Bridging Minds: Systematic Literature Review of STEM Approaches in Cultivating Critical Thinking in Science Education

Abstract

This study systematically reviews STEM-based learning models and media designed to enhance students’ critical thinking skills. A total of 27 Scopus-indexed articles published between 2020 and 2024 were analyzed using a systematic literature review (SLR) approach. The analysis focused on publication trends, thematic emphases, key findings, and implementation challenges. Results indicate that STEM integration through models such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Inquiry-based learning supports the development of several critical thinking indicators, especially explanation, inference, and decision-making. Quantitative findings from some studies show that improvements are often moderate, with the indicator of advance clarification consistently emerging as the weakest. Media such as worksheets and e-modules are found to facilitate structured inquiry and independent learning, yet their effectiveness remains constrained by limited teacher readiness, short implementation cycles, and challenges in interdisciplinary integration. STEM-based learning contributes positively to critical thinking development, though its impact varies across indicators and contexts. Future studies are recommended to design and evaluate targeted learning models, such as the Clarity Learning Model (CLM), which focuses on strengthening advance clarification while supporting other critical thinking dimensions.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis secara sistematis berbagai model pembelajaran berbasis STEM yang digunakan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa, serta media pembelajaran berupa lembar kerja dan e-modul. Kajian ini menelaah 28 artikel terpilih yang terindeks Scopus dan diterbitkan antara tahun 2020 hingga 2025. Analisis dilakukan berdasarkan tren tahunan jumlah publikasi, fokus topik yang diangkat, sintesis temuan utama, hambatan implementasi, serta mekanisme STEM dalam menumbuhkan kemampuan berpikir kritis. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa seluruh pendekatan yang dianalisis memberikan kontribusi positif terhadap pengembangan indikator berpikir kritis, khususnya pada aspek penjelasan, inferensi, analisis, dan pengambilan keputusan. Model PBL-STEM dan inquiry-creative STEM menunjukkan efektivitas tinggi dalam menumbuhkan keterlibatan intelektual yang mendalam, sementara media seperti lembar kerja dan e-modul terbukti mendukung proses pembelajaran yang terstruktur dan mandiri. Namun, sebagian besar penelitian masih terbatas pada konteks jangka pendek dan belum sepenuhnya mengeksplorasi aspek regulasi diri. Penelitian ini merekomendasikan pengembangan model hibrida yang mengintegrasikan STEM dengan pendekatan pedagogis aktif, serta penelitian longitudinal untuk menguji keberlanjutan dampak intervensi terhadap kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa.