Computational Thinking and Problem Solving in Science Class: A Need Analysis for Innovative Instructional Materials
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17509/mimbar-sd.v13i3.190Keywords:
Instructional materials, Computational Thinking, Problem Solving, Elementary School, 21st-century skillAbstract
The 21st-century learning paradigm demands mastery of complex skills such as Computational Thinking (CT) and Problem Solving (PS) to prepare students for the digitalization era. However, global and local data indicate a significant competency gap where students’ logical and systematic reasoning remains underdeveloped. This study aims to describe the preliminary findings related to the needs analysis of adaptive instructional materials for ecosystem topics in Grade V elementary school as an effort to stimulate CT and PS skills. This research adopts a descriptive qualitative approach, specifically the analysis phase within the ADDIE development model. Data were collected through questionnaires, interview protocols, and diagnostic tests involving fifth-grade students and teachers at SDN Percobaan 1, Malang City. The findings revealed that students' PS and CT skills reached low averages of only 46% and 44%, respectively. Needs assessment data showed that 81% of students require instructional materials for ecosystem topics, with 76% preferring concise, "handy" media, and 72% showing high acceptability for the booklet format. Additionally, 85% of students are proficient in operating mobile phones, providing a strong foundation for technology-integrated media. In conclusion, there is a critical need for developing innovative, systematic, and practical learning tools, such as technology-integrated instructional materials to fill the learning gap and facilitate mastery of scientific concepts.
References
Agya, A. F., & Meisuri, M. (2023). Developing Basic English Module for Junior High School to Promote Students’ Cognitive Development. Journal of Linguistics and Social Sciences, 1(2), 43-49. https://doi.org/10.24042/jlss.v1i2.18333
Akbar, S. D., Oktarianto, M. L., Ahdhianto, E., Hanisvana, D., & Al Farizza, R. (2025). Development of Textbooks for Elementary School Curriculum Study and Development Course. EDUTEC: Journal of Education And Technology, 8(2), 546-558. https://doi.org/10.29062/edu.v8i2.1053
Almulla, M. A., & Al-Rahmi, W. M. (2023). Integrated social cognitive theory with learning input factors: The effects of problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills on learning performance sustainability. Journal Sustainability, 15(5), 3978. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15053978
Anggraeni, S. W., Alpian, Y., Prihamdani, D., & Damayanti, T. (2023). Development of comic-based teaching materials in elementary schools. Indonesian Journal of Social Research (IJSR), 5(1), 23-35. https://doi.org/10.30997/ijsr.v5i1.263
Arslantaş, T. K. (2025). Theoretical framework for integrating computational thinking in education. In Integrating Computational Thinking Through Design-Based Learning: Strategies for Integration in Different Disciplines (pp. 15-31). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-0853-9_2
Asrori, Huda, M., Wijaya, M. F. F., Budiman, A., Masulah, Soemantri, S., ... & Zulkifli. (2025, September). Systematic Design of Online Material Resources for Learning Instruction: A Critical Review. In World Conference on Information Systems for Business Management (pp. 416-423). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-12990-1_38
Chisunum, J. I., & Nwadiokwu, C. (2024). Enhancing student engagement through practical production and utilization of instructional materials in an educational technology class: A multifaceted approach. NIU Journal of Educational Research, 10(2), 81-89. https://doi.org/10.58709/niujed.v10i2.2002
Choppin, J., Roth McDuffie, A., Drake, C., & Davis, J. (2022). The role of instructional materials in the relationship between the official curriculum and the enacted curriculum. Mathematical thinking and learning, 24(2), 123-148. https://doi.org/10.1080/10986065.2020.1855376
González-Pérez, L. I., & Ramírez-Montoya, M. S. (2022). Components of Education 4.0 in 21st century skills frameworks: systematic review. Sustainability, 14(3), 1493. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031493
Hayat, F., Khan, M., Ahmad, S., & Kamran, M. (2024). Exploring the characteristics of concrete operational stage among primary school students. Qlantic Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 5(1), 124-132. https://doi.org/10.55737/qjssh.786349315
Hebebci, M. T., & Usta, E. (2022). The effects of integrated STEM education practices on problem solving skills, scientific creativity, and critical thinking dispositions. Participatory Educational Research, 9(6), 358–379. https://doi.org/10.17275/per.22.143.9.6
Hurt, T., Greenwald, E., Allan, S., Cannady, M. A., Krakowski, A., Brodsky, L., Collins, M. A., Montgomery, R., & Dorph, R. (2023). The computational thinking for science (CT-S) framework: Operationalizing CT-S for K–12 science education researchers and educators. International Journal of STEM Education, 10(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-022-00391-7
Rowe, H. A. (2024). Problem solving and intelligence. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032636696
