The effect of the emkontan model on students’ creative thinking skills in environmental pollution topics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21009/biosferjpb.59423Keywords:
21st-century skills, Issue-based learning, Real-life context learningAbstract
Creative thinking skills are a crucial component of 21st-century competencies, particularly in issue-based learning such as environmental pollution. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the EMKONTAN learning model in enhancing students’ creative thinking skills regarding environmental pollution. A quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group was employed. The participants were seventh-grade students from a junior high school in Bandung, Indonesia. The sample consisted of two classes, with 27 students in the experimental group and 27 students in the control group. The instruments used in this study included several data collection tools, namely observation sheets used to assess students’ creative thinking skills during learning activities, written achievement tests used to measure students’ understanding of environmental pollution concepts, and student questionnaires used to collect information regarding students’ responses to the implementation of the EMKONTAN learning model. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test, revealing a significant difference between the experimental and control groups (p = 0.047 < 0.05). The normalized gain (N-Gain) score of 0.78 indicated a high level of improvement, with the originality indicator showing the greatest gain and fluency the lowest. The EMKONTAN model, grounded in real-life contexts, effectively facilitated the connection between learning and the students’ environment, promoting meaningful and creative ideas. These findings suggest that the EMKONTAN model is a practical and effective approach for environmentally-themed learning to enhance students’ creative thinking skills.
References
Álvarez-Huerta, P., Muela, A., & Larrea, I. (2021). Student engagement and creative confidence beliefs in higher education. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 40, 100821. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2021.100821
Arfida, H., Gani, A., Susilawati, S., Khaldun, I., & Yusrizal, Y. (2024). Increasing High School Students’ Creativity in Local Wisdom-Based Environmental Studies Through the Project-Based Learning Model. JKPK (Jurnal Kimia Dan Pendidikan Kimia), 9(1), 158. https://doi.org/10.20961/jkpk.v9i1.85224
Astuti, D., Harjono, A., & Hadiprayitno, G. (2025). Systematic Review of Research Trends on Creative Thinking Skills in Science Learning (2016-2025). Current Educational Review, 1(4), 178–186. https://doi.org/10.56566/cer.v1i4.411
Aytaç, T., & Kula, S. S. (2022). The Effect of Student-Centered Approaches on Students’ Creative Thinking Skills: A Meta-Analysis Study. International Journal of Contemporary Educational Research, 7(2), 62–80. https://doi.org/10.33200/ijcer.723894
Baek, S. (2023). Fostering Students’ Environmental Competencies through a Plant STEAM Education Program in Korean Elementary Schools. Asia-Pacific Science Education, 9(2), 488–520. https://doi.org/10.1163/23641177-bja10069
Beghetto, R. A., & Kaufman, J. C. (2014). Classroom Contexts for Creativity. High Ability Studies, 25(1), 53–69. https://doi.org/10.1080/13598139.2014.905247
Dilekçi, A., & Karatay, H. (2023a). The effects of the 21st century skills curriculum on the development of students’ creative thinking skills. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 47, 101229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2022.101229
Dilekçi, A., & Karatay, H. (2023b). The effects of the 21st century skills curriculum on the development of students’ creative thinking skills. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 47, 101229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2022.101229
Doğantan, E. (2023). Experiential learning through the design thinking approach in tourism education. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 33, 100460. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhlste.2023.100460
Elvianasti, M., & Amirullah, G. (2022). Analysis of Students Creative Thinking Ability in Environmental Problem Solving Gufron Amirullah / Analysis of Students Creative Thinking Ability in Environmental Problem Solving. Jurnal Pendidikan, 14(2), 1983–1994. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v14i1.1629
Evans, N. S., & Jirout, J. J. (2023). Investigating the relation between curiosity and creativity. Journal of Creativity, 33(1), 100038. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yjoc.2022.100038
Fauzi, W. N. A., Wuryandani, W., & Supartinah. (2025). Creative thinking in global primary education: Pedagogical innovations and learning outcomes through an integrated bibliometric and systematic review. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 12, 102216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.102216
Ghaleb, A. F. (2024). Instructional Practices and Students’ Creative Thinking Skills in Science Education: A systematic Review. Education Sciences, 14(2).
