A Study on the Impact of Project-Based Thematic Learning in Enhancing Elementary School Students' Creativity

Yahya Gunawan; Rahma Yucica; Rahmi Indriani; Beby Indri Safitri; Verly welianto; Zelhendri Zen; Desyandri Desyandri

doi:10.33578/

Authors

Yahya Gunawan Universitas Negeri Padang Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6741-5062
Rahma Yucica Universitas Negeri Padang Author
Rahmi Indriani Universitas Negeri Padang Author
Beby Indri Safitri Universitas Negeri Padang Author
Verly welianto Universitas Negeri Padang Author
Zelhendri Zen Universitas Negeri Padang Author
Desyandri Desyandri Universitas Negeri Padang Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33578/

Keywords:

Elementary Education, Project Based Learning, Thematic Learning, Student Creativity

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of project-based thematic learning on enhancing the creativity of elementary school students. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method was applied, analyzing five research articles published in accredited national journals from 2015 to 2025. Data were collected from secondary sources through a systematic search in academic search engines, using keywords such as "Project-Based Learning" and "student creativity." The articles were selected based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The analysis was carried out descriptively and qualitatively, evaluating the learning models, implementation stages, and their impact on student creativity. The findings show that project-based thematic learning significantly improves students' creative thinking, promotes active involvement in the learning process, and develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This approach proves to be an effective and innovative teaching strategy for fostering students' potential in the 21st-century learning environment. The study's findings suggest that adopting this learning model can enhance creativity and overall student engagement.

Author Biographies

Rahma Yucica, Universitas Negeri Padang

Rahma Yucica is a graduate student in the Master's program of Elementary Education at Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP). She is an alumna of Universitas Bung Hatta Padang, where she completed her undergraduate studies. Rahma's academic interests focus on educational development and teaching methodologies, particularly in the context of elementary education.
Rahmi Indriani, Universitas Negeri Padang

Rahmi Indriani is a Master's student in the Department of Elementary Education at Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) and an alumna of Universitas Bung Hatta Padang.

References

Al-qoyyim, T. M., & Kurniawan, W. (2025). Project-Based Learning in Science Learning : A Literature Review. Contextual Natural Science Education Journal, 03(1), 1–14.

Al-Thani, N. J., & Ahmad, Z. (2025). The Scope of Problem-Based Learning and Integrated Research Education for Primary Learners BT - Teaching and Learning with Research Cognitive Theory: Unlocking Curiosity and Creativity for Problem-Solving Skills (N. J. Al-Thani & Z. Ahmad (eds.); pp. 25–43). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-87544-1_2

Aosi, G. (2019). STEM Based Learning to Create Joyful Investigating Pumpkins for Mathematical Learning on Primary School. INVOTEK: Jurnal Inovasi Vokasional Dan Teknologi, 19(1), 113–120. https://doi.org/10.24036/invotek.v19i1.567

Bart, W., Hokanson, B., & Can, I. (2017). An Investigation of the Factor Structure of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. Kuram Ve Uygulamada Egitim Bilimleri, 17, 515–528. https://doi.org/10.12738/estp.2017.2.0051

Capraro, R. M., Capraro, M. M., & Morgan, J. (2013). STEM Project-Based Learning: An Integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Approach. Second Edition. Brill. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6209-143-6

Clausen, & Riise, N. (2023). Self-Directed Learning in Problem-and Project-Based Learning A Study of Self-Direction in the Aalborg PBL Model. https://doi.org/10.54337/aau679676715

Cresswell, C., & Speelman, C. P. (2020). Does mathematics training lead to better logical thinking and reasoning? A cross-sectional assessment from students to professors. PLoS ONE, 15(7 July), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0236153

Engelbrecht, J., & Borba, M. C. (2024). Recent developments in using digital technology in mathematics education. ZDM – Mathematics Education, 56(2), 281–292. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-023-01530-2

Erin, A., Cahyani, M., Mayasari, T., & Sasono, M. (2020). Efektivitas E-Modul Project Based Learning Berintegrasi STEM Terhadap Kreativitas Siswa SMK. 4(1), 15–22. https://doi.org/10.20527/jipf.v4i1.1774

Fuadin, A., & Fauziya, D. S. (2022). Implementasi Model Project Based Learning Dalam Mata Kuliah Wajib Umum Bahasa Indonesia. Semantik, 11(1), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.22460/semantik.v11i1.p101-110

Gunawan, Y., Putra, Z. H., & Antosa, Z. (2022). The Effect of Gender on Fifth- Grade Students ’ Computational Thinking Skills. 12(3), 465–476.

Haque, T. M. (2025). Understanding the relationship between teachers ’ efficiency and content delivery in secondary classrooms. SPC Journal of Education Website:, 6(1), 1–4.

Harefa, D., & Suastra, I. W. (2024). Mathematics Education Based on Local Wisdom: Learning Strategies through Hombo Batu. Afore : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 3(2 SE-Articles). https://doi.org/10.57094/afore.v3i2.2236

Isabirye, A. K., Moloi, K. C., Lebelo, R. S., & Khan, S. (2025). Cultivating Creativity and Innovation in the School Curriculum for the 21st Century : Opportunities and Challenges. 6798, 334–348.

Kaushik. (2020). Evaluating a First-Year Engineering Course for Project Based Learning (PBL) Essentials. Procedia Computer Science, 172, 364–369. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2020.05.056

Khamkhoeva, F. Y. (2025). Development of creative thinking and creative abilities in primary school children. ACCOUNTING AND CONTROL. https://doi.org/10.36871/u.i.k.2025.03.01.009

Kitchenham, B., Pearl Brereton, O., Budgen, D., Turner, M., Bailey, J., & Linkman, S. (2009). Systematic literature reviews in software engineering – A systematic literature review. Information and Software Technology, 51(1), 7–15. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infsof.2008.09.009

Kolb, A. Y., & Kolb, D. A. (2005). Learning Styles and Learning Spaces: Enhancing Experiential Learning in Higher Education. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 4(2), 193–212. https://doi.org/10.5465/amle.2005.17268566

Kuzle, A. (2023). Elementary school children’s perceptions of geometry classroom as a psychosocial learning environment: an analysis of participant-produced drawings. Learning Environments Research, 26(2), 379–399. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10984-022-09430-0

Mantecon, J.-M. D., Prodromou, T., Lavicza, Z., Blanco, T. F., & Ortiz-Laso, Z. (2021). An attempt to evaluate STEAM project-based instruction from a school mathematics perspective. ZDM – Mathematics Education, 53(5), 1137–1148. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-021-01303-9

Martinez, P. H., & Vos, P. (2017). “Why do i have to learn this?” A case study on students’ experiences of the relevance of mathematical modelling activities. ZDM - Mathematics Education, 50(1–2), 245–257. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-017-0904-2

Maskar, S., Herman, T., Dasari, D., & Puspaningtyas, N. D. (2023). Creativity in Mathematics: Mathematical Reasoning Ability of Indonesian Students and Solution Recommendation. Acta Scientiae, 25(5), 303–331. https://doi.org/10.17648/acta.scientiae.7813

Mazana, M. Y., Montero, C. S., & Casmir, R. O. (2018). Investigating Students’ Attitude towards Learning Mathematics. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 14(1), 207–231. https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/3997

Meliyevich, O., & Ortiqov, O. X. (2024). Renaissance Philosophers and Their Contributions to the Development of Philosophy. 963–966. https://doi.org/10.5220/0012935500003882

Mellati, M., Khademi, M., & Shirzadeh, A. (2015). The relationships among sources of teacher pedagogical beliefs, teaching experiences, and student outcomes. International Journal of Applied Linguistics and English Literature, 4(2), 177–184. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.4n.2p.177

Milla, D. (2025). The Application of Project-Based Learning with Constructivism Theory in Enhancing Creativity of Elementary School Students: A Literature Review. Journal La Edusci. https://doi.org/10.37899/journallaedusci.v6i1.1720

Newton, L. D., & Newton, D. P. (2014). Creativity in 21st-century education. PROSPECTS, 44(4), 575–589. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11125-014-9322-1

Nilimaa, J. (2023). New Examination Approach for Real-World Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills in Mathematics. In Trends in Higher Education (Vol. 2, Issue 3, pp. 477–495). https://doi.org/10.3390/higheredu2030028

Novikasari, I., Muttaqin, A., & Elebiary, N. (2024). Teaching Math and Preserving Culture: The Intersection of Values in Indonesian Pedagogy BT - Values and Valuing in Mathematics Education: Moving Forward into Practice (Y. Dede, G. Marschall, & P. Clarkson (eds.); pp. 361–379). Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-9454-0_17

Omelianenko, O., & Artyukhova, N. (2024). Project-Based Learning : Theoretical Overview and Practical Implications. 09(01), 35–41. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.30525/2500-946X/2024-1-6

Özgeldi, M., & Osmanoğlu, A. (2017). Connecting Mathematics to Real Life: An Investigation on How Prospective Secondary Mathematics Teachers Build Real Life Connections. Turkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics Education (TURCOMAT), 8(3), 438–458. https://doi.org/10.16949/turkbilmat.298081

Pahmi, S., Juandi, D., & Sugiarni, R. (2022). The Effect of STEAM in Mathematics Learning on 21st Century Skills: A Systematic Literature Reviews. Prisma, 11(1), 93. https://doi.org/10.35194/jp.v11i1.2039

Palomino, D. D. H., Juan, V., Estrada-Araoz, E. G., & Cruz-Laricano, E. O. (2025). Effectiveness of an educational program in the development of creative thinking in Peruvian primary school students. Sapienza: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies. https://doi.org/10.51798/sijis.v6i2.1018

Piaget, J. (1976). Piaget’s theory. In B. Inhelder, H. H. Chipman, & C. Zwingmann (Eds.), Piaget and His School (Springer S, pp. 11–23). Springer Study Edition. Springer Berlin Heidelberg.

