Enhancing Students’ Critical Thinking in Fluid Mechanics through PBL-Based Escape Room Games: Evidence of Significant Improvement

Nadiya Agustina; Irwan Koto; Rosane Medriati

doi:10.51276/edu.v7i3.1756

Authors

Nadiya Agustina Universitas Bengkulu
Irwan Koto Universitas Bengkulu
Rosane Medriati Universitas Bengkulu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v7i3.1756

Keywords:

Critical Thinking Skills , Escape Room Games , Fluid Mechanics , Physics Education , Problem-Based Learning

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effect of escape room games based on Problem-Based Learning on students’ critical thinking in fluid mechanics. A quasi-experimental method with a nonequivalent control group design was employed, involving an experimental and a control class. Data were collected through critical thinking tests and student response questionnaires, and analyzed using normality tests, mean difference tests, normalized gain (N-gain), and effect size. The results provide evidence of significant learning gains, with the experimental class achieving a high normalized gain (N-gain = 0.74) and a large effect size (d = 0.82), indicating a statistically significant effect compared to the control class (p < 0.05). In addition, student responses were categorized as very good, reflecting increased engagement, motivation, and conceptual understanding. These findings suggest that escape room games based on Problem-Based Learning constitute an effective and innovative instructional approach for enhancing students’ critical thinking in physics, particularly in fluid mechanics.

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Author Biographies

Nadiya Agustina, Universitas Bengkulu

She was born in South Bengkulu on 11 August 2003, she is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree (S1) in Physics Education at Universitas Bengkulu (UNIB).

Irwan Koto, Universitas Bengkulu

He was born in Padang Sidempuan on 1 April 1961. He completed his undergraduate degree (S1) at IKIP Padang (now Universitas Negeri Padang) in 1984. He then earned his master’s degree (S2) from the University of Iowa, USA, in 1996, followed by his doctoral degree (S3) from Curtin University, Australia, in 2013. He has been serving as a lecturer in Physics Education at Universitas Bengkulu since 1986.

Rosane Medriati, Universitas Bengkulu

She was born in Padang on 10 December 1961. She is a lecturer in the Physics Education Study Program at Universitas Bengkulu (UNIB). Her expertise focuses on science and physics learning models, and she is actively involved in research activities. She has also served as the Head of UPPL.

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