Effects of Physics Teaching Materials on Student Critical Thinking and Creative Thinking Skills: A Meta-Analysis

TL;DR

This meta-analysis evaluates how different physics teaching materials impact high school students' critical and creative thinking skills, highlighting effective formats and significant skill improvements based on recent research.

Contribution

It systematically analyzes recent studies to identify which physics teaching materials most effectively enhance critical and creative thinking skills.

Findings

Modules and worksheets have the highest effect sizes.

Physics materials significantly improve critical thinking.

Physics materials significantly improve creative thinking.

Abstract

The rapid advancement of technology and science education demands innovative approaches to develop students' critical and creative thinking skills. However, there is limited systematic evidence about the effectiveness of different physics teaching materials in fostering these essential 21st century skills. This study aims to investigate the effect of physics teaching materials on critical thinking skills and creative thinking skills of high school students through a comprehensive meta-analysis of recent research. Using purposive sampling, 20 articles from national journals published between 2019-2023 were analyzed. The results revealed three key findings: (1) physics teaching materials showed varying degrees of effectiveness across different formats, with modules and student worksheets demonstrating the highest effect sizes (3.93 and 3.97 respectively); (2) physics teaching materials significantly enhanced students' critical thinking skills with a high effect size category (3.97); and (3) these materials effectively improved creative thinking skills with a high effect size category (2.97). These findings provide valuable insights for educators and curriculum developers in designing and implementing effective physics teaching materials.