Differentiated project-based through VAK styles and teamwork: A strategy for developing problem-solving skills in physics learning

Authors

  • Pramudya Putra Adhitya Nurusman State Islamic University of Sunan Gunung Djati, Indonesia
    ID Indonesia
  • Adam Malik State Islamic University of Sunan Gunung Djati, Indonesia
    ID Indonesia
  • Muhammad Minan Chusni State Islamic University of Sunan Gunung Djati, Indonesia
    ID Indonesia
  • Andi Rohendi Nugraha University of Hamburg, Germany
    DE Germany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62672/joease.v4i3.185

Keywords:

Problem solving, Project based learning, Visual auditory kinesthetic learning style

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of a differentiated Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model integrated with Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic (VAK) learning styles and teamwork in improving students’ problem-solving skills in physics. A quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group was employed, involving 36 students in the experimental group and 36 students in the control group. The experimental group received differentiated PjBL instruction based on VAK learning styles, while the control group was taught using the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model. Data were collected using observation sheets and problem-solving tests. The results showed that the implementation of learning in the experimental class reached 87.56% (very good category), higher than the control class (82.38%). The N-Gain score in the experimental group (0.70, high category) was also higher than that of the control group (0.62, moderate category). Statistical analysis using an independent samples t-test indicated a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that differentiated PjBL integrated with VAK learning styles and teamwork is more effective than conventional PBL in enhancing students’ problem-solving skills. This approach supports active and collaborative learning while accommodating diverse learning preferences.

References

Adi, S., Sutrisno, & Mulyani, S. (2020). The effectiveness of VAK (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic) learning model in science learning: A meta-analysis. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1521(4), 042081. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1521/4/042081

Ainsworth, S. (2020). Multiple representations in physics education: From research to practice. Physical Review Physics Education Research, 16(2), 020102. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.16.020102

Bahar, A. K., & Asil, M. (2025). Multi-representational products as evidence of authentic problem-solving in project-based physics. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 23(2), 241–260. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-024-10482-1

Century, J., & Cassata, A. (2021). Implementation fidelity in education research: Controlling confounding variables in quasi-experiments. Review of Educational Research, 91(4), 515–548. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543211003124

Chen, S., & Chang, W. (2022). The impact of multi-sensory instructional media on spatial reasoning in physics education. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 31(3), 334–349. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-022-09958-w

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Docktor, J. L., Dornfeld, J., & Heller, K. (2022). Assessing development of physics problem-solving skills using a categorized rubric approach. Physical Review Physics Education Research, 18(1), 010112. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.18.010112

Erdoğan, S. (2022). Enhancing problem-solving indicators in wave optics through multi-sensory experimental models. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 38(5), 1412–1428. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12695

Fauzi, A. (2022). Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in Schools (Case study at SMAN 1 Pengaron, Banjar Regency). Jurnal Pahlawan, 18(2), 18–22. https://doi.org/10.36513/jp.v18i2.2884

Fitriana, N., Rachmadiarti, F., & Suyono, S. (2023). Implementasi PBL (Problem Based Learning) berbantuan media video sebagai upaya meningkatkan motivasi dan hasil belajar kognitif siswa pada materi sistem koordinasi kelas XI SMA. Jurnal Ilmiah Global Education, 4(3), 1215–1229. https://doi.org/10.55681/jige.v4i3.944

Fraenkel, J. R., Wallen, N. E., & Hyun, H. H. (2012). How to design and evaluate research in education (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Gilakjani, A. P. (2012). Visual, Auditory, Kinaesthetic learning styles and their impacts on English language teaching. Journal of Studies in Education, 2(1), 104–113. https://doi.org/10.5296/jse.v2i1.1007

Hake, R. (1999). Analyzing change/gain score. Indiana University.

