The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on Problem-Solving Skills in Science - A Literature Review

Oct 15, 2026

The study synthesizes evidence on how to strengthen students’ problem-solving skills through science learning. Using the PRISMA-guided systematic literature review method, 42 Scopus-indexed international research articles were selected with the keywords “problem solving skills in science learning” and coded by author, year, learning model, research method, and findings. Problem Based Learning (PBL) (43%) and Project Based Learning (PJBL) (19%) were the most used approaches. Quantitative quasi-experimental designs dominated, and most publications came from 2020–2021, indicating high effectiveness for improving both skills and learning engagement.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages19

Reading Time48 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Systematic Literature Review (SLR)

The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on Problem-Solving Skills in Science: A Literature Review Sul Daeng Naba Yogyakarta State University, Indonesia, [https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7152-3448](https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7152-3448) Heru Kuswanto Yogyakarta State University, Indonesia, [https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2693-8078](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2693-8078) Aris Kurniawan Yogyakarta State University, Indonesia, [https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9037-6798](https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9037-6798) Utami Putri Yogyakarta State University, Indonesia, [https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8913-0123](https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8913-0123) Abstract: Entering the 21st-century education, problem solving skills have become one of the most crucial competencies for students. An effective learning model focusing on students' problem-solving abilities is necessary to enhance these skills. Various learning models have been developed and implemented across different levels of education. This research aims to gain information about efforts to improve problem solving skills in science learning. The PRISMA model, which has several established criteria, is the systematic literature review model. The review method was chosen to identify research journals with the keywords "problem solving skills in science learning," focusing on international journals indexed in Scopus. 42 articles were reviewed based on author, year, learning model, research method, problem solving skills, and research findings. Based on thereview of these articles, implementing Problem Based Learning (PBL) with a percentage of 43% and ProjectBased Learning (PJBL) with 19% were the most frequently used approaches to enhance problem solving skills. The most frequently used research method for improving problem solving skills in science learning was the quantitative method with a quasi experimental design. Furthermore, the majority of the publications were from the years 2020-2021. This research indicates that learning using the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model is considered highly effective in significantly impacting students' skills and engagement in learning. Therefore, this research can contribute to the field of education, particularly in evaluating science learning to enhance problem solving skills. Keywords: Problem Solving Skills, Problem Based Learning (Pbl), Systematic Litarature Review Citation: Naba, S. D., Kuswanto, H., Kurniawan & A., Putri, U. (2025) . The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on Problem-Solving Skills in Science: A Literature Review. In M. S. Ozturk, M. Unal & M. L. Ciddi (Eds.), Proceedings of ICEMST 2025--International Conference on Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology (pp. 70-88), Antalya, Turkiye. ISTES. Introduction In the 21st-century education era, problem solving skills have become one of the most crucial competencies for students. These skills are relevant in academic contexts and daily life, where identifying, analysing, and finding practical solutions is highly necessary (Sellnow, 2009; Voogt & Roblin, 2019) . Indeed, problem solving skills are a key competency that has garnered significant attention. This skill set is essential in professional environments and everyday situations, particularly when addressing issues that demand information analysis, evaluation, and synthesis (OECD, 2019) . In the educational realm, particularly in science education, problem solving skills are regarded as a crucial component that fosters critical, creative, and systematic thinking among students as they seek to comprehend natural phenomena and utilise scientific knowledge to address authentic problems (Hmelo-Silver, 2020) . As a discipline grounded in investigation and experimentation, science learning holds significant potential for developing problem solving skills (Bybee, 2019) . Through appropriate pedagogical approaches, students can be guided to identify problems, formulate hypotheses, design ex

FAQs

What is the purpose of this research on science learning?

To gather information about efforts to improve problem-solving skills in science learning and synthesize evidence on effective strategies.

How was the literature reviewed in this study?

A PRISMA-based systematic literature review was conducted to identify Scopus-indexed international journals using the keyword “problem solving skills in science learning”.

Which learning models and research methods were most frequently found?

PBL was the most frequently used approach (43%), followed by PJBL (19%). The most common research method used was quantitative research with a quasi-experimental design.

Oct 15, 2026

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