Problem-Based Learning to Support Creative Thinking Skills in Automotive Engineering Students: A Classroom Action Research Study
##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.sidebar##
Published on-line since :
Jun 30, 2026
Download
Statistic
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.main##
Abstract
Low creative thinking skills in automotive engineering learning can limit students’ ability to generate, adapt, and elaborate technical solutions. This study described the implementation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and examined changes in students’ creative thinking skills in the Fundamentals of Automotive Engineering course. A Classroom Action Research design was used with 21 Automotive Engineering students and conducted in two cycles consisting of planning, action, observation, and reflection. Data were collected using observation sheets on creative thinking indicators and analyzed descriptively based on creativity categories. In the pre-cycle condition, most students were classified as fairly creative (52.38%), while only 4.76% were very creative. After PBL implementation in Cycle II, the creative category increased to 47.62% and the very creative category increased to 28.57%, while the least creative category decreased to 0%. These findings suggest that PBL can support the development of students’ creative thinking in automotive engineering learning.
##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.details##
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
yuliady, ilham, Zulfadli, Z., Fernandez, E., & Alfana, Y. (2026). Problem-Based Learning to Support Creative Thinking Skills in Automotive Engineering Students: A Classroom Action Research Study. AEEJ : Journal of Automotive Engineering and Vocational Education, 7(1), 85-96. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24036/aeej.v7i1.319
References
[1] R. Doni, R. Dinata, A. Permana, H. S. Damanik, and N. Basuki, “Analysis of Automotive Industry Competency Needs for Automotive Engineering Education Students of Medan State University in the 4.0 Era,” AEEJ: Journal of Automotive Engineering and Vocational Education, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 33–42, 2025, doi: 10.24036/aeej.v6i1.278.
[2] W. Purwanto, H. D. Saputra, D. S. Putra, Z. Abadi, A. A. Arif, and I. W. Kustanrika, “Improving Student Achievement with the Application of Smart Trainers Integrated QR Code,” AEEJ: Journal of Automotive Engineering and Vocational Education, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 73–80, 2025, doi: 10.24036/aeej.v6i2.249.
[3] A. S. Zalman, I. Y. Basri, Andrizal, and Muslim, “Perancangan Video Pembelajaran Sistem Kelistrikan Bodi Kendaraan Pada Mata Pelajaran Pemeliharaan Kelistrikan Kendaraan Ringan,” AEEJ: Journal of Automotive Engineering and Vocational Education, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 103–112, 2023, doi: 10.24036/aeej.v4i2.195.
[4] A. T. Aldossari, “Creative Thinking Skills Included in the Content of Evaluation Questions in the Curricula of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” International Journal of Education and Practice, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 520–531, 2021, doi: 10.18488/journal.61.2021.93.520.531.
[5] A. Handayani and H. D. Koeswanti, “Meta-Analisis Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif,” Jurnal Basicedu, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 1349–1355, 2021, doi: 10.31004/basicedu.v5i3.924.
[6] I. P. Ningrum and R. Marsinun, “Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Siswa,” Jurnal Basicedu, vol. 6, no. 5, pp. 8205–8214, 2022, doi: 10.31004/basicedu.v6i5.3784.
[7] F. Hidayati, A. Solida, and E. Wisudariani, “Pengaruh Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning Dalam Meningkatkan Kreativitas Dan Kemampuan Berfikir Kritis Mahasiswa: The Effect of Problem-Based Learning in Increasing Students’ Creativity and Critical Thinking Ability,” BIODIK, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 46–53, 2024, doi: 10.22437/biodik.v10i2.29854.
[8] A. Safitri, H. Chotimah, A. M. Hudha, and A. Rahardjanto, “Application of Problem-Based Learning to Improve Problem Solving Skills and Creative Thinking Skills of Class XI Students,” Jurnal Eksakta Pendidikan, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 157–170, 2023, doi: 10.24036/jep/vol7-iss2/757.
[9] L. D. Saputri and D. Puspasari, “Does Problem-Based Learning Enhance Student Creativity?,” Jurnal Pendidikan Ekonomi, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 160–170, 2025, doi: 10.17977/UM014v18i2p160.
[10] H. Maksum, W. Purwanto, S. Siman, D. Ampera, D. Yuvenda, and H. Hasan, “Improving Problem-Solving and Communication Skills in Automotive Vocational Education through the Development of Teaching Factory Model with Problem-Based Learning (TEFA-PBL) Concept,” International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 364–386, 2024, doi: 10.46328/ijemst.3941.
