Adaptive Inquiry-Based Learning Applications for Enhancing Students' Critical Thinking Skills: An Innovative Approach

Musdalifah Nihaya 1 Indonesia , Nurhilaliyah Nurhilaliyah 2 Indonesia , Harun Nihaya 3 Indonesia , Nurhidayat Nurhidayat 4 Indonesia
1 Islamic Education Department, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar
2 Physics Department, Universitas Negeri Makassar
3 Guidance and Counselling Department, Universitas Islam Negeri Palopo
4 Civil Engineering Department, Universitas Muhammadiyah Kolaka Utara
Link Copied!
Published 2026-07-16
Vol. 5 No. 4 (2026) PAGES 2472-2488
DOI 10.51574/ijrer.v5i4.4959
Views / Downloads 67 18

Despite the urgency of fostering critical thinking in the Society 5.0 era, conventional digital learning often overlooks individual learner diversity, particularly in the post-pandemic educational landscape. This study addresses this gap by developing and validating a cloud-hosted learning application based on the Adaptive Inquiry Approach. Utilizing a Research and Development (R&D) methodology via the six-stage Luther-Sutopo model (concept, design, material collection, assembly, testing, and distribution), the platform dynamically tailored multi-modal content (text, audio, video, and simulations) to match diverse learning styles (visual, auditory, read/write, and kinesthetic) for elementary students (grades IV–VI). The findings indicated that validation by an interdisciplinary panel of experts established outstanding conceptual, pedagogical, and technical viability, with all composite evaluation scores exceeding the 80% threshold. Concurrently, empirical assessment instruments demonstrated optimal item difficulty and robust discriminatory power in tracing cognitive gains, while supplementary guidebooks achieved high institutional feasibility. By shifting from a static, uniform instructional delivery model to a dynamic, algorithmically tailored inquiry framework, this platform bridges the digital-pedagogical divide without diluting instructional substance. This study contributes to the educational technology literature by offering a powerful, scalable blueprint to systematically empower students' critical thinking skills in the post-pandemic era.

Nihaya, M., Nurhilaliyah, N., Nihaya, H., & Nurhidayat, N. (2026). Adaptive Inquiry-Based Learning Applications for Enhancing Students’ Critical Thinking Skills: An Innovative Approach. ETDC: Indonesian Journal of Research and Educational Review , 5(4), 2472–2488. https://doi.org/10.51574/ijrer.v5i4.4959
More Citation Formats
Download Citation

