Planning a Problem Based Learning (PBL) Model in Biology Subjects in High School: A Case Study

Widya Arwita 1 Indonesia , Abraham Pranata Sitinjak 1 Indonesia , Naziha Amanda 1 Indonesia , Rayuni Istiara 1 Indonesia , Delsa Mahmudah 1 Indonesia , Sheila Desiska Nasution 1 Indonesia , Sri Tama Rotua Sianturi 1 Indonesia
1 Universitas Negeri Medan
Link Copied!
Published 2025-12-05
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025) PAGES 196-212
DOI 10.51574/ijrer.v5i1.4119
Views / Downloads 304 376

Biology learning in the 21st century demands a shift from conventional teacher-centered methods to student-centered approaches to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model is one relevant approach, but its implementation is highly dependent on the quality of teacher planning. This study intends to describe and analyze in depth the PBL model planning process in biology subjects at high school. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. The research subjects are biology teachers and the school's internal MGMP team. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews, non-participatory observation during planning meetings, and document analysis in the form of lesson implementation plans. The results of the study indicate that the PBL planning process at High School 5 Medan goes through several crucial stages: (1) Identification of essential materials suitable for PBL; (2) Formulation of problems (scenarios) that are authentic, contextual, and relevant to the student's environment; (3) Design of systematic learning steps according to PBL syntax; and (4) Development of authentic assessment instruments that focus on process and product. The main challenges faced by teachers in planning are time allocation and alignment problems with the learning outcomes set by the curriculum. This case study concludes that thorough and collaborative planning is an essential key to the successful implementation of PBL and recommends the need for ongoing professional development support for teachers in designing innovative learning.

Arwita, W., Sitinjak, A. P., Amanda, N., Istiara, R., Mahmudah, D., Nasution, S. D., & Sianturi, S. T. R. (2025). Planning a Problem Based Learning (PBL) Model in Biology Subjects in High School: A Case Study. ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review , 5(1), 196–212. https://doi.org/10.51574/ijrer.v5i1.4119
More Citation Formats
Download Citation

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.
  1. Ananda, Y., Rahmatan, H., & Huda, I. (2023). Application of the video-assisted problem based learning model to increase student learning motivation in virus material. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(8), 6230-6237. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i8.4766
  2. Anggraeni, D. M., Prahani, B. K., Suprapto, N., Shofiyah, N., & Jatmiko, B. (2023). Systematic review of problem based learning research in fostering critical thinking skills. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 49, 101334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2023.101334
  3. Byukusenge, C., Nsanganwimana, F., & Paulo Tarmo, A. (2023). Difficult topics in the revised biology curriculum for advanced level secondary schools in Rwanda: teachers’ perceptions of causes and remedies. Journal of Biological Education, 57(5), 1112-1128. https://doi.org/10.1080/00219266.2021.2012225
  4. Christopoulos, A., Pellas, N., Bin Qushem, U., & Laakso, M. J. (2023). Comparing the effectiveness of video and stereoscopic 360° virtual reality‐supported instruction in high school biology courses. British Journal of Educational Technology, 54(4), 987-1005. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13306
  5. Evendi, E., & Verawati, N. N. S. P. (2021). Evaluation of student learning outcomes in problem-based learning: study of its implementation and reflection of successful factors. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 7(SpecialIssue), 69-76. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v7iSpecialIssue.1099
  6. Faradila, A., Prafitasari, A. N., & Farida, A. (2023). Integrated Paired Literacy Model Problem-Based Learning to Improve Biology Learning Outcomes. Bioeduca: Journal of Biology Education, 5(2), 133-142. https://doi.org/10.21580/bioeduca.v5i2.17310
  7. Ferry, D. (2024). Analisis kesulitan belajar siswa pada mata pelajaran biologi di SMA. Biosfer: Jurnal Biologi dan Pendidikan Biologi, 9(2), 172-181. https://doi.org/10.23969/biosfer.v9i2.18613
  8. Hadiansah, D. (2022). Kurikulum Merdeka dan Paradigma Pembelajaran Baru. Bandung: Yrama Widya.
  9. Hasbi, M., & Fitri, F. (2023). Pre-Service Teachers with Courses in Problem-Based Learning in Mathematics. ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review, 2(2), 51-60. https://doi.org/10.51574/ijrer.v2i2.588
  10. Hung, W., Moallem, M., & Dabbagh, N. (2019). Social foundations of problem‐based learning. The Wiley handbook of problem‐based learning, 51-79. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119173243.ch3
  11. Hung, W., & Amida, A. (2020). Problem-based learning in college science. In Active learning in college science: The case for evidence-based practice (pp. 325-339). Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-33600-4_21
  12. Hussein, B. (2021). Addressing collaboration challenges in project-based learning: The student’s perspective. Education Sciences, 11(8), 434. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11080434
  13. Istiqomah, E. (2021). Analisis lembar kerja peserta didik (LKPD) sebagai bahan ajar biologi. Alveoli: Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi, 2(1), 1-15.
  14. Jaelani, A. K., Hasbi, M., & Baharullah, B. (2023). A critical thinking profile of mathematics education students in solving ill-structured problem based on mathematical ability. JTAM (Jurnal Teori dan Aplikasi Matematika), 7(2), 545-559. https://doi.org/10.31764/jtam.v7i2.13378
  15. Krstikj, A., Sosa Godina, J., García Bañuelos, L., González Peña, O. I., Quintero Milián, H. N., Urbina Coronado, P. D., & Vanoye García, A. Y. (2022). Analysis of competency assessment of educational innovation in upper secondary school and higher education: a mapping review. Sustainability, 14(13), 8089. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138089
  16. Meng, N., Dong, Y., Roehrs, D., & Luan, L. (2023). Tackle implementation challenges in project-based learning: a survey study of PBL e-learning platforms. Educational technology research and development, 71(3), 1179-1207. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-023-10202-7
  17. Muzaini, M., Hasbi, M., Ernawati, E., & Kristiawati, K. (2022). The empowerment of problem-based learning models to improve students’ quantitative reasoning. Formatif: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan MIPA, 12(1), 11-24. http://dx.doi.org/10.30998/formatif.v12i1.8502
  18. Nursyada, A. P., Fadilah, S. N., Auranazwa, K., Wangi, R. R. P. L., Hidayat, N. P., Ramadhani, N., & Usman, U. (2025). Kurikulum Berbasis Sosio-Saintifik dalam Pembelajaran Biologi. Innovative: Journal Of Social Science Research, 5(3), 6303-6321. https://doi.org/10.31004/innovative.v5i3.19734
  19. Peranginangin, A. P. (2025). The application of problem-based learning model to improve students’ mathematical problem-solving skills in junior high school. Jurnal Info Sains: Informatika dan Sains, 15(01), 140-150. https://ejournal.seaninstitute.or.id/index.php/InfoSains/article/view/7057
