Mathematical Creativity through STEM-Integrated Project-Based Learning: An Experimental Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.28918/circle.v6i1.2604Abstract
Recent discussions in mathematics education increasingly highlight the integration of STEM perspectives and project-based pedagogies as pathways for cultivating higher-order competencies. Despite this growing interest, empirical evidence specifically addressing their role in fostering mathematical creative thinking at the lower secondary level remains limited. This study investigates whether a STEM-integrated Project-Based Learning (STEM-PjBL) model meaningfully supports students’ creative thinking in mathematics. A quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest control groups was implemented involving eighth-grade students from a public junior high school. Two intact classes were assigned to experimental and comparison conditions. Students in the experimental class engaged in mathematics learning through STEM-integrated projects, while those in the comparison class experienced conventional instructional practices. Mathematical creative thinking was assessed using an open-ended written task aligned with established creativity indicators. Statistical analysis, including regression modeling and one-tailed hypothesis testing, indicated that the STEM-PjBL approach produced a statistically significant improvement in students’ creative mathematical performance, explaining 14.2% of the variance observed. Students exposed to STEM-PjBL also demonstrated consistently higher creative thinking scores compared to their peers in conventional settings. These findings provide empirical support for positioning STEM-integrated project-based instruction as a viable pedagogical strategy for nurturing mathematical creativity in secondary education contexts.
Keywords:
References
Aini, Q., Saefullah, A., & Rostikawati, D. A. (2025). Implementasi Project Based Learning Dengan Pendekatan STEM Untuk Meningkatkan Kreativitas Berpikir Santri Pada Materi Termodinamika Magneton. Magneton: Jurnal Inovasi Pembelajaran Fisika, 3(1), 9–20. https://doi.org/10.30822/magneton.v3i1.36689
Almarzooq, Z. I., Lopes, M., & Kochar, A. (2020). Virtual Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Disruptive Technology in Graduate Medical Education. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 20. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2020.04.015
Amalia, L. N., Saefan, J., & Siswanto, J. (2019). Keefektifan approach Project based learning (PJBL) untuk meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kreatif siswa kelas X SMA Kstarian 2 Semarang Pada Materi Usaha dan Energi. Seminar Nasional.
Ananda, W., & Johari, A. (2024). The Effect of the Project-Based Learning ( PjBL ) Approach based on an Integrated STEM Approach with Entrepreneurial Character on Students ’ Creative Thinking Ability. Berkala Ilmiah Pendidikan Fisika. https://doi.org/10.20527/bipf.v12i1.17937
Anggraini, F. I., & Huzaifah, S. (2017). implementation of STEM learning in secondary schools. In the National Seminar on SCIENCE Education.
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
Bell, S. (2010). Project-based learning for the 21st century: Skills for the future. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 83(2), 39–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/00098650903505415
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches(4th ed.). Sage.
Dym, C. L., Agogino, A. M., Eris, O., Frey, D. D., & Leifer, L. J. (2005). Engineering design thinking, teaching, and learning. Journal of Engineering Education, 94(1), 103–120. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2005.tb00832.x
Ghosh, P. (2024). A Study on Creative Teaching Through Bioscience in Developing Creative Thinking Ability of Students. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research (IJFMR), 6(4), 1–27.
Hattie, J. (2009). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement. London: Routledge.
Honey, M., Pearson, G., & Schweingruber, H. (Eds.). (2014). STEM integration in K-12 education: Status, prospects, and an agenda for research. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/18612
Hurlock, E. B. (1999). Perkembangan. Jilid II Edisi ke 6. Erlangga.
Istikomah, E., Suryadi, D., Prabawanto, S., & Nurlaelah, E. (2025). Geogebra in Real-Life : Important Tips to Support Student Creative Thinking in Mathematics. Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology Journal, 2(2), 248–263.
Marliani, N. (2015). Peningkatan Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Matematis Siswa melalui Approach Pembelajaran Missouri Mathematics Project (MMP). Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan MIPA, 1.
Noviyana, H. (2017). Pengaruh Approach Project based learning Terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Matematika Siswa. JURNAL E-DuMath. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.26638/je.455.2064
Pangestu, A. M. (2024). Development of PBL STEM-Based Teaching Materials with Ethnomatematics Nuances for Students ’ Creative Thinking Ability. Anatolian Journal of Education, 9(1), 69–80.
Piaget, J. (1970). Science of education and the psychology of the child. New York, NY: Viking Press.
Pramasdyahsari, A. S. (2023). Berpikir kritis matematis dan literasi matematika melalui digital book berbasis STEM PJBL.
Pramasdyahsari, A. S., Nursyahidah, F., Albab, I. U., & Ariyanto, L. (2021). Mathematics Joyful Learning STEAM based for Lower Class (1st ed.). Griya Pintar.
Pramasdyahsari, A. S., Rubowo, M. R., Nindita, V., Astutik, I. D., Pant, B. P., Dahal, N., & Luitel, B. C. (2025). Developing engaging STEAM-geometry activities: Fostering mathematical creativity through the engineering design process using Indonesian cuisine context. 14(1), 213–234.
Pramasdyahsari, A. S., & Setyawati, R. D. (2025). Exploring pre- service mathematics teachers ’ numeracy development through art-integrated STEAM geometry : Balancing creativity and mathematical precision. 16(4), 1365–1388.
Pramasdyahsari, A. S., Setyawati, R. D., Aini, S. N., Nusuki, U., Arum, J. P., Astutik, L. D., Widodo, W., Zuliah, N., & Salmah, U. (2023). Fostering students’ mathematical critical thinking skills on number patterns through digital book STEM PjBL. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 19(7). https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/13342
Pramasdyahsari, A. S., Zuhri, M. S., & Rahman, A. (2025). Integrasi STEM, Project-Based Learning, dan Numerasi Melalui KIT dan Digital Book: Desain, Implementasi, dan Evaluasi. CV Eureka Media Aksara.
Putu, N., Ari, D., & Ariawan, I. P. W. (2025). Pengaruh Ilustrasi Gambar pada Soal Geometri Bidang terhadap Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah Matematis Siswa SMP. 5(2), 126–142.
Rahman, Z. ., Muttaqin, A., & Putri, R. . (2025). The Effect of STEM-PJBL Approach on Students ’ Creative Thinking Skills. Indonesian Science Education Research (ISER), 7(1), 1–6.
Redhana, I. W. (2019). Mengembangkan Keterampilan Abad Ke-21 dalam Pembelajaran Kimia. Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan Kimia.
Retno, R. S., Hidayat, A., Mashfufah, A., & Chairul, E. (2025). Students ’ Creative Thinking in STEM Integrated Project-Based Learning ( STEM-PjBL ). Journal of Educational Research and Evaluation, 9(1), 142–152.
Saefullah, A., Suherman, A., Utami, R. T., Antarnusa, G., & Ayu, D. (2021). Implementation of STEM-PjBL to Improve Students ’ Creative Thinking Skills On Static Fluid Topic. 6(2), 149–157. https://doi.org/10.26737/jipf.v6i2.1805
Saputri, G. L., Wardono, & Karisudin, I. (2019). Pentingnya Kemampuan Literasi Matematika dan Pembentukan Kemampuan 4C dengan Strategi REACT (Relating, Experiencing, Applying, Cooperating). PRISMA, Prosiding Seminar Nasional Matematika.
Silver, E. A. (1997). Fostering creativity through instruction rich in mathematical problem solving and problem posing. ZDM Mathematics Education, 29(3), 75–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-997-0003-x
Sukmawijaya, Y., & Juhanda, A. (2019). Pengaruh Approach Pembelajaran STEM-PJBL terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Siswa pada Materi Pencemaran Lingkungan. Jurnal Program Studi Pendidikan Biologi.
Syamsidah, Ratnawati, T., & Muhiddin, A. (2020). Analisis Awal Approach Inquiry Learning yang dapat Meningkatkan Keterampilan Berpikir Kreatif Mahasiswa. Prosiding Seminar Nasional Lembaga Penelitian Universitas Negeri Makassar.
Torrance, E. P. (1974). Torrance tests of creative thinking. Lexington, MA: Ginn.
Ulfa, F. M., Asikin, M., & Dwidayati, N. K. (2019). Membangun Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Matematis Siswa dengan Pembelajaran PjBL terintegrasi Pendekatan STEM. Prosiding Semina.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Winarni, J., Zubaidah, S., & H, S. K. (2016). STEM: apa, mengapa, dan bagaimana. In Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pendidikan IPA Pascasarjana UM (Vol. 1, pp. 976–984).
Zannah, K. M. (2020). Analisis Approach Project based learning Dalam Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa. Unpas.
Downloads
Published
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Agnita Siska Pramasdyahsari, Bertyna Ruth Pusparini, Dewi Wulandari, Sindi Nur Aini
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