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.
  1. Akfal, A. Z., Solekh, I. E., & Saefiansyah, P. M. (2025). Digital Transformation in Education: Challenges and Opportunities in Improving the Quality of Learning in the Era of Revolution. Proceedings Series on Social Sciences & Humanities, 24, 203–209. https://doi.org/10.30595/pssh.v24i.1594
  2. Alfroni, Y. F., Batlolona, J. R., & Mahapoonyanont, N. (2019). Inquiry-Scaffolding Learning Model : Its Effect On Critical Thinking Skills And Conceptual. Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Fisika Al-BiRuNi, 08(2), 245–255. https://doi.org/10.24042/jipfalbiruni.v8i2.4214 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24042/jipfalbiruni.v8i2.4214
  3. Anugrah, A., Anggraeni, L., & Syaifullah. (2025). Inquiry-Based Learning and Its Impact on Critical Thinking: An Empirical Analysis. The Eurasia Proceedings of Educational and Social Sciences (EPESS), 42, 70–80. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55549/epess.912
  4. Arifin, Z., Sukarmin, Saputro, S., & Kamari, A. (2025). The effect of inquiry-based learning on students ’ critical thinking skills in science education : A systematic review and meta-analysis. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 21(3), 1–24. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/15988 DOI: https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/15988
  5. Bhuttah, T. M., Xusheng, Q., Abid, M. N., & Sharma, S. (2024). Enhancing student critical thinking and learning outcomes through innovative pedagogical approaches in higher education : the mediating role of inclusive leadership. Scientific Reports, 14(24362), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-75379-0 1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-75379-0
  6. Borg, W. R., & Gall, M. D. (2003). Educational Research: An Introduction (7th ed.). Pearson Higher Education & Professional Group.
  7. Cahyaningsih, E., Sarifah, I., & Riyadi. (2024). Harmonizing technology and tradition: Analysis of grade VI mathematics midterm exam questions. Jurnal Gantang, 9(2), 165–180. https://doi.org/10.31629/jg.v9i2.6934 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31629/jg.v9i2.7464
  8. Carniel, J., Emmerson, M., & Gehrmann, R. (2023). Inquir y-based learning as an adaptive signature pedagogy in international relations. International Studies Perspectives, 00(00), 1–17. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.1093/isp/ekad015
  9. Chen, F., & Chen, G. (2025). Learning analytics in inquiry ‑ based learning : a systematic review. In Educational technology research and development (Vol. 73, Issue 4). Springer US. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-025-10507-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-025-10507-9
  10. El-Sabagh, H. A. (2021). Adaptive e ‑ learning environment based on learning styles and its impact on development students ’ engagement. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 18(53), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-021-00289-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-021-00289-4
  11. Hasibuan, M. P., Sunarno, W., & Susanti, E. (2025). Creative thinking enhancement through project-based learning in science : a meta-analytic review. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE), 14(5), 3994–4005. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v14i5.34521 DOI: https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v14i5.34521
  12. Hosen, M., Ogbeibu, S., Giridharan, B., Cham, T., Marc, W., & Paul, J. (2021). Computers & Education Individual motivation and social media influence on student knowledge sharing and learning performance : Evidence from an emerging economy. Computers & Education, 172(June), 104262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2021.104262 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2021.104262
  13. Liu, C., Bano, M., Zowghi, D., & Kearney, M. (2021). Computers & Education Analysing user reviews of inquiry-based learning apps in science education. Computers & Education, 164(January), 104119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2020.104119 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2020.104119
  14. Maftuhah, M. (2024). Strategi Pengembangan Literasi Digital Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Dan Kreatif. PROGRESSA: Journal of Islamic Religious Instruction, 08(02), 123–131. https://doi.org/10.32616/pgr.v8.2.494.123-131 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32616/pgr.v8.2.491.123-131
  15. Muwafiq, A., & Nugroho, K. A. (2025). Physics E-Book Using Indigenous Instruments to Foster Critical Thinking and Digital Literacy. Jurnal Penelitian & Pengembangan Pendidikan Fisika, 11(2), 137–154. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.21009/1.11201 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21009/1.11201
  16. Narimo, S., Sulistyanto, H., Prayitno, H. J., Wulandari, M. D., Setyabudi, D. P., Sumardjoko, B., Anif, S., & Awaludin, A. (2025). An empirical study in Indonesia: is adaptive inquiry learning effective for improving higher-order thinking skills of elementary school students? International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 37(2), 179–194. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.1504/IJIL.2025.144198 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJIL.2025.144198
  17. Nhung, N. T. H., Kien, P. T., Khanh, M. Q., Tinh, T. T., & Phong, T. D. (2025). Digital transformation in Vietnam’s education: Opportunities, challenges, and development strategies. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 8(9), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2025282 Digital DOI: https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2025282
  18. Penn, M., Ramnarain, U., & Ramnarain, U. (2025). Creating adaptive learning pathways for inquiry- based learning in school science using generative AI large language models models. International Journal of Science Education, 0693, 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2025.2574519 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2025.2574519
  19. Plooy, E. du, Casteleijn, D., & Franzsen, D. (2024). Personalized adaptive learning in higher education: A scoping review of key characteristics and impact on academic performance and engagement. Heliyon, 10(e39630), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39630 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39630
  20. Susilana, R., Dewi, L., Setiawan, B., Alias, N., DeWitt, D., Hazar, S., & Zulnaidi, H. (2024). Need Analysis of Critical Thinking Skills Acquisition through Adaptive Learning Model : Indonesian Perspective on Freedom of Learning Curriculum. Al-Ishlah: Jurnal Pendidikan, 16(3), 3487–3500. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v16i3.4720 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v16i3.4720
  21. Sutopo, A. H. (2010). Multimedia Interaktif dengan Flash. Graha Ilmu.
  22. Tang, J. (2024). The impact of smart learning technologies on students’ cognitive competence: enhancing critical thinking. Education and Information Technologies, 30, 10073–10089. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-13250-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-13250-5
  23. Topali, P., Chounta, I.-A., Martínez-monés, A., & Dimitriadis, Y. (2023). Delving into instructor-led feedback interventions informed by learning analytics in massive open online courses. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 39, 1039–1060. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12799 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12799
  24. Uslan, Abdullah, N. B., Aiman, U., & Yenni. (2025). Pedagogical Efficacy of Guided Inquiry Modules: Enhancing Critical Thinking in Elementary Education Through Quasi-Experimental Validation. Indonesian Journal on Learning and Advanced Education, 7(3), 601–617. https://doi.org/10.23917/ijolae.v7i3.12814 DOI: https://doi.org/10.23917/ijolae.v7i3.12814
  25. Yusra, A., Neviyarni, S., & Erianjomi. (2022). A Review of Behaviorist Learning Theory and its Impact on the Learning Process in Schools. International Journal of Educational Dynamics, 5(1), 81–91. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.24036/ijeds.v5i1.373 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24036/ijeds.v5i1.373

Copyright (c) 2026 Musdalifah Nihaya, Nurhilaliyah Nurhilaliyah, Harun Nihaya, Nurhidayat Nurhidayat

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Similar Articles

<< < 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Dimension Badge

Downloads

Downloads
Crossmark Badge
Crossmark Badge
Section
Articles
Keywords
Adaptive Inquiry Approach Critical Thinking Digital Applications Students