Ghaleb, B. D. S. (2024). Effect of Exam-Focused and Teacher-Centered Education Systems on Students’ Cognitive and Psychological Competencies. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Approach Research and Science, 2(02), 611–631. https://doi.org/10.59653/ijmars.v2i02.648
Hanik, U. (2024). Upaya Penguatan Pendidikan Karakter Menuju Era Society 5.0Melalui Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila. Tafhim Al-‘Ilmi :Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pemikiran Islam, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.37459/tafhim.v16i01.204
Husamah, H., Rahardjanto, A., Hadi, S., & Lestari, N. (2024). What are the valuable lessons from global research on environmental literacy in the last two decades? A systematic literature review. Biosfer, 17(1), 172–195. https://doi.org/10.21009/biosferjpb.37491
Kim, K. H. (2006). Can We Trust Creativity Tests? A Review of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT). Creativity Research Journal, 18(1), 3–14. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326934crj1801_2
Kumara, A. R. (2018). Buku Ajar Penelitian Kualitatif. In 2018. UAD Press.
Lestari, K. E., & Yudhanegara, M. R. (2015). Penelitian Pendidikan Matematika. PT. Refika Aditama.
Li, S., & Yu, S. (2025). Transforming higher education for the knowledge economy: Enhancing creative thinking and problem-solving skills through collaborative learning. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 57, 101853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2025.101853
Mejía-Villa, Dr. A., Torres-Guevara, Dr. L. E., Prieto-Sandoval, Dr. V., Cabra, Dr. J., & Jaca, Dr. C. (2023). Training for sustainability through biomimicry and creative problem-solving processes. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 49, 101359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2023.101359
Nurlaelah, N., & Mulyani, D. (2023). Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Kontekstual Untuk Meningkatkan Keaslian Berpikir Siswa. Jurnal Pendidikan Kreatif, 9(2). https://eprints.uny.ac.id/25529/1/skripsi%20nur%20fiks.pdf
Nurwidodo, & Hindun, I. (2024). EMKONTAN Learning Model to Improve Creativity, Collaborative Skills, and Environmental Literacy of Prospective Biology Teachers. Jurnal Biolokus: Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Biologi Dan Biologi, 7(2). http://dx.doi.org/10.30821/biolokus.v7i2.3814
Nurwidodo, Ibrohim, Sueb, Abrori, F. M., & Darojat, T. A. (2023). Improving the creative thinking and collaborative skills of prospective biology teachers using the EMKONTAN learning model in environmental science courses. JPBI (Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi Indonesia), 9(1), 15–25. https://doi.org/10.22219/jpbi.v9i1.24382
Nurwidodo, N., Romdaniyah, S. W., Sudarmanto, S., Rosanti, D., Kurniawati, K., & Abidin, Z. (2021). Analisis Profil Berpikir Kritis, Kreatif, Keterampilan Kolaboratif, dan Literasi Lingkungan Siswa Kelas 8 SMP Muhammadiyah sebagai Impak Pembelajaran Modern. Bioscientist : Jurnal Ilmiah Biologi, 9(2), 605. https://doi.org/10.33394/bioscientist.v9i2.4642
Nurwidodo, Wahyuni, S., & Hindun, I. (2023). Enhancing Environmental Literacy Using EMKONTAN Learning for Biology Teacher Candidates. Prisma Sains: Jurnal Pengkajian Ilmu Dan Pembelajaran Matematika Dan IPA IKIP Mataram, 11(1), 175. https://doi.org/10.33394/j
Oktaviani, W., & Kurniawan, A. (2023). Penguatan Kemampuan Fluency Siswa melalui Brainstorming dan Studi Kasus. Jurnal Pendidikan Kreatif, 4(1). https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/289247-upaya-meningkatkan-hasil-belajar-siswa-p-ebac47da.pdf
Parker, L., & Prabawa-Sear, K. (2019). Environmental Education in Indonesia. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429397981
Pendas. (2024). Strategi Membangun Suasana Belajar yang Menyenangkan. Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran, 15(1). https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/362372-none-92d54ae9.pdf
Permata, A. R., Sunarno, W., & Harlita. (2022). Creative Thinking Skills Through Problem-Based Learning on Environmental Pollution Materials. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 11(3), 421–431.
Permata, S. A. I., Sunarno, W., & Harlita, H. (2022). Effect of the Problem Based Learning and Double Loop Problem Solving Learning Models on Problem Solving Ability in Term of Creative Thinking on Environmental Pollution Material. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 8(6), 2647–2653. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v8i6.1996
Pratiwi, D. (2023). Implementasi Strategi Refleksi Kognitif pada Tahap Penutupan Pembelajaran. Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran, 9(1).
