The researchers developed a digital learning worksheet using the Canva platform and integrated problem-solving activities into chemistry lessons. The results demonstrated that the electronic worksheet was highly valid according to expert evaluations, received overwhelmingly positive responses from students, and effectively enhanced critical thinking abilities.
The study is particularly relevant as schools worldwide seek innovative learning methods that prepare students with the skills needed in the 21st century. Among these skills, critical thinking is considered essential for helping students analyze information, solve complex problems, and make informed decisions in both academic and real-world settings.
Critical Thinking Is a Key 21st-Century Skill
Rapid technological advancement and the increasing complexity of modern society require students to develop more than factual knowledge. They must be able to evaluate information, identify relationships between concepts, and solve unfamiliar problems.
In chemistry education, critical thinking plays an especially important role because many scientific concepts are abstract and require students to connect theories with practical applications.
However, preliminary observations conducted by the researchers revealed that many students still struggled with critical thinking tasks. Traditional teaching methods often rely heavily on textbooks and conventional worksheets that focus on memorization rather than analytical thinking.
According to Eidelwais Joy Permata Yunika and Utiya Azizah, this challenge highlights the need for innovative instructional tools that actively engage students in problem-solving and independent learning.
Developing a Digital Worksheet Through Canva
To address this issue, the researchers developed an Electronic Student Worksheet (E-LKPD) using Canva, a widely used digital design platform.
Unlike conventional printed worksheets, the E-LKPD can be accessed online through digital links, making it easier for students to use anytime and anywhere. The interactive design also helps maintain student engagement throughout the learning process.
The researchers selected buffer solutions as the focus of the learning material because the topic has strong connections to everyday life.
Buffer solutions are found in biological systems such as human blood, where they help maintain stable pH levels. They are also widely used in healthcare, food production, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial processes.
Because of its practical relevance, the topic provides an ideal context for encouraging students to apply scientific concepts to real-world situations through structured problem-solving activities.
Tested with Senior High School Students
The study was conducted with eleventh-grade students at SMAN 22 Surabaya during the 2025/2026 academic year.
The researchers employed a research and development approach that included several stages:
- Identifying learning needs.
- Designing the electronic worksheet.
- Conducting expert validation.
- Revising the product.
- Implementing a limited classroom trial.
Students used two E-LKPD modules covering:
- Characteristics of buffer solutions.
- Buffer solution capacity.
Each learning activity followed a structured problem-solving process, guiding students to understand problems, formulate strategies, implement solutions, and evaluate results.
This approach encouraged learners to actively analyze situations, formulate hypotheses, interpret evidence, and draw conclusions independently.
Experts and Students Rated the Product Highly
The developed E-LKPD achieved excellent results during validation and implementation.
Expert evaluations showed that both content validity and construct validity received a mode score of 4, indicating that the learning material met high-quality standards and was suitable for classroom use.
Student feedback was equally positive.
The study reported that:
- Positive student responses reached 98.15 percent.
- Relevant learning activities accounted for 91.54 percent during the first meeting.
- Relevant learning activities increased to 94.89 percent during the second meeting.
These findings suggest that students found the electronic worksheet engaging, easy to use, and beneficial for understanding chemistry concepts.
According to the researchers, combining digital learning media with problem-solving strategies created a more interactive and student-centered learning environment than traditional instructional approaches.
Significant Improvement in Critical Thinking Skills
The most important finding of the study was the substantial improvement in students’ critical thinking abilities after using the E-LKPD.
Researchers measured student performance through pre-tests and post-tests focusing on four core dimensions of critical thinking:
- Interpretation.
- Inference.
- Analysis.
- Evaluation.
The improvement was assessed using the N-Gain method, which measures learning progress between pre-test and post-test scores.
The results showed that:
- 61.11 percent of students achieved a high improvement category.
- 38.89 percent achieved a moderate improvement category.
- No students fell into the low-improvement category.
These outcomes indicate that the problem-solving-oriented E-LKPD successfully supported the development of higher-order thinking skills.
According to Utiya Azizah and her research team, students became more actively involved in identifying problems, developing arguments, evaluating evidence, and proposing solutions rather than simply receiving information from teachers.
Implications for Digital Learning Innovation
The findings highlight the growing potential of digital learning tools in improving science education.
As schools increasingly adopt technology-enhanced learning environments, interactive electronic worksheets can serve as effective resources for promoting student engagement and critical thinking.
The study suggests that problem-solving-based E-LKPDs can help teachers implement more student-centered instruction while supporting curriculum goals related to creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.
Beyond chemistry, similar digital learning resources could be adapted for other science subjects and disciplines that require analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
The researchers believe that integrating digital media with structured problem-solving activities offers a promising strategy for preparing students to meet future educational and professional challenges.
Author Profile
Eidelwais Joy Permata Yunika, S.Pd. is a researcher from the Chemistry Education Program, Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA). Her academic interests include digital learning media, chemistry education, and critical thinking development.
Prof. Dr. Utiya Azizah, M.Pd. is a professor at Universitas Negeri Surabaya specializing in chemistry education, instructional innovation, critical thinking skills, and technology-enhanced learning.
Research Source
Article Title: Development of Electronic Student Worksheets Problem Solving Oriented to Train Students' Critical Thinking Skills on Buffer Solutions
Authors: Eidelwais Joy Permata Yunika and Utiya Azizah
Institution: Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA)
Journal: Asian Journal of Applied Education (AJAE)
Volume & Issue: Vol. 5, No. 3 (2026)
Pages: 475–488
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