Integrated Science Education Journal
Integrated Science Education Journal

an Open Access Journal

SINTA

6.1

Impact

GScholar

18

H-Index

Integrated Science Education Journal

an Open Access Journal


The Effect of Media Crossword Puzzles Based on Polya’s Problem-Solving on Improving Students’ Problem-Solving Skills in the Human Skeletal System Material

Share
  • Purpose of the study: This study aims to analyze the effect of Polya-based problem-solving Crossword Puzzle media in improving students’ problem-solving skills on the Human Skeletal System material.

    Methodology: The study uses a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental method and a pretest-posttest control group design. The research sample consisted of 40 students who were divided into an experimental class and a control class using a total sampling technique. Data collection was conducted using problem-solving ability tests, observations, and questionnaires, while data analysis included normality and homogeneity tests and independent-samples t-tests, all conducted in IBM SPSS Statistics 25.

    Main Findings: The research results indicate that the developed media is highly feasible, as validated by experts. The average posttest score for the experimental class was 86.25, higher than that of the control class, which was 65.00. The hypothesis test results showed a t-value of 9.920 with Sig. (2-tailed) = 0.000 (<0.05), indicating a significant difference between the two groups. These findings demonstrate that the Polya problem-solving-based Crossword Puzzle media improves students’ problem-solving skills.

    Novelty/Originality of this study: The novelty of this study lies in integrating the Polya problem-solving steps into the Crossword Puzzle media, so it not only functions as a concept reinforcement tool but also as a means to develop systematic, analytical, and reflective thinking skills in biology learning.

  • How to cite

    [1]
    “The Effect of Media Crossword Puzzles Based on Polya’s Problem-Solving on Improving Students’ Problem-Solving Skills in the Human Skeletal System Material”, In. Sci. Ed. J, vol. 7, no. 5, pp. 848–860, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.37251/isej.v7i5.3636.
  • 76
    Abstract views
    43
    Downloads