Qizi, B. N. B. (2025). Principles for Developing Students’ Creative Competencies Through an Innovative Approach. American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research. https://doi.org/10.37547/ajsshr/volume05issue07-23

Ratnaningsih, N., Ni’Mah, K., & Hidayat, E. (2021). Covid-19 the Earliest for Digital Learning in Mathematics: An Overview from Technology Literacy. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1819(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1819/1/012027

Revenko, I., Hlianenko, K., Sosnova, M., Vlasenko, R., & Kolodina, L. (2024). The Exploration of Pedagogical Approaches and Methods that are Designed to Stimulate the Creative Thinking of Students. Brazilian Journal of Education, Technology and Society, 137–146. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.14571/brajets.v17.n1.137-146 ISSN

Reynvoet, B., Ribner, A. D., Elliott, L., Van Steenkiste, M., Sasanguie, D., & Libertus, M. E. (2021). Making sense of the relation between number sense and math. Journal of Numerical Cognition, 7(3), 308–327. https://doi.org/10.5964/jnc.6059

Rohmaniyah, N., & Asih, S. W. (2024). Project-Based Learning Design in Secondary Schools : Enhancing Students ’ Collaborative and Creative Skills. 2(4), 274–287.

Safitri, N., Patmawati, Fatmanisa, N., Asri, A. J., & Info, A. (2025). Effect of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) on Students’ Creative Thinking in IPAS Education. Journal of General Education and Humanities. https://doi.org/10.58421/gehu.v4i3.474

Sánchez-García, R., & Reyes-De-Cózar, S. (2025). Enhancing Project-Based Learning: A Framework for Optimizing Structural Design and Implementation—A Systematic Review with a Sustainable Focus. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114978

Setiani, R., Syafi’ah, R., Hartanto, S., Arifianti, E. R., & Dwikoranto. (2024). Science Creativity Assessment Instruments in the Merdeka Curriculum in Elementary Schools. At-Thullab : Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. https://doi.org/10.30736/atl.v8i2.2062

Sezer, H. B., & Namukasa, I. K. (2021). Real-world problems through computational thinking tools and concepts: the case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, 14(1), 46–64. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIT-12-2020-0085

Shpeizer, R. (2019). Towards a Successful Integration of Project-based Learning in Higher Education : Challenges , Technologies and Methods of Implementation. 7(8), 1765–1771. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2019.070815

Strukova, S., Gomez, M., & Ruipérez-Valiente, J. (2025). Shaping Creativity: Exploring Creative Solutions in Serious Digital Puzzle Games. J. Learn. Anal., 12, 50–66. https://doi.org/10.18608/jla.2025.8809

Suryanto, D. A. (2020). Modul Konsep Dasar Penilaian dalam Pembelajaran. 1–42.

Sweller, J. (1994). Cognitive load theory, learning difficulty, and instructional design. Learning and Instruction, 4(4), 295–312. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/0959-4752(94)90003-5

Torrance, E. P. (1977). Creativity in the Classroom; What Research Says to the Teacher.

Torrance, E. P. (1987). Teaching for Creativity. The University of Georgia.

Vaghela, V. S., & Parsana, F. (2024). Teaching and Learning : Fostering Student Engagement , Critical Thinking , and Lifelong Learning Skills. 30(6), 66–73. https://doi.org/10.53555/kuey.v30i6(S).5324

Warne, R., Golightly, S., & Black, M. (2022). Factor structure of intelligence and divergent thinking subtests: A registered report. PLoS ONE, 17. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0274921

Wei, T., Feng, D., Song, S., & Zhang, C. (2024). An extraction and novelty evaluation framework for technology knowledge elements of patents. Scientometrics, 129(11), 7417–7442. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-024-04990-9

Wibowo, S., Wangid, M. N., Firdaus, F. M., & Info, A. (2025). The relevance of Vygotsky ’ s constructivism learning theory with the differentiated learning primary schools. 19(1). https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v19i1.21197

Williamson, E. (2024). The Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning in Developing Critical Thinking Skills among High School Students. European Journal of Education, 1(1 SE-Articles), 1–11. https://forthworthjournals.org/journals/index.php/EJE/article/view/26

Wulandari, R. (2021). International Conference of Economics Education and Entrepreneurship (ICEEE 2020) SHEs: Conference Series 4 (3) (2021) 8-16 Characteristics and Learning Models of the 21 st Century. International Conference of Economics Education and Entrepreneurship (ICEEE 2020), 4(Iceee 2020), 8–16. https://jurnal.uns.ac.id/shes

Zainil, M., & Helsa, Y. (2024). A needs analysis on the utilization of learning management systems as blended learning media in elementary school. 11(1), 56–65. https://doi.org/10.20448/jeelr.v11i1.5310

Zhang, J., Xie, H., & Li, H. (2019). Improvement of students problem-solving skills through project execution planning in civil engineering and construction management education. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 26(7), 1437–1454. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-08-2018-0321