The Effect of TPACK-Based Interactive Learning Media on Students’ Critical Thinking Skills in Elementary School Science and Social Studies Learning

Developing students' critical thinking skills is one of the primary objectives of Science and Social Studies learning in elementary schools. However, achieving this objective remains challenging because classroom instruction has not fully utilized learning media that actively engage students in the learning process. This study aimed to examine the effect of TPACK-based interactive learning media on elementary school students' critical thinking skills. This research employed a quantitative approach using a quasi-experimental method with a pretest–posttest control group design. The sample consisted of 62 students, including 32 students in the experimental group and 30 students in the control group, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a critical thinking skills test and analyzed using normality and homogeneity tests, an independent samples t-test, and the normalized gain (N-Gain) test. The findings revealed a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the experimental group demonstrated a higher improvement in critical thinking skills, with an average N-Gain score of 0.303 (moderate category), whereas the control group achieved an average N-Gain score of 0.102 (low category). These findings indicate that TPACK-based interactive learning media have a positive effect on improving elementary school students' critical thinking skills.