Purwanto, A., Rahmawati, Y., Rahmayanti, N., Mardiah, A., & Amalia, R. (2022). Socio-Critical and Problem-Oriented Approach in Environmental Issues for Students’ Critical Thinking Skills dDvelopment in Chemistry Learning. Journal of Technology and Science Education, 12(1), 50. https://doi.org/10.3926/jotse.1341
Quibrantar, S. M., & Ezezika, O. (2023). Evaluating student engagement and experiential learning in global classrooms: A qualitative case study. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 78, 101290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stueduc.2023.101290
Rahmat, A., & Yuliana, S. (2024). Penerapan Pengalaman Langsung Dalam Pembelajaran Untuk Meningkatkan Keterlibatan Siswa. Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan, 16(1).
Rosita, E., Hidayat, W., & Yuliani, W. (2021). Uji Validitas dan Reliabilitas Kuesioner Perilaku Prososial. FOKUS (Kajian Bimbingan & Konseling Dalam Pendidikan), 4(4), 279. https://doi.org/10.22460/fokus.v4i4.7413
Runco, M. A., & Alabbasi, A. M. A. (2024). Interactions among dimensions of divergent thinking as predictors of creative activity and accomplishment. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 53, 101583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2024.101583
Sari, L., & Marlina, D. (2022). Pembelajaran Berbasis Proyek dalam Meningkatkan Elaborasi Siswa. Jurnal Pendidikan Terapan, 7(1).
Sevimli-Celik, S., & Güvelioglu, E. (2026). From comfort zone to growth zone: Experiential projects as catalysts for creativity in pre-service teachers. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 59, 101994. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2025.101994
Sigit, D. V, Ichsan, I. Z., & Miarsyah, M. (2019). The Integration of Green Chemistry Principles into Small Scale Chemistry Practicum for Senior High School Students. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v8i3.19250
Sumarni, S., Fikri, F. A., & Efendi, A. (2024). Challenges, Opportunities, Solutions to Creativity Competencies of Students of Building Engineering Vocational Schools (pp. 45–51). https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-198-2_7
Supriadi, I. (2022). Riset Akuntansi Keperilakuan : Penggunaan SmartPLS dan SPSS Include Macro Andrew F. Hayes. Jakad Media Publishing.
Susilowati, N. E., Okiri, P. O., Efendi, R., Muslim, M., Arifiyanti, F., & Saputra, M. R. D. (2025). Ready to Boost Adolescents’ Creative Thinking? How Problem-Based Blended Learning Empowers 15-17-Year-Old Students. Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Fisika Al-Biruni, 14(1), 83–97. https://doi.org/10.24042/jipfalbiruni.v14i1.26616
Tang, J. T., Lan, W. C., & Mo, D. J. (2025). Exploring the effects of interactive digital picture books on elementary students’ creativity. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 57, 101864. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2025.101864
Torrance, E. P. (2018). The Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking streamlined (revised) manual Figural A and B. Scholastic Testing Service: Bensenville, IL. .
Uno, H. B. (2023). Teori Motivasi dan Pengukurannya: Analisis di Bidang Pendidikan. Bumi Aksara.
Utami, & Haris. (2024). Pembelajaran Kontekstual Untuk Meningkatkan Pemahaman Konsep Siswa Pada Materi Lingkungan. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Sains, 12(1).
Vicol, M.-I., Gavriluț, M.-L., & Mâță, L. (2024). A Quasi-Experimental Study on the Development of Creative Writing Skills in Primary School Students. Education Sciences, 14(1), 91. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14010091
Vygotsky. (2023). Educational Psychology (14th Ed.). Pearson Education.
Wicaksono, A., & Suhartini, Y. (2023). Pembelajaran Berbasis Elaborasi untuk Meningkatkan Gagasan Terperinci Siswa. Jurnal Pendidikan Terpadu, 5(2).
Widodo, S., Ladyani, F., Dalfian, & Nurcahyati, S. (2023). Buku Ajar Metode Penelitian. CV. Science Techno Direct.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Biosfer: Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The Authors submitting a manuscript do so on the understanding that if accepted for publication, copyright of the article shall be assigned to Biosfer: Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi (Biosferjpb) and Departement of Biology Education, Universitas Negeri Jakarta as publisher of the journal.