  20. Permata, S. A. I., Sunarno, W., & Harlita, H. (2022). The 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
  21. Pinar, F. I. L., Panergayo, A. A. E., Sagcal, R. R., Acut, D. P., Roleda, L. S., & Prudente, M. S. (2025). Fostering scientific creativity in science education through scientific problem-solving approaches and STEM contexts: a meta-analysis. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 7(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-025-00137-9
  22. Primahesa, A., Sajidan, S., & Ramli, M. (2023). Improving higher order thinking skills in high school biology: A systematic review. Biosfer: Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi, 16(1), 206-219. https://doi.org/10.21009/biosferjpb.26724
  23. Riis, J. O., Achenbach, M., Israelsen, P., Kyvsgaard Hansen, P., Johansen, J., & Deuse, J. (2017). Dealing with complex and ill-structured problems: Results of a Plan-Do-Check-Act experiment in a business engineering semester. European Journal of Engineering Education, 42(4), 396-412. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2016.1189881
  24. Rochim, A. A., Baharung, S., & Isnaini, I. (2024). Perencanaan Pembelajaran Biologi Berbasis Project Based Learning pada Kurikulum Merdeka di SMAN 1 Bungku Tengah. Jurnal Pendidikan Tambusai, 8(2).
  25. Rozikin, A., & Sanjaya, E. (2025). Penerapan Pendekatan Saintifik dalam Pembelajaran Biologi untuk Meningkatkan Minat Belajar Siswa SMA 8 Surabaya. Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 1(2), 55-62. https://doi.org/10.70716/josme.v1i2.177
  26. Salsabilla, I. I., Jannah, E., & Juanda, J. (2023). Analisis modul ajar berbasis kurikulum merdeka. Jurnal Literasi Dan Pembelajaran Indonesia, 3(1), 33-41. https://jurnalfkip.samawa-university.ac.id/JLPI/article/view/384
  27. Satriani, S., Hasbi, M., Amiruddin., & Fahirah, A. (2021). Problem-Based Learning as a Facilitator Of Students’reading Comprehension. SOKO GURU: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan, 1(3), 27-34. https://doi.org/10.55606/sokoguru.v1i3.140
  28. Schmidt, H. G., Rotgans, J. I., & Yew, E. H. (2019). Cognitive constructivist foundations of problem‐based learning. The Wiley Handbook of problem‐based learning, 25-50. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119173243.ch2
  29. Shipton, B. (2023). Problem-Based Learning. In Signature Pedagogies in Police Education: Teaching Recruits to Think, Perform and Act with Integrity (pp. 53-67). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-42387-1_5
  30. Smith, K., Maynard, N., Berry, A., Stephenson, T., Spiteri, T., Corrigan, D., ... & Smith, T. (2022). Principles of problem-based learning (PBL) in STEM education: Using expert wisdom and research to frame educational practice. Education Sciences, 12(10), 728. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12100728
  31. Suwono, H., Rofi’Ah, N. L., Saefi, M., & Fachrunnisa, R. (2023). Interactive socio-scientific inquiry for promoting scientific literacy, enhancing biological knowledge, and developing critical thinking. Journal of Biological Education, 57(5), 944-959. https://doi.org/10.1080/00219266.2021.2006270
  32. Syamsi, A. N., & Fitrihidajati, H. (2021). Validitas lembar kegiatan peserta didik (LKPD) berbasis problem based learning (PBL) pada materi perubahan lingkungan untuk melatihkan keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa kelas X SMA. Berkala Ilmiah Pendidikan Biologi (BioEdu), 10(2), 397-402. https://doi.org/10.26740/bioedu.v10n2.p397-402
  33. Usman, N. F., Mustaqimah, N., & Latjompoh, M. (2024). Needs Analysis for The Development of Biology E-Modules Based on Project-Oriented Problem-Based Learning (POPBL) to Improve Students' Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Collaboration Skillss. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(12), 10859-10867. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i12.9395
  34. Wikanta, W., & Susilo, H. (2022). Higher order thinking skills achievement for biology education students in case-based biochemistry learning. International Journal of Instruction, 15(4), 835-854. https://e-iji.net/ats/index.php/pub/article/view/290
  35. Yu, L., & Zin, Z. M. (2023). The critical thinking-oriented adaptations of problem-based learning models: a systematic review. In Frontiers in Education (Vol. 8, p. 1139987). Frontiers Media SA. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1139987

Copyright (c) 2025 Widya Arwita, Abraham Pranata Sitinjak, Naziha Amanda, Rayuni Istiara, Delsa Mahmudah, Sheila Desiska Nasution, Sri Tama Rotua Sianturi

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Similar Articles

<< < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Dimension Badge

Downloads

Downloads
Crossmark Badge
Crossmark Badge
Section
Articles
Keywords
Biology Case Study High School Learning Planning Problem Based Learning