[11] I. Yuliady, Z. Fadli, Rahmadani, Y. D. Alfana, and E. Fernandes, “The Influence of Problem Base Learning Model on Improving Psychomotor Abilities of Automotive Engineering,” Jurnal Vokasi Mekanika, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 44–52, 2026, doi: 10.24036/29ry5075.
[12] S. R. M. Yusop, M. S. Rasul, R. M. Yasin, H. U. Hashim, and N. A. Jalaludin, “An Assessment Approaches and Learning Outcomes in Technical and Vocational Education: A Systematic Review Using PRISMA,” Sustainability, vol. 14, no. 9, Art. no. 5225, 2022, doi: 10.3390/su14095225.
[13] M. Akhyar, F. Ihsan, S. Suharno, A. G. Tamrin, and Purwanto, “Development of Problem and Project-Based Learning Syntax to Improve Vocational Student Learning Outcomes,” Jurnal Pendidikan Teknologi dan Kejuruan, vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 1–19, 2024, doi: 10.21831/jptk.v30i1.53968.
[14] M. Ahmad and S. Wilkins, “Purposive Sampling in Qualitative Research: A Framework for the Entire Journey,” Quality & Quantity, early access, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.1007/s11135-024-02022-5.
[15] I. Kusmaryono, D. Wijayanti, and H. R. Maharani, “Number of Response Options, Reliability, Validity, and Potential Bias in the Use of the Likert Scale Education and Social Science Research: A Literature Review,” International Journal of Educational Methodology, vol. 8, no. 4, pp. 625–637, 2022, doi: 10.12973/ijem.8.4.625.
[16] A. Maqruf, A. Suhandi, A. Samsudin, M. Sözbilir, H. Ö. Kapıcı, H. Nasbey, and E. Nugraha, “Exploring Students’ Creative Thinking Skills: A Design of Reliable Instrument in Term of Assessing Creative Thinking on Temperature and Heat Concepts,” Journal of Natural Science and Integration, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 258–272, 2025, doi: 10.24014/jnsi.v8i2.31857.
[17] Kardoyo, A. Nurkhin, Muhsin, and H. Pramusinto, “Problem-Based Learning Strategy: Its Impact on Students’ Critical and Creative Thinking Skills,” European Journal of Educational Research, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 1141–1150, 2020, doi: 10.12973/eu-jer.9.3.1141.
[18] C. B. Ates and H. Aktamis, “Investigating the Effects of Creative Educational Modules Blended with Cognitive Research Trust (CoRT) Techniques and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on Students’ Scientific Creativity Skills and Perceptions in Science Education,” Thinking Skills and Creativity, vol. 51, Art. no. 101471, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.tsc.2024.101471.
[19] M. D. W. Ernawati, Yusnidar, Haryanto, E. F. S. Rini, F. T. Aldila, T. Haryati, and R. Perdana, “Do Creative Thinking Skills in Problem-Based Learning Benefit from Scaffolding?,” Journal of Turkish Science Education, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 399–417, 2023, doi: 10.36681/tused.2023.023.
[20] W. Ji and G. K. W. Wong, “Integrating Problem-Based Learning and Computational Thinking: Cultivating Creative Thinking in Primary Education,” Frontiers in Education, vol. 10, Art. no. 1625105, 2025, doi: 10.3389/feduc.2025.1625105.
[21] I. T. Simangunsong, D. D. Panggabean, and D. P. Damanik, “Problem-Based Learning to Enhance Students’ Creativity through Digital Literacy,” Journal on Education, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 5231–5237, 2023, doi: 10.31004/joe.v5i2.1143.
[22] F. Ramadhani and K. Khairuna, “The Effect of Fishbone-Assisted Problem-Based Learning Model on Students’ Creative Thinking Skills in Biology,” Jurnal Basicedu, vol. 6, no. 5, pp. 8405–8413, 2022, doi: 10.31004/basicedu.v6i5.3840.
[23] A. Dilekçi and H. Karatay, “The Effects of the 21st Century Skills Curriculum on the Development of Students’ Creative Thinking Skills,” Thinking Skills and Creativity, vol. 47, Art. no. 101229, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.tsc.2022.101229.