Hale, A., & MacLean, J. (2022). Mitigating the free-rider effect in project-based learning through role-differentiated teamwork. Active Learning in Higher Education, 23(1), 45–59. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469787420912341

Heller, P., Keith, R., & Andreson, S. (1992). Teaching problem solving through cooperative grouping. Part 1: Group versus individual problem solving. American Journal of Physics, 60(7), 627–636. https://doi.org/10.1119/1.17117

Husamah. (2015). Blended Project Based Learning: Metacognitive awareness of biology education new students. Journal of Education and Learning, 9(4), 274–281. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v9i4.2144

Indrasari, M., & Suparman, S. (2023). Measuring instructional fidelity in student-centered physics education models. Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn), 17(2), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v17i2.20642

Jannah, S. R., Firmansyah, R., & Nurfitri, A. (2023). Implementation of the Project-Based Learning model to initiate collaborative activities in biology learning. Jurnal Biologi, 1(3), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.47134/biology.v1i3.1972

Kabil, O. (2024). Differentiated Instruction in physics: Catering to visual and kinesthetic learners in wave mechanics. Journal of Baltic Science Education, 23(1), 88–102. https://doi.org/10.33225/jbse/24.23.88

Kozhevnikov, M., Evans, C., & Kosslyn, S. M. (2014). Cognitive style, learning strategies, and educational achievement. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139049436

Krajcik, J. S., & Blumenfeld, P. (2006). Project-based learning. In R. K. Sawyer (Ed.), The Cambridge Handbook of the Learning Sciences (pp. 317–334). Cambridge University Press.

Kwon, K., & Kim, C. (2023). Peer scaffolding and cognitive interdependence in collaborative project-based STEM environments. Instructional Science, 51(4), 613–635. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11251-023-09624-9

Oktaviani, R. (2024). Peningkatan kemampuan pemecahan masalah melalui model pembelajaran inovatif fisika. Jurnal Riset Pendidikan Fisika, 9(1), 45–52.

Oskarsson, M., & Nordström, M. (2023). Cognitive load and representation choices in optics learning environments. Physical Review Physics Education Research, 19(2), 020145. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.19.020145

Rahayu, R., Rosita, R., & Rahayuningsih, Y. S. (2022). Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in Schools. Pahlawan: Jurnal Pendidikan-Sosial-Budaya, 18(2), 18–22. https://doi.org/10.36513/jp.v18i2.2880

Sari, D. P., & Setiawan, A. (2020). Collaborative learning and verbal interaction in physics education. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1467(1), 012054. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1467/1/012054

Schnittka, C. G. (2021). Designing collaborative roles based on learning preferences in engineering and physics projects. Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research, 11(1), 74–89. https://doi.org/10.7771/2157-9288.1284

Suana, W., Maharta, N., & Nyeneng, I. D. P. (2021). Design and implementation of differentiated physics learning materials for secondary school students. International Journal of Instruction, 14(3), 643–660. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2021.14337a

Sulistyosari, Y., Karwur, H. M., & Sultan, H. (2022). Implementation of differentiated social studies learning in the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum. Harmony: Jurnal Pembelajaran IPS Dan PKN, 7(2), 66–75. https://doi.org/10.15294/harmony.v7i2.62114

Tomas, L., & Mitchell, C. (2023). Comparing problem-based and differentiated project-based learning in high school science classrooms. Research in Science Education, 53(4), 711–729. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-023-10104-w

Tomlinson, C. A. (2017). How to differentiate instruction in academically diverse classrooms (3rd ed.). ASCD.

Vanderburg, M., & Stephens, R. (2024). The correlation between teacher implementation quality and high-order thinking skill gains in science projects. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 46(1), 102–121. https://doi.org/10.3102/01623737231189234

Zheng, X., & Zhang, L. (2024). Equity in STEM education: Closing the achievement gap across diverse cognitive styles through differentiated PjBL. Journal of Educational Psychology, 116(3), 445–462. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000835

Downloads

Published

30-09-2026

How to Cite

Nurusman, P. P. A., Malik, A., Muhammad Minan Chusni, & Nugraha, A. R. (2026). Differentiated project-based through VAK styles and teamwork: A strategy for developing problem-solving skills in physics learning. Journal of Environment and Sustainability Education, 4(3), 622–630. https://doi.org/10.62672/joease.v4i3.185

Issue

Section

Articles