stability (ICC = 0.159, 95% CI: −0.158–0.446). The mean scores for Fixed Mindset items ranged from 2.64 (SD = 1.09) to 2.86 (SD = 1.56), whereas those for Growth Mindset items ranged from 3.81 (SD = 1.16) to 3.96 (SD = 1.21), indicating relatively stronger endorsement of fixed-mindset beliefs in this sample. Conclusions The Chinese version of the ITIS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the intelligence mindset of medical students.

This study aims to synthesize the relationship between deep learning strategies and students' critical thinking skills within the context of Economics education. Employing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology, we examined 24 scholarly publications. The synthesis reveals three key findings: (1) a deep learning approach has a significant influence on higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) and critical thinking abilities; however, this relationship is complex and mediated by variables such as epistemological beliefs, perceptions of the learning context, and intrinsic motivation. (2) The adoption of a deep learning approach does not automatically result in high-level critical thinking skills; therefore, such skills require explicit and structured development. (3) Inquiry-based learning strategies, structured collaboration, and the integration of technology as a cognitive scaffold have proven most effective in promoting both aspects synergistically. This study offers practical implications for the design of Economics instruction—specifically regarding the cultivation of deep knowledge and the development of critical thinking skills—within the framework of the Kurikulum Merdeka (Independent Curriculum).

Pesantren-based madrasahs may organize religious and general learning through two configurations, separated and integrated, yet students' experiences under the two configurations are rarely compared sequentially within one institution. Prior studies mostly address the epistemological and curricular dimensions of knowledge integration, while students' experiences under both configurations have not been compared directly. This study compares academic achievement, religious understanding, and student well-being between the cohort of students who studied under the separated system and the cohort who later studied under the integrated system at MA Khozinatul Ulum Blora, as reported by teachers and students. It uses an embedded case study with two units of analysis. Thirteen informants took part: five students from each cohort, one madrasah diniyah teacher, one general subject teacher, and one deputy head for curriculum. Data came from semi-structured interviews for both cohorts, along with observation and document analysis for the currently running integrated system, analyzed thematically with triangulation. Three differences emerged. Separated-system students described more structured learning, whereas integrated-system students described difficulty keeping focus as the scope of material widened. Broader religious understanding across subjects was described by integrated-system students, while separated-system students tied it to religion class hours. Fatigue was reported more often in the integrated group. The study contributes a comparison of two periods of learning systems within one institution.

This research explores how learning science through Project-Based Learning (PBL) can increase student engagement by influencing student interest and academic performance in the 7th-grade classroom. While elementary students often enjoy science because it is very hands-on, middle school introduces a more structured instruction, which can reduce student motivation and lead to a decrease in engagement. This study sought to understand whether Project-Based Learning (PBL) could help bridge the gap between engagement and rigor. PBL provides students with opportunities to explore authentic, real-world problems, collaborate with peers, and apply scientific concepts in meaningful contexts. Students actively construct knowledge through inquiry, experimentation, and reflection. These elements align closely with the goals of middle school science education—to foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills while maintaining student interest and joy in learning. The study was conducted in two 7th-grade science classrooms, one of which included a dual-language Spanish program. Students participated in science units designed around PBL principles that emphasized inquiry-based projects, collaboration, and student choice. Data were collected using pre- and post-interest surveys and pre- and post-unit assessments to measure shifts in student attitudes, engagement, and academic performance.

The purpose of this action research study was to explore how humorous science books can be purposefully integrated into elementary science instruction to enhance student engagement and conceptual understanding. Participants included nineteen second-grade students, ages seven to eight. The study examined the impact of teacher-led, intentional humor embedded in science texts featuring jokes, playful language, and a narrative voice. Data were collected through pre- and post-surveys assessing students’ understanding of grade-level science concepts, as well as their interest in and enjoyment of science learning. Results indicated that students responded positively to humorous science texts and demonstrated gains in content knowledge. These results suggest that humor can serve as an effective instructional strategy and that engaging, humorous science books can be a meaningful tool in elementary science education.

