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Integrating E-Comics and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to Foster Higher-Order Thinking Skills in Elementary Students

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Title: Integrating E-Comics and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to Foster Higher-Order Thinking Skills in Elementary Students
Language: English
Authors: Mazwar Ismiyanto (ORCID 0009-0003-9766-8436), Sofyan Anif (ORCID 0000-0002-0164-1761), Ahmad Muhibbin (ORCID 0000-0003-2528-1833)
Source: International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education. 2026 18(3):407-417.
Availability: International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education. T&K Akademic Rosendalsvein 45, Oslo 1166, Norway. e-mail: iejee@iejee.com; Web site: https://www.iejee.com/index.php/IEJEE/index
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Grade 5
Intermediate Grades
Middle Schools
Descriptors: Cartoons, Electronic Publishing, Problem Solving, Active Learning, Thinking Skills, Elementary School Students, Foreign Countries, Grade 5, Educational Technology
Geographic Terms: Indonesia
ISSN: 1307-9298
Abstract: The demands of 21st-century education necessitate that students develop Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) to thrive in a dynamic and complex digital era. Nevertheless, elementary-level instruction frequently remains dominated by conventional approaches that inadequately foster critical, creative, and problem-solving competencies. Technology-based learning innovations offer a promising solution, particularly through the integration of E-Comics with Problem-Based Learning (PBL). This study examines the effectiveness of combining E-Comics and PBL to enhance higher-order thinking skills among elementary school students. A quasi-experimental design was employed, utilizing both control and experimental groups. Participants comprised fifth-grade students from two elementary schools in Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia. Research instruments included HOTS-aligned assessments and structured classroom observation sheets. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential t-tests. Results demonstrated that the experimental group, taught using the E-Comic-PBL integration, exhibited a statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) in higher-order thinking skills compared to the control group. These findings indicate that integrating interactive digital media such as E-Comics with PBL can serve as an innovative strategy to cultivate students' critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Pedagogical implications and recommendations for further research are also discussed.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1515765
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Integrating E-Comics and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to Foster Higher-Order Thinking Skills in Elementary Students
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  Data: The demands of 21st-century education necessitate that students develop Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) to thrive in a dynamic and complex digital era. Nevertheless, elementary-level instruction frequently remains dominated by conventional approaches that inadequately foster critical, creative, and problem-solving competencies. Technology-based learning innovations offer a promising solution, particularly through the integration of E-Comics with Problem-Based Learning (PBL). This study examines the effectiveness of combining E-Comics and PBL to enhance higher-order thinking skills among elementary school students. A quasi-experimental design was employed, utilizing both control and experimental groups. Participants comprised fifth-grade students from two elementary schools in Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia. Research instruments included HOTS-aligned assessments and structured classroom observation sheets. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential t-tests. Results demonstrated that the experimental group, taught using the E-Comic-PBL integration, exhibited a statistically significant improvement (p&lt;0.05) in higher-order thinking skills compared to the control group. These findings indicate that integrating interactive digital media such as E-Comics with PBL can serve as an innovative strategy to cultivate students&#39; critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Pedagogical implications and recommendations for further research are also discussed.
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    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 11
        StartPage: 407
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Cartoons
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Electronic Publishing
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Problem Solving
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Active Learning
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Thinking Skills
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Elementary School Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Grade 5
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Educational Technology
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Indonesia
        Type: general
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      – TitleFull: Integrating E-Comics and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to Foster Higher-Order Thinking Skills in Elementary Students
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              Y: 2026
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