[24] R. Segundo-Marcos, A. M. Carrillo, V. L. Fernández, and M. T. Daza González, “Age-Related Changes in Creative Thinking during Late Childhood: The Contribution of Cooperative Learning,” Thinking Skills and Creativity, vol. 49, Art. no. 101331, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.tsc.2023.101331.
[25] Y. Liu and A. Pásztor, “Effects of Problem-Based Learning Instructional Intervention on Critical Thinking in Higher Education: A Meta-Analysis,” Thinking Skills and Creativity, vol. 45, Art. no. 101069, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.tsc.2022.101069.
[26] F. Ssemugenyi and A. Hung, “Teaching and Learning Methods Compared: A Pedagogical Evaluation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Lecture Methods in Developing Learners’ Cognitive Abilities,” Cogent Education, vol. 10, no. 1, Art. no. 2187943, 2023, doi: 10.1080/2331186X.2023.2187943.
[2] W. Purwanto, H. D. Saputra, D. S. Putra, Z. Abadi, A. A. Arif, and I. W. Kustanrika, “Improving Student Achievement with the Application of Smart Trainers Integrated QR Code,” AEEJ: Journal of Automotive Engineering and Vocational Education, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 73–80, 2025, doi: 10.24036/aeej.v6i2.249.
[3] A. S. Zalman, I. Y. Basri, Andrizal, and Muslim, “Perancangan Video Pembelajaran Sistem Kelistrikan Bodi Kendaraan Pada Mata Pelajaran Pemeliharaan Kelistrikan Kendaraan Ringan,” AEEJ: Journal of Automotive Engineering and Vocational Education, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 103–112, 2023, doi: 10.24036/aeej.v4i2.195.
[4] A. T. Aldossari, “Creative Thinking Skills Included in the Content of Evaluation Questions in the Curricula of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” International Journal of Education and Practice, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 520–531, 2021, doi: 10.18488/journal.61.2021.93.520.531.
[5] A. Handayani and H. D. Koeswanti, “Meta-Analisis Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif,” Jurnal Basicedu, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 1349–1355, 2021, doi: 10.31004/basicedu.v5i3.924.
[6] I. P. Ningrum and R. Marsinun, “Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Siswa,” Jurnal Basicedu, vol. 6, no. 5, pp. 8205–8214, 2022, doi: 10.31004/basicedu.v6i5.3784.
[7] F. Hidayati, A. Solida, and E. Wisudariani, “Pengaruh Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning Dalam Meningkatkan Kreativitas Dan Kemampuan Berfikir Kritis Mahasiswa: The Effect of Problem-Based Learning in Increasing Students’ Creativity and Critical Thinking Ability,” BIODIK, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 46–53, 2024, doi: 10.22437/biodik.v10i2.29854.
[8] A. Safitri, H. Chotimah, A. M. Hudha, and A. Rahardjanto, “Application of Problem-Based Learning to Improve Problem Solving Skills and Creative Thinking Skills of Class XI Students,” Jurnal Eksakta Pendidikan, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 157–170, 2023, doi: 10.24036/jep/vol7-iss2/757.
[9] L. D. Saputri and D. Puspasari, “Does Problem-Based Learning Enhance Student Creativity?,” Jurnal Pendidikan Ekonomi, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 160–170, 2025, doi: 10.17977/UM014v18i2p160.
[10] H. Maksum, W. Purwanto, S. Siman, D. Ampera, D. Yuvenda, and H. Hasan, “Improving Problem-Solving and Communication Skills in Automotive Vocational Education through the Development of Teaching Factory Model with Problem-Based Learning (TEFA-PBL) Concept,” International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 364–386, 2024, doi: 10.46328/ijemst.3941.
[11] I. Yuliady, Z. Fadli, Rahmadani, Y. D. Alfana, and E. Fernandes, “The Influence of Problem Base Learning Model on Improving Psychomotor Abilities of Automotive Engineering,” Jurnal Vokasi Mekanika, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 44–52, 2026, doi: 10.24036/29ry5075.
[12] S. R. M. Yusop, M. S. Rasul, R. M. Yasin, H. U. Hashim, and N. A. Jalaludin, “An Assessment Approaches and Learning Outcomes in Technical and Vocational Education: A Systematic Review Using PRISMA,” Sustainability, vol. 14, no. 9, Art. no. 5225, 2022, doi: 10.3390/su14095225.
