Meta-Analysis of Integrated Learning on 21st Century Skills: Is Integrated Learning Still Relevant?

Abstract

Integrated learning has emerged as an approach to developing critical thinking and creativity skills. This meta-analysis synthesizes the effects of integrated learning on critical thinking and creativity, drawing from experimental studies published over the past decade. This study addresses the research question: What are the impacts and factors influencing integrated learning on students' critical thinking skills and creativity compared to conventional learning over the past decade? In the database, 403 articles were obtained, which were then supplemented by seven articles from manual searches, so that there were a total of 410 articles. After a strict inclusion process, 8 articles were selected for analysis. The inter-rater reliability test using Cohen's Kappa coefficient produced a value of 0.78, which indicates a substantial level of agreement. The analysis includes data from 497 participants for critical thinking and 266 for creativity. Heterogeneity in critical thinking skill data was 96%, and in creative skills, it was 86%; then, a subgroup analysis of education level was carried out to find out where the high heterogeneity was. The results show a significant positive effect of integrated learning, with an SMD of 1.48 (p = .004) for critical thinking and 1.60 (p = .0001) for creativity. Funnel plots and Egger's regression tests indicate no risk of publication bias. In addition, this study also synthesized the causal factors of how integrated learning affects critical thinking skills and creativity. Further research is recommended to explore its long-term impact and implementation strategies in various educational settings. © 2025 The Author(s).

Keywords

Author Keywords

Critical thinking Creativity 21st century integrated learning

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations

Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, East Java, Indonesia

Funding & Acknowledgements

Universitas Negeri Malang, UM

Funding text 1: We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the University of Nusantara PGRI Kediri for their financial support throughout the research process. We also extend our thanks to the State University of Malang for providing the necessary facilities and reference sources. Their encouragement and support were crucial to the successful completion of this research.; Funding text 2: We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the University of Nusantara PGRI Kediri for their financial support throughout the research process. We also extend our thanks to the State University of Malang for providing the necessary facilities and reference sources. Their encouragement and support were crucial to the successful completion of this research. This research is supported by a research grant from the University of Nusantara PGRI Kediri, number 014.01/UN PGRIKd/VIII/2024.; Funding text 3: This research is supported by a research grant from the University of Nusantara PGRI Kediri, number 014.01/UN PGRI-Kd/VIII/2024.

Grant: 014.01/UN PGRI-Kd/VIII/2024

Funding text 1: We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the University of Nusantara PGRI Kediri for their financial support throughout the research process. We also extend our thanks to the State University of Malang for providing the necessary facilities and reference sources. Their encouragement and support were crucial to the successful completion of this research.; Funding text 2: We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the University of Nusantara PGRI Kediri for their financial support throughout the research process. We also extend our thanks to the State University of Malang for providing the necessary facilities and reference sources. Their encouragement and support were crucial to the successful completion of this research. This research is supported by a research grant from the University of Nusantara PGRI Kediri, number 014.01/UN PGRIKd/VIII/2024.; Funding text 3: This research is supported by a research grant from the University of Nusantara PGRI Kediri, number 014.01/UN PGRI-Kd/VIII/2024.

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Meta-Analysis of Integrated Learning on 21st Century Skills: Is Integrated Learning Still Relevant?

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