Islamic Cultural History (Sejarah Kebudayaan Islam/SKI) learning requires students to understand values and meaning beyond historical facts, yet empirical explanations of how storytelling connects narratives with students’ meaning-making remain limited. This study analyzes storytelling as a narrative pedagogy practice in SKI learning, identifies its pedagogical potential and limitations in supporting students’ understanding and meaning-making of Islamic historical narratives, and formulates a conceptual model of the meaning-making process emerging from the practice. A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed at MA Khozinatul ‘Ulum Blora. Data were obtained from 10 informants, comprising one Grade XI SKI teacher, one vice principal for curriculum affairs, and eight Grade XI students, through classroom observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, involving data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings indicate that storytelling was implemented dialogically and adaptively rather than as a stand-alone method, being integrated with teacher explanations, questions, and classroom discussions. The practice supported students’ understanding of historical events, figures, conflicts, and values, while its limitations included students’ perceived difficulty in recalling factual details when narratives were lengthy or contained numerous names and dates, as well as dependence on teacher mediation. Meaning-making developed through narrative understanding, personal reflection, and pedagogical dialogue. The study contributes the Multi-Pathway Meaning-Making model, which conceptualizes storytelling as a trigger for engagement and meaning-making rather than as a single causal mechanism.

Project-Based Learning can deepen content understanding, promote real-world application, and foster student interest in math and science. This study examines the effect of a 6-week Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit, “The Dirt on Community Gardens,” on student content knowledge and motivation in science and math. The unit addresses a lack of student knowledge by integrating life science (plant life cycles, nutrition) and math (area, perimeter, budgeting) into a real-world project. Students design and build container gardens, growing nutritionally balanced, edible plants for a live client. The project culminates in a community event to share garden solutions. By collaborating with community experts and managing a budget, students engage in problem-solving and critical thinking, which are key to developing skills necessary to become active, informed citizens. The goal is to demonstrate that real-world scenarios deepen learning.

Reading is one of the main ways through which middle school students learn English, and the quality of their reading depends largely on the level of thinking involved in the learning process. In actual teaching, however, many reading tasks remain at a low cognitive level, and students encounter difficulty when questions require inference, evaluation, or creation. SOLO taxonomy, which describes the structural complexity of observable learning outcomes, provides a basis for planning and assessing reading tasks across cognitive levels. Drawing on representative studies from China and abroad, this paper reviews research on the application of SOLO taxonomy in English reading teaching in middle schools. It traces the origin and development of the taxonomy, analyzes its compatibility with reading teaching, and examines two lines of applied research, namely SOLO-based reading teaching design and SOLO-based reading teaching assessment. The review indicates that design research has consolidated a working model of tiered objectives, ascending tasks, and question chains, while assessment research has produced level descriptions, evaluation scales, and process-oriented frameworks. And the two lines converge on aligning objectives, activities, and assessment within one level system. The field nevertheless remains constrained by predominantly case-based methods, scarce controlled or longitudinal evidence, and uneven attention between junior and senior high schools. The review concludes that SOLO taxonomy provides an operational definition of thinking depth in reading and supports the integration of teaching, learning, and assessment, but that future work requires more rigorous empirical designs, validated instruments, and broader coverage of learners and reading contexts.

