Integrating Problem-Based Learning and the Teaching at the Right Level Approach to Improve Students’ Collaboration Skills

Authors

  • Alfi Andriani Universitas Tidar
  • Eli Trisnowati Universitas Tidar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.57092/ijetz.v4i3.515

Keywords:

Classroom Action Research, Collaboration Skills, Problem Based Learning, Teaching at the Right Level

Abstract

This study aimed to enhance Grade VIII students’ collaboration skills by integrating the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) methodology with the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model. Conducted as classroom action research (CAR) involving 32 students from Class VIII F at SMP Negeri 1 Magelang, the study was implemented over two cycles, each comprising the stages of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. Data were collected through observation sheets, questionnaires, and interviews, and analyzed using descriptive quantitative techniques. The findings revealed consistent improvement across five indicators of collaboration skills, with increases of 15%, 19%, 17%, 22%, and 18% after two cycles. The overall average score rose from 61% in the pre-cycle to 72% in Cycle I and 91% in Cycle II. These results indicate that the integration of PBL and TaRL effectively fostered students’ teamwork competencies. The study contributes to the growing body of evidence on how learner-centered and level-based instructional approaches can synergistically promote active engagement, peer collaboration, and the development of 21st-century skills in middle school education.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Banerjee, A., Banerji, R., Berry, J., Duflo, E., Kannan, H., Mukerji, S., ... & Walton, M. (2017). From proof of concept to scalable policies: Challenges and solutions, with an application. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 31(4), 73-102. https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.31.4.73

Bergamin, P. B., Bosch, C., Du Toit, A., Goede, R., Golightly, A., Johnson, D. W., ... & van Zyl, S. (2019). Self-directed learning for the 21st century: Implications for higher education, (p. 470), Aosis. https://doi.org/10.4102/aosis.2019.BK134

Dean, C. G. P., Grossman, P., Enumah, L., Herrmann, Z., & Kavanagh, S. S. (2023). Core practices for project-based learning: Learning from experienced practitioners in the United States. Teaching and Teacher Education, 133, 104275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2023.104275

De Caux, B. C., et al. (2024). Learning together through collaborative writing: The power of peer feedback and interaction. Thinking Skills and Creativity. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2024.101700

Dias-Oliveira, E., Pasion, R., da Cunha, R. V., & Coelho, S. L. (2024). The development of critical thinking, team working, and communication skills in a business school–A project-based learning approach. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 54, 101680. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2024.101680

Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta‐analysis of school‐based universal interventions. Child development, 82(1), 405-432. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x

Fitriani, I., Walid, W., & Fauzia, H. (2023). Peningkatan kemampuan berpikir kritis matematis dan motivasi belajar peserta didik pada model problem based learning (PBL) kelas X SMA Negeri 7 Semarang. Jurnal Unnes, 751-765. https://proceeding.unnes.ac.id/wpcgp/article/view/3431

Gillies, R. M. (2016). Cooperative learning: Review of research and practice. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 41(3). https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2016v41n3.3

Hmelo-Silver, C. E. (2004). Problem-based learning: What and how do students learn?. Educational psychology review, 16(3), 235-266. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:EDPR.0000034022.16470.f3

Ismail, I. A., Qadhafi, R., & Huza, O. (2024). Teaching at the right level as a potential solution for improving middle school education: A systematic review. International Journal of Education and Learning, Vol. 8(4), 126-138. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11240915

Ismail, I. A., Zakaria, M. A. Z. M., & Abidin, N. Z. (2024). Enhancing collaborative problem-solving through differentiated learning and PBL integration in STEM education. Journal of Education and Learning, 13(2), 112–126. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v13i2.33321

Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2017). Cooperative learning and the achievement gap in education. Educational Researcher, 46(2), 133–142. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X16679045

Johnson, D. W., Johnson, R. T., & Smith, K. A. (2014). Cooperative learning: Improving university instruction by basing practice on validated theory. Journal on excellence in college teaching, 25(3-4). https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1041374

Kaffenberger, M., & Pritchett, L. (2021). A structured model of the dynamics of student learning in developing countries, with applications to policy. International Journal of Educational Development, 82, 102371. https://doi:10.1016/j.ijedudev.2021.102371

Kumar, D., Sunder, N., Sabates, R., & Wadhwa, W. (2024). Improving children’s foundational learning through community-school participation: Experimental evidence from rural India. Labour Economics, 91, 102615. https://doi.org.10.1016/j.labeco.2024.102615

Lotta, J., Rotsaert, T., & Schellens, T. (2024). Structuring collaborative learning for equitable participation: An analysis of dialogue patterns and task regulation. Computers & Education, 205, 105093. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2024.105093

Muliana, M., Nufus, H., & Khusna, R. W. (2023). Pengembangan instrumen penilaian terhadap keterampilan 4C (Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity). Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika Malikussaleh, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.29103/jpmm.v5i1.16364

Mubarokah, S. (2022). Tantangan implementasi pendekatan TaRL (Teaching at the Right Level) dalam literasi dasar yang inklusif di madrasah ibtida’iyah lombok timur. BADA’A:Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan, 4(1), 165–179. https://doi.org/10.37216/badaa.v4i1.582.

Mulyani, D. A., & Sudibyo, E. (2024). Penerapan model pembelajaran PBL dalam pendekatan TaRL untuk meningkatkan keterampilan kolaborasi pada pembelajaran IPA. Vektor: Jurnal Pendidikan IPA, 5(2), 21-30. https://doi.org/10.35719/vektor.v5i02.148

Mustafa, S., Riana, R., & Baharullah, B. (2024). The collaboration of teaching at the right level approach with problem-based learning. Open Education Studies, 6(2), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1515/edu-2024-0046

Mutiara, H., Hanikah, H., & Sumiri, S. (2025). Implementasi pendekatan teaching at the right level (TaRL) untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar peserta didik Kelas VII SMPN 1 Plered. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA, 6(1), 92-100. https://doi.org/10.56842/jp-ipa.v6i01.525

Ni’mah, A., Arianti, E. S., Suyanto, S., Putera, S. H. P., & Nashrudin, A. (2024). Problem-based learning (PBL) methods within an independent curriculum (a literature review). Sintaksis: Publikasi Para ahli Bahasa dan Sastra Inggris, 2(4), 165-174. https://doi.org/10.61132/sintaksis.v2i4.859

Ningsih, T. Z., Aman, A., Nasrulloh, A., Ofianto, O., Erniwati, E., Asri, Z., … Firza, F. (2025). Enhancing communication and collaboration skills through discovery, cooperative and problem based learning models in Social Studies education. CogentEducation, 12(1).https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2500110

Rahmawati, L., Mutiara, H., & Santoso, D. (2025). Fostering collaboration and communication through reflective inquiry in science classrooms. International Journal of Instruction, 18(1), 55–70. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2025.1814a

Rahmawati, L., Aji, L. S., & Sari, H. I. (2025). Improving collaboration skills, critical thinking, and science learning achievement in grade VII through discovery learning with TaRL approach. Journal of Classroom Action Research, 7(1), 508-517. https://doi.org/10.29303/jcar.v7iSpecialIssue.9587

Riduwan. (2013). Belajar mudah penelitian. Bandung : Alfabeta.

Slotta, J., Rotsaert, T., & Schellens, T. (2024). Designing dialogic peer feedback in collaborative learning: The role of Thinq Tank. Education Sciences, 14(11), 1231. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14111231

Sufajar, D., & Qosyim, A. (2022). Analisis ketrampilan kolaborasi siswa SMP pada pembelajaran IPA di masa pandemi Covid-19. PENSA E-Jurnal: Pendidikan Sains, 10(2), 253–259. https://doi.org/10.26740/pensa.v10i2.45054

Trilling, B., & Fadel, C. (2009). 21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Van Hoe, A., Wiebe, J., Slotta, J., Rotsaert, T., & Schellens, T. (2024). Designing dialogic peer feedback in collaborative learning: The role of Thinq Tank. Education Sciences, 14(11), 1231. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14111231

Wang, M., Jiang, L., & Luo, H. (2023). Dyads or quads? Impact of group size and learning context on collaborative learning. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1168208. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1168208

Wulandari, S., Darmansyah, D., Yeni, F., & Yusri, M. A. K. (2023). Pengembangan E-Modul Matematika Berbasis 4C (Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity) untuk Siswa Kelas VII SMP. Jurnal Pendidikan Tambusai, 7(3), 24798–24804. https://doi.org/10.31004/jptam.v7i3.10542

Wulansari, K., & Sunarya, Y. (2023). Keterampilan 4C (Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, dan Collaboration) Guru Bahasa Indonesia SMA dalam pembelajaran abad 21 di era Industri 4.0. Jurnal Basicedu, 7(3), 1667–1674. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v7i3.5360

Downloads

Published

2025-10-07

How to Cite

Alfi Andriani, & Eli Trisnowati. (2025). Integrating Problem-Based Learning and the Teaching at the Right Level Approach to Improve Students’ Collaboration Skills. International Journal of Education and Teaching Zone, 4(3), 406–422. https://doi.org/10.57092/ijetz.v4i3.515