    Metrics — Badges

    1. [1] H. Hikmawati, I. W. Suastra, K. Suma, A. I. Sudiatmika, and R. Rohani, “The effect of problem-based learning integrated with local wisdom on student hots and scientific attitudes,” Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 233–239, 2021, doi: 10.29303/jppipa.v7iSpecialIssue.1118.
    2. [2] R. P. Antonio, and M. S. Prudente, “Effects of inquiry-based approaches on students' higher-order thinking skills in science: a meta-analysis,” International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 251–281, 2024, doi: 10.46328/ijemst.3216.
    3. [3] H. Hamzah, M. I. Hamzah, and H. Zulkifli, “Systematic literature review on the elements of metacognition-based higher order thinking skills (hots) teaching and learning modules,” Sustainability, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 813. doi: 10.3390/su14020813.
    4. [4] D. Saepuloh, A. Sabur, S. Lestari, and S. U. Mukhlishoh, “Improving students’ critical thinking and self-efficacy by learning higher order thinking skills through problem-based learning models,” Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia (JPI), vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 495–504. doi: 10.23887/jpi-undiksha.v10i3.31029.
    5. [5] E. N. Rahmawati, and R. Setianingsih, “Implementation of the teaching at the right level approach to improve learning outcomes of 10th grade students on probability,” MATHEdunesa, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 438-461, 2026, doi: 10.26740/mathedunesa.v15n2.p438-461.
    6. [6] D. K. Sagita, D. Ermawati, and L. A. Riswari, “Kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematis siswa sekolah dasar [Elementary school students’ mathematical problem-solving abilities],” Jurnal Educatio FKIP UNMA, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 431–439, 2023, doi: 10.31949/educatio.v9i2.4609.
    7. [7] G. Polya, How to Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical Method (2nd ed.). Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1973.
    8. [8] E. Bheke, S. Pritem, and S. Pujarih, “The effect of application of crossword puzzle learning strategy on student learning outcomes,” Journal La Edusci, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 10–15, 2023, doi: 10.37899/journallaedusci.v2i3.398.
    9. [9] D. Purba, Z. Nasution, and R. Lubis, “Pemikiran george polya tentang pemecahan masalah [George Polya’s thoughts on problem solving],” JURNAL MathEdu (Mathematic Education Journal), vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 25–31, 2021, doi: 10.37081/mathedu.v4i1.2204.
    10. [10] S. Malikah, “Analisis kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematis siswa pada barisan dan deret aritmetika berdasarkan teori Polya [Analysis of students’ mathematical problem-solving abilities in arithmetic sequences and series based on polya’s theory],” Primatika: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 89–98, 2023, doi: 10.30872/primatika.v12i2.2579.
    11. [11] D. Lamondo, S. S. Mohamad, L. Dama, M. Solang, H. Mardin, and M. N. Akbar, “Pengaruh media crossword puzzle terhadap hasil belajar siswa pada materi sistem pernafasan [The effect of crossword puzzle media on student learning outcomes in the respiratory system material],” Jurnal Biogenerasi, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 252–259, 2024, doi: 10.30605/biogenerasi.v10i1.4558.
    12. [12] N. C. Aksoro, and I. Farahsanti, “Effectiveness of cybernetic-based think talk write learning model on students' mathematics problem-solving ability,” EMTEKA: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 302–320, 2025, doi: 10.24127/emteka.v6i1.7989.
    13. [13] I. Farida, A. Afifah, D. Nurmalitasari, and M. A. Naim, “Penerapan komik matematika Islam sebagai upaya meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kritis [Implementation of Islamic mathematics comics as an effort to improve critical thinking skills],” Jurnal Penelitian Tindakan Kelas, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 11–17, 2023, doi: 10.61650/jptk.v1i1.118.
    14. [14] N. F. Mardianto, “Development of brain-based learning worksheets for one-variable linear equations in grade vii of a private junior high school in Bandung,” EduMatSains: Jurnal Pendidikan, Matematika dan Sains, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 285–302, 2025, doi: 10.33541/edumatsains.v10i2.7460.
    15. [15] A. E. Puluhulawa, A. S. Katili, and D. W. Baderan, “Development of a problem-solving-oriented interactive e-module as learning media on biodiversity materials,” Jurnal Pendidikan MIPA (JPMIPA), vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 54–76, 2022, doi: 10.23960/jpmipa/v23i1.pp207-221
    16. [16] A. Heritin, A. S. Zahra, and A. Mustakim, “Gamifikasi EduCandy dan kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematis siswa dengan kecemasan matematika tinggi [EduCandy gamification and students’ mathematical problem-solving abilities with high mathematics anxiety],” Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Indonesia, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 1–14, 2026, https://ejournal.intelektualedu.com/index.php/JPPI/article/view/96
    17. [17] S. Sugiyono. Metode Penelitian Kuantitatif, Kualitatif, dan R&D [Quantitative, Qualitative, and Research and Development Methods]. Bandung: Alfabeta, 2022.
    18. [18] J. W. Creswell, Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, 2018.
    19. [19] S. Siregar, Statistik Parametrik untuk Penelitian Kuantitatif: Dilengkapi dengan Perhitungan Manual dan Aplikasi SPSS Versi 17 [Parametric Statistics for Quantitative Research: Complete with Manual Calculations and SPSS Version 17 Applications]. Jakarta: Bumi Aksara, 2017.