[13] M. Akhyar, F. Ihsan, S. Suharno, A. G. Tamrin, and Purwanto, “Development of Problem and Project-Based Learning Syntax to Improve Vocational Student Learning Outcomes,” Jurnal Pendidikan Teknologi dan Kejuruan, vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 1–19, 2024, doi: 10.21831/jptk.v30i1.53968.
[14] M. Ahmad and S. Wilkins, “Purposive Sampling in Qualitative Research: A Framework for the Entire Journey,” Quality & Quantity, early access, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.1007/s11135-024-02022-5.
[15] I. Kusmaryono, D. Wijayanti, and H. R. Maharani, “Number of Response Options, Reliability, Validity, and Potential Bias in the Use of the Likert Scale Education and Social Science Research: A Literature Review,” International Journal of Educational Methodology, vol. 8, no. 4, pp. 625–637, 2022, doi: 10.12973/ijem.8.4.625.
[16] A. Maqruf, A. Suhandi, A. Samsudin, M. Sözbilir, H. Ö. Kapıcı, H. Nasbey, and E. Nugraha, “Exploring Students’ Creative Thinking Skills: A Design of Reliable Instrument in Term of Assessing Creative Thinking on Temperature and Heat Concepts,” Journal of Natural Science and Integration, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 258–272, 2025, doi: 10.24014/jnsi.v8i2.31857.
[17] Kardoyo, A. Nurkhin, Muhsin, and H. Pramusinto, “Problem-Based Learning Strategy: Its Impact on Students’ Critical and Creative Thinking Skills,” European Journal of Educational Research, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 1141–1150, 2020, doi: 10.12973/eu-jer.9.3.1141.
[18] C. B. Ates and H. Aktamis, “Investigating the Effects of Creative Educational Modules Blended with Cognitive Research Trust (CoRT) Techniques and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on Students’ Scientific Creativity Skills and Perceptions in Science Education,” Thinking Skills and Creativity, vol. 51, Art. no. 101471, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.tsc.2024.101471.
[19] M. D. W. Ernawati, Yusnidar, Haryanto, E. F. S. Rini, F. T. Aldila, T. Haryati, and R. Perdana, “Do Creative Thinking Skills in Problem-Based Learning Benefit from Scaffolding?,” Journal of Turkish Science Education, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 399–417, 2023, doi: 10.36681/tused.2023.023.
[20] W. Ji and G. K. W. Wong, “Integrating Problem-Based Learning and Computational Thinking: Cultivating Creative Thinking in Primary Education,” Frontiers in Education, vol. 10, Art. no. 1625105, 2025, doi: 10.3389/feduc.2025.1625105.
[21] I. T. Simangunsong, D. D. Panggabean, and D. P. Damanik, “Problem-Based Learning to Enhance Students’ Creativity through Digital Literacy,” Journal on Education, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 5231–5237, 2023, doi: 10.31004/joe.v5i2.1143.
[22] F. Ramadhani and K. Khairuna, “The Effect of Fishbone-Assisted Problem-Based Learning Model on Students’ Creative Thinking Skills in Biology,” Jurnal Basicedu, vol. 6, no. 5, pp. 8405–8413, 2022, doi: 10.31004/basicedu.v6i5.3840.
[23] A. Dilekçi and H. Karatay, “The Effects of the 21st Century Skills Curriculum on the Development of Students’ Creative Thinking Skills,” Thinking Skills and Creativity, vol. 47, Art. no. 101229, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.tsc.2022.101229.
[24] R. Segundo-Marcos, A. M. Carrillo, V. L. Fernández, and M. T. Daza González, “Age-Related Changes in Creative Thinking during Late Childhood: The Contribution of Cooperative Learning,” Thinking Skills and Creativity, vol. 49, Art. no. 101331, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.tsc.2023.101331.
[25] Y. Liu and A. Pásztor, “Effects of Problem-Based Learning Instructional Intervention on Critical Thinking in Higher Education: A Meta-Analysis,” Thinking Skills and Creativity, vol. 45, Art. no. 101069, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.tsc.2022.101069.
[26] F. Ssemugenyi and A. Hung, “Teaching and Learning Methods Compared: A Pedagogical Evaluation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Lecture Methods in Developing Learners’ Cognitive Abilities,” Cogent Education, vol. 10, no. 1, Art. no. 2187943, 2023, doi: 10.1080/2331186X.2023.2187943.