Implementation of Deep Learning-Based STEAM on Students' Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity Skills

Asmoni Asmoni, Kurratul Aini, Mas’odi Mas’odi, Jihat Nurrahman

Abstract


The objective of this research is to implement STEAM learning grounded in Deep Learning to enhance students' Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity (4C) abilities. The study was carried out at SDN Masalima IV utilizing a mixed methods approach that integrates both qualitative and quantitative analyses. The qualitative data were gathered through observation, interviews, and documentation, whereas the quantitative data were acquired through pretest and post-test. The total number of research subjects was 21 students. The analysis of qualitative data revealed that every phase of STEAM learning (Observe, New Idea, Innovation, Creativity, Society) was fully executed and successfully enhanced students' 4C skills, which include critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity, through contextual projects that combined science, technology, art, and local culture. The quantitative data analysis results indicated that the average score on the pre-test was 47.19, whereas the average score on the post-test rose significantly to over 81.67. The normality tests using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk confirmed that the data followed a normal distribution. Additionally, the paired sample t-test yielded a significance value of 0.000 (<0.05), demonstrating a significant difference in learning outcomes before and after the treatment and therefore, it can be said that using STEAM-based Deep Learning is not only effective for enhancing academic performance, but also significantly contributes to developing essential skills for the 21st century, making it a valuable alternative model for innovative learning in schools.

Keywords


collaboration; communication; critical thinking; deep learning; STEAM

Full Text:

PDF

References


Akaygun, S., & Aslan-Tutak, F. (2023). Integrating arts into STEM education: Students’ conceptual change and affective engagement. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 21(3), 485–504. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-022-10357-8

Alsina, Á., & De Freitas, E. (2025). Ethnomathematics and the digital age: Cultural identity and mathematical creativity in global STEAM education. ZDM – Mathematics Education, 56(2), 245–261. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-024-01456-1

Chen, X., Wang, Y., & Liu, J. (2023). Integrating culture-based STEAM projects to enhance students’ mathematical reasoning and creativity. International Journal of STEM Education, 10(17), 115–128. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-023-00485-1

Choi, S., & Lee, M. H. (2024). Cultural integration through STEAM education: Promoting heritage-based mathematical literacy. International Journal of STEM Education, 11(9), 22–37. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-024-00532-2

Feriyanto, F., & Anjariyah, D. (2024). Deep learning approach through meaningful, mindful, and joyful learning: A library research. Electronic Journal of Education, Social Economics and Technology, 5(2), 208–212. https://doi.org/10.33122/ejeset.v5i2.321

Hardiansyah, F., & Mulyadi. (2022). Improve Science Learning Outcomes for Elementary School Students Through The Development of Flipbook Media. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 8(6), 3069–3077. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v8i6.2413

Henriksen, D., Richardson, C., & Mehta, R. (2021). Design thinking and the arts: An emerging STEAM pedagogy. Art Education, 74(3), 24–31. https://doi.org/10.1080/00043125.2021.1903758

Kim, B., & Choi, H. (2022). Deep learning in education: Understanding cognitive depth and reflective practice in science and mathematics classrooms. Journal of Educational Research, 115(4), 367–382. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220671.2022.2034458

Larkin, K., & Jorgensen, R. (2021). Ethnomathematics, culture, and the reform of school mathematics in Indigenous contexts. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 107(2), 273–292. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-021-10066-3

Lin, P. Y., & Chen, J. C. (2024). Local culture as a context for STEAM innovation: A mixed-methods study on integrating indigenous arts and mathematics. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 62(4), 563–581. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21901

Mahajan, M. (2024). Joyful learning as pedagogy and practice: A multidimensional framework for Indian classrooms. International Journal of Enhanced Research in Educational Development, 12(5), 45–59. https://erpublications.com/uploaded_files/download/dr-monica-mahajan_EcgNw.pdf

Musa, M. M. (2023). STEAM content in integrated science learning model project-based learning (PjBL) to improve 4C skills in elementary students. Al-Hijr: Journal of Islamic Elementary School Education, 1(1), 101–116. https://ejournal.staialhikmahpariangan.ac.id/Journal/index.php/alhijr/article/download/540/226

Nafi’ah, J., & Faruq, D. J. (2025). Conceptualizing deep learning approach in primary education: Integrating mindful, meaningful, and joyful learning. Journal of Educational Research and Practice, 3(2), 178–194. https://doi.org/10.70376/jerp.v3i2.384

Ogunniyi, M. B., & Jita, L. (2025). Interweaving culture and STEAM education for equity and social transformation in the Global South. International Journal of Educational Development, 104, 102762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2025.102762

Perales, F. J., & González, L. (2025). Bridging ethnomathematics and STEAM education: Culturally relevant models for inclusive learning. International Journal of Science Education, 47(6), 912–931. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2025.1109327

Pramudyani, A. V. R. (2025). Exploring teachers’ strategies for integrating 21st-century skills through STEAM and 4C skills development. Journal of Innovation, 8(1). https://journal.iaimnumetrolampung.ac.id/index.php/ji/article/view/6147

Ricita, D. A., Halim, A., & Sunarti, S. (2025). Exploring teachers’ and students’ perceptions of deep learning: Integrating meaningful, mindful, and joyful learning in ELT classrooms. Borneo Educational Journal (Borju), 7(2), 323–347. https://doi.org/10.24903/bej.v7i2.2078

Rodríguez-Nieto, C. A., & Alsina, Á. (2022). Networking between ethnomathematics, STEAM education, and the globalized approach to analyze mathematical connections in daily practices. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 18(3), em2085. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/11710

Sope, Y. A. (2023). Improving the critical thinking skills of early childhood students through STEAM learning with loose parts. Cakrawala Didaktika, 14(3), 289–302. https://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/cakrawaladini/article/download/74594/28929

Tian, Q. (2025). The impact of artificial intelligence on students’ 4C skills. Computers & Education, 192, 104889. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2025.104889

Timperley, C., & Schick, K. (2025). Assessment as pedagogy: Inviting authenticity through relationality, vulnerability, and wonder. Teaching in Higher Education, 30(3), 592–607. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2024.2367662

van der Steen, S., & de Vries, M. (2023). The role of curiosity and cultural context in students’ engagement in mathematics and science learning. Learning and Individual Differences, 98, 102205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2023.102205

Wardani, R. P. (2025). STEAM in the frame of independent curriculum in elementary schools: Stimulating 4C skills. STEAM Journal for Elementary School Education, 1(1), 33–44. https://journal.unesa.ac.id/index.php/sjese/article/download/40297/13611/136605

Yim, I. H. Y. (2024). STEAM in practice and research in primary schools. International Journal of Science Education, 46(10), 1635–1659. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2024.2440424

Zamrudah, Z. (2024). Implementation of STEAM approach to teach 4C skills in elementary school: A descriptive quantitative study. Journal of Elementary Learning Innovations, 8(1), 17–30. https://journal.zamronedu.co.id/index.php/joeli/article/download/17/8

Zebua, N. (2025). What, why, and how do teachers apply deep learning to students? NISA: Journal of Educational Innovation, 1(2), 53–64. https://journal.lombokscholar.org/index.php/nisa/article/download/2/13




DOI: https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