    20. [20] I. Ghozali, Aplikasi Analisis Multivariate dengan Program IBM SPSS 26 [Multivariate Analysis Using IBM SPSS 26] (10th ed.). Semarang: Badan Penerbit Universitas Diponegoro, 2021.
    21. [21] N. Jadidah, and M. A. Baalwi, “Efektivitas model pembelajaran game based learning berbantuan wordwall terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika materi perkalian kelas 4 SDN Karang Tanjung [The effectiveness of the game-based learning model assisted by wordwall on mathematical problem-solving abilities in multiplication materials among fourth-grade students at SDN Karang Tanjung],” Pendas: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Dasar, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 533–547, 2026, doi: 10.23969/jp.v10i3.33051.
    22. [22] J. Piaget, The Development of Thought: Equilibration of Cognitive Structures. New York: Viking Press, 1977.
    23. [23] N. Fitriyah, W. Wiryanto, and R. Ekawati, “Batik matika builds critical thinking and geometry problem-solving skills,” Indonesian Journal of Innovation Studies, vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 1–14, 2025, doi: 10.21070/ijins.v26i3.1396
    24. [24] L. S. Vygotsky, Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1978.
    25. [25] A. A. Amatullah, D. P. Hariyanti, and P. Purwadi, “Analisis penggunaan puzzle dalam kemampuan pemecahan masalah anak [Analysis of the use of puzzles in children’s problem-solving abilities],” Wawasan Pendidikan, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 93–100, 2022, doi: 10.26877/wp.v2i1.9732.
    26. [26] E. Fitriani, “The effectiveness of polya’s problem-solving strategy in enhancing mathematical word problem comprehension among fifth-grade students," Jurnal Penelitian Ilmu Pendidikan, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 181–192, 2025, doi: 10.21831/jpip.v18i2.93790.
    27. [27] S. Sumardi, F. C. Wibowo, and I. Jaya, “Pengembangan video berbasis pendekatan deep learning untuk meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan masalah pada pembelajaran ipas di sekolah dasar [Development of videos based on the deep learning approach to improve problem-solving skills in ipas learning in elementary schools],” JPGMI (Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Al-Multazam), 12(2), 30–49, 2026, https://www.jpgmi.stitmultazam.ac.id/index.php/JPGMI/article/view/103
    28. [28] A. R. Firdausi, and W. Susiloningsih, “Pengaruh model pembelajaran problem based learning berbantuan E-TTS (Teka Teki Silang) terhadap keterampilan pemecahan masalah siswa sekolah dasar [The effect of the problem-based learning model assisted by e-crossword puzzles on elementary school students’ problem-solving skills],” Cokroaminoto Journal of Primary Education, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 1619–1629, 2026, doi: 10.30605/cjpe.9.3.2026.
    29. [29] Y. H. Ashshiddiqi, S. Surahmat, A. Fuady, “Penerapan model pembelajaran team assisted individualization untuk meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan masalah peserta didik pada materi statistika [Implementation of the team assisted individualization learning model to improve students’ problem-solving abilities in statistics materials],” Al-Irsyad Journal of Mathematics Education, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 134–149, 2026, doi: 10.58917/ijme.v5i1.528
    30. [30] J. W. Tinawa, B. A. Sulistyono, and S. Samijo, “Implementasi teori Vygotsky melalui teka-teki silang pada pembelajaran matematika untuk meningkatkan berpikir kritis siswa [Implementation of Vygotsky’s Theory through Crossword Puzzles in Mathematics Learning to Improve Students’ Critical Thinking],” Numerical: Jurnal Matematika dan Pendidikan Matematika, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 109–121, 2025, doi: 10.25217/numerical.v9i1.6157.
    31. [31] Z. Zetriuslita, and N. F. Riyanti, “Pengaruh model problem-based learning terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematis peserta didik [The effect of the problem-based learning model on students’ mathematical problem-solving abilities],” Perspektif Pendidikan dan Keguruan, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 23–33. doi: 10.25299/perspektif.2026.vol17(1).22906.
    32. [32] C. P. Alwi, E. Rahmawati, and T. A. Susilo, “Pengembangan media busy book tematik untuk meningkatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa kelas V SD [Development of thematic busy book media to improve critical thinking skills of fifth-grade elementary school students],” JIIP - Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan, vol. 6, no. 7, pp. 4677–4683, 2023, doi: 10.54371/jiip.v6i7.2331.
    33. [33] N. A. Ningtias, “Pengaruh model pembelajaran berbasis masalah bermediakan teka-teki silang terhadap hasil belajar ipas siswa sekolah dasar [The effect of a problem-based learning model assisted by crossword puzzle media on elementary school students’ ipas learning outcomes],” TERPADU: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Dasar, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 654–662, 2025, https://pelitaaksara.or.id/index.php/terpadu/article/view/88
    34. [34] N. P. Wahyuni, and G. N. Agustika, “Pemanfaatan video pembelajaran matematika berbasis kontekstual learning untuk meningkatkan pemahaman konsep bangun ruang siswa kelas vi sd [The use of contextual learning-based mathematics instructional videos to improve grade vi elementary school students’ understanding of solid geometry concepts],” Indonesian Journal of Instruction, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 116–132, 2021, doi: 10.23887/iji.v2i3.50950