Limbung, A. M., & Prabowo, S. (2022). Training on the development of utilization of digital teaching materials for teachers to improve student learning outcomes. JTP-Jurnal Teknologi Pendidikan, 24(3), 400-411. https://doi.org/10.21009/jtp.v24i3.31799
Mallillin, L. L. D. (2024). Instructional teaching theory: Basis for effective teaching device in learning. Eureka: Journal of Educational Research, 2(2), 120-132. https://doi.org/10.56773/ejer.v2i2.29
Polya, George. (2014) How to Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical Method, Princeton: Princeton University Press. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781400828678
Pradana, L. N. (2024). Problem-solving strategy: mathematical problem-solving model within the polya'framework. KnE Social Sciences, 9(6), 728-740. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v9i6.15327
Ribosa, J., & Duran, D. (2022). Do students learn what they teach when generating teaching materials for others? A meta-analysis through the lens of learning by teaching. Educational Research Review, 37, 100475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2022.100475
Richardo, Rino, Siti Irene Astuti Dwiningrum, Rahayu Condro Murti, Ariyadi Wijaya, Robiatul Adawiya, Ivan Luthfi Ihwani, Martalia Ardiyaningrum, and Anggi Erna Aryani. 2025. “Computational Thinking Skills Profile in Solving Mathematical Problems Based on Computational Thinking Attitude.” Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn) 19(2):1157–66. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v19i2.21643
Riyadi, R., Syarifah, T. J., & Nikmaturrohmah, P. (2021). Profile of students’ problem-solving skills viewed from Polya's four-steps approach and elementary school students. European Journal of Educational Research, 10(4), 1625-1638. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.10.4.1625
Saad, A., & Zainudin, S. (2024). A review of teaching and learning approach in implementing Project-Based Learning (PBL) with Computational Thinking (CT). Interactive Learning Environments, 32(10), 7622-7646. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2024.2328280
Samala, A. D., Rawas, S., Criollo-C, S., Fortuna, A., Feng, X., Prasetya, F., ... & Hidayat, R. (2024). Social media in education: trends, roles, challenges, and opportunities for digital-native generations-a systematic literature review. Asian Journal of University Education (AJUE), 20(3), 524-539. https://doi.org/10.24191/ajue.v20i3.27869
Saputri, I., & Asrizal, A. (2023). Needs analysis for development of digital teaching materials with augmented reality for optical instruments materials. Physics Learning and Education, 1(3), 146-153. https://doi.org/10.24036/ple.v1i3.65
Schäfer, J., Reuter, T., Leuchter, M., & Karbach, J. (2024). Executive functions and problem-solving—The contribution of inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility to science problem-solving performance in elementary school students. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 244, 105962. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2024.105962
Shi, Y., Yang, H., Dou, Y., & Zeng, Y. (2023). Effects of mind mapping-based instruction on student cognitive learning outcomes: a meta-analysis. Asia Pacific Education Review, 24(3), 303-317. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-022-09746-9
Simon, P. D., & Zeng, L. M. (2024). Behind the scenes of adaptive learning: A scoping review of teachers’ perspectives on the use of adaptive learning technologies. Education Sciences, 14(12), 1413. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14121413
Susanti, A., Ridlo, S., & Widyaningrum, P. (2022). Development of interactive teaching materials supplements to improve learning results in the digestive system. Journal of Innovative Science Education, 11(1), 16-21. https://doi.org/10.15294/jise.v10i1.46123
Wang, C., Shen, J., & Chao, J. (2022). Integrating computational thinking in STEM education: A literature review. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 20(8), 1949–1972. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-021-10227-5
Yapatang, L., & Polyiem, T. (2022). Development of the Mathematical Problem-Solving Ability Using Applied Cooperative Learning and Polya's Problem-Solving Process for Grade 9 Students. Journal of Education and Learning, 11(3), 40-46. doi:10.5539/jel.v11n3p40
Yeni, S., Nijenhuis-Voogt, J., Saeli, M., Barendsen, E., & Hermans, F. (2024). Computational thinking integrated in school subjects–A cross-case analysis of students’ experiences. International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction, 42, 100696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcci.2024.100696
Zhao, L., Zhao, B., & Li, C. (2023). Alignment analysis of teaching–learning-assessment within the classroom: how teachers implement project-based learning under the curriculum standards. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 5(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-023-00078-1
Zulyusri, Z., Elfira, I., Lufri, L., & Santosa, T. A. (2023). Literature Study: Utilization of the PjBL Model in Science Education to Improve Creativity and Critical Thinking Skills. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(1), 133–143. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i1.2555
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Rifqi Al Farizza, Candra Utama, Sa’dun Akbar, Siti Mas’ula, Riska Pristiani (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