This study was motivated by the low learning outcomes of students in Pancasila Education, which was caused by a learning process that had not fully involved students actively. This study aimed to describe the implementation of the Role Playing learning strategy and analyze the improvement of students’ learning outcomes after its implementation. The study was conducted at UPTD SD Negeri 074038 TOHIA with 23 fourth-grade students as research subjects. This study employed Classroom Action Research conducted in two cycles. Each cycle consisted of planning, action implementation, observation, and reflection stages. The research instruments consisted of teacher activity observation sheets, student activity observation sheets, and learning outcome tests. Data were collected through observation and tests. The results showed that the implementation of the Role Playing strategy improved the quality of the learning process and students’ learning outcomes. Teacher activity increased gradually in each meeting, while student activity also showed increased involvement throughout the learning process. The learning test results showed that the average student score in Cycle I was 63.43 with classical mastery of 39.13%, which increased in Cycle II to 77.17 with classical mastery of 86.95%. This improvement indicates that Role Playing provided students with active, contextual, and meaningful learning experiences that helped them understand Pancasila Education material more effectively. Therefore, the Role Playing learning strategy can be used as an alternative learning strategy to improve students’ learning outcomes in Pancasila Education at the elementary school level. ABSTRAK Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh rendahnya hasil belajar peserta didik pada mata pelajaran Pendidikan Pancasila yang disebabkan oleh proses pembelajaran yang belum sepenuhnya melibatkan peserta didik secara aktif. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan penerapan strategi pembelajaran Role Playing dan menganalisis peningkatan hasil belajar peserta didik setelah penerapan strategi tersebut. Penelitian dilaksanakan di UPTD SD Negeri 074038 TOHIA dengan subjek penelitian sebanyak 23 peserta didik kelas IV. Penelitian ini menggunakan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK) yang dilaksanakan dalam dua siklus. Setiap siklus terdiri atas tahap perencanaan, pelaksanaan tindakan, observasi, dan refleksi. Instrumen penelitian berupa lembar observasi aktivitas guru, lembar observasi aktivitas peserta didik, dan tes hasil belajar. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui observasi dan tes. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penerapan strategi Role Playing dapat meningkatkan kualitas proses dan hasil pembelajaran. Aktivitas guru meningkat secara bertahap dari setiap pertemuan, demikian pula aktivitas peserta didik yang menunjukkan peningkatan keterlibatan selama pembelajaran. Hasil tes menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata hasil belajar peserta didik pada Siklus I sebesar 63,43 dengan ketuntasan klasikal 39,13%, kemudian meningkat pada Siklus II menjadi 77,17 dengan ketuntasan klasikal 86,95%. Peningkatan tersebut menunjukkan bahwa penerapan Role Playing mampu memberikan pengalaman belajar yang aktif, kontekstual, dan bermakna sehingga membantu peserta didik memahami materi Pendidikan Pancasila dengan lebih baik. Dengan demikian, strategi pembelajaran Role Playing dapat digunakan sebagai salah satu alternatif strategi pembelajaran untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar peserta didik pada mata pelajaran Pendidikan Pancasila di sekolah dasar.

The integration of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) and Science represents a crucial approach to developing students' scientific competence while simultaneously strengthening Islamic values ​​and character. This study aims to identify the general and specific characteristics of integrated PAI and Science instruction, serving as an empirical foundation for developing an integrated learning model at MI Muhammadiyah Sains Qur'an (MIM SAINSQU) Balong. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, with data collected through interviews with the principal, curriculum coordinator, PAI teachers, and classroom or Science teachers; classroom observations; and an analysis of relevant school and instructional documents. The findings indicate that this integration is realized through Quran-oriented contextualization, scientific inquiry, environment-based learning, active student participation, teacher facilitation, and the development of cognitive and affective competencies. However, implementation varies depending on the learning topic, teacher readiness, and the availability of integrated learning resources and assessment frameworks. The study concludes that MIM SAINSQU Balong possesses a strong institutional and pedagogical foundation for integrated PAI and Science instruction but requires a systematic model that coherently links scientific concepts, Quranic values, learning activities, resources, the roles of teachers and students, and assessment.

This study examines the implementation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) assisted by flashcard media to improve third-grade elementary students’ critical thinking skills in Landscape (Bentang Alam) material. Methods: This study used a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control-group design. The sample consisted of 44 third-grade students from SD Negeri in Semarang, divided into an experimental class (22 students) taught using PBL assisted by flashcards and a control class (22 students) taught using conventional learning. Data were collected using pretest and posttest instruments with 120 multiple-choice items (30 per skill) and analyzed using normality and homogeneity tests, paired-sample t-tests, independent-sample t-tests, Normalized Gain (N-Gain) analysis, and analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) with the pretest as the covariate. Because of third-grade students' cognitive capacity, the test was administered in four separate sessions on four different days, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Effect size was reported using Partial Eta Squared to measure the magnitude of the intervention’s impact. Both groups showed increased critical thinking ability after treatment, but the experimental group's increase was significantly higher than the control group's. After controlling for pretest scores, the ANCOVA results showed a significant difference between groups (F = 16989.679; p < .001; η²p = .998), indicating a large effect size. The experimental group's average N-Gain score was 0.7336, categorized as high and fairly effective, while the control group's average was 0.3784, categorized as medium and less effective. The greatest improvement occurred in the analysis and evaluation indicators. Implementing PBL assisted by flashcards effectively improves students’ critical thinking skills on Landscape material, as flashcards function not merely as visual media but as contextual problem triggers integrated into each stage of the PBL syntax. Keywords: problem-based learning, flashcard, critical thinking, landscape, elementary school.