    35. [35] K. Nahar, A. R. Nikmah, and K. Kriswandani, “Pengaruh model problem based learning berbantuan geogebra dan teka-teki silang (tts) terhadap hasil belajar siswa kelas xi-4 SMA Negeri 3 Salatiga [The effect of the problem-based learning model assisted by geogebra and crossword puzzles on the learning outcomes of grade xi-4 students at SMA Negeri 3 Salatiga]." Jurnal Lebesgue: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Matematika, Matematika dan Statistika, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 1539–1551, 2024, doi: 10.46306/lb.v5i3.730
    36. [36] I. G. Permana, and N. W. Suniasih, “Pentingnya meningkatkan motivasi belajar siswa melalui video pembelajaran animasi berbasis discovery learning kelas v sd [The importance of increasing students’ learning motivation through discovery learning-based animated learning videos for fifth-grade elementary school students],” Mimbar Pendidikan Indonesia, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 226–240, 2021, doi: 10.23887/mpi.v2i3.50969.
    37. [37] M. Magfira, N. Nurjumiati, and R. Fiqry, “Peningkatan keterampilan pemecahan masalah pada pembelajaran ipa melalui media teka-teki silang [Improving problem-solving skills in science learning through crossword puzzle media],” Lambda: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan MIPA dan Aplikasinya, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 451–456, 2025, doi: 10.58218/lambda.v5i2.1555.
    38. [38] E. Kurt, and A. C. Dindar, “Thinking through play: how designing educational games enhances critical thinking, motivation and achievement in science classes,” Instructional Technology and Lifelong Learning, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 229-259, 2025, doi: 10.52911/itall.1592036.
    39. [39] S. U. Özkan, S. Şahin, and Z. Pancar, “Impact of traditional games on critical and creative thinking in primary school students: A quasi-experimental mixed-methods study,” International Online Journal of Primary Education, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 239-261, 2025, doi: 10.55020/iojpe.1780729.
    40. [40] Y. Zhong, L. K. Fryer, S. Zheng, A. Shum, and S. K. W. Chu, “The power of play: integrating competitive sandbox game for experiential learning to foster twenty-first century skills,” International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 34, 2025, doi: 10.1186/s41239-025-00528-y.
    41. [41] W. Puspitasari, P. Rintayati, M. Salimin, and A. Ma'ruf, “Project-based vs. Game-based learning: Which better improves critical thinking of elementary school students?,” Journal of Educational Management and Instruction (JEMIN), vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 70-81, 2026, doi: 10.22515/jemin.v6i1.12714.
    42. [42] N. Li, “Fostering creative thinking through gamified intercultural communication: innovative pedagogical strategies in higher education English programs,” Cogent Education, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 2489271, 2025, doi: 10.1080/2331186X.2025.2489271.
    43. [43] Y. Zhong, K. Guo, L. K. Fryer, S. K. W. Chu, and H. Deng, “More than just fun: Investigating students’ perceptions towards the potential of leveraging esports for promoting the acquisition of 21st century skills,” Education and Information Technologies, vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 1089-1121, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s10639-024-13146-4.
    44. [44] E. Erfiyana, O. Arifudin, A. Mayasari, S. Herawati, A. Rosanti, and R. A. Prayogi, “Learning management in order to improve the quality of madrasah aliyah graduates,” Journal of General Education and Humanities, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 1981-1992, 2026, doi: 10.58421/gehu.v5i1.1211.
    45. [45] N. Amalina, and W. H. L. B. W. Hamat, “Direct Instruction and Higher-Order Thinking Skills: Evidence from the Merdeka Curriculum Implementation. Global Perspectives in Education Journal, 2(2), 27-40, 2026, doi: 10.64008/gpej.v2i2.65.
    46. [46] S. Rahmah, N. Wardhani, and S. Alwiyah, “Implementing higher-order thinking skills oriented assessment in islamic religious education,” Al-Hayat: Journal of Islamic Education, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 237-253, 2026, doi: 10.35723/ajie.v10i1.152.
    47. [47] U. Supriatna, O. Arifudin, and I. Kartika, “The role of teachers in improving the quality of learning in madrasah tsanawiyah,” International Journal Of Science Education and Technology Management (IJSETM), vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 45-56, 2026, doi: 10.28301/ijsetm.v5i1.51.
    48. [48] A. Rahim, A. Aziz, I. Rahim, R. Herdiani, and J. Ambarita, “Integrating HOTS in Indonesian high school textbooks: a comparative study of the 2013 and merdeka curriculum,” Lingue: Jurnal Bahasa, Budaya, Dan Sastra, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 116-128, 2025, doi: 10.33477/lingue.v7i1.9426.
    49. [49] S. D. Dewra, “Innovative approaches in modern education: Bridging theory and practice,” International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management, vol. 9, no. 5, pp. 1-9, 2025, doi: 10.55041/IJSREM46731.
    50. [50] M. S. Al Awwaby, Y. Ardhianto, M. A. Rokhimawan, and Z. Hayad, “Implementation of islamic education curriculum development at stitma madani yogyakarta: A practical and theoretical review,” Amorti: Jurnal Studi Islam Interdisipliner, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 74-83, 2025, doi: 10.59944/amorti.v4i2.439.
    51. [51] Z. Zainuddin, A. Nafisah, and M. Muttaqin, “Transforming character education through the implementation of the independent curriculum in Indonesia,” International Journal of Education and Humanities, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 560-572, 2025, doi: 10.58557/(ijeh).v5i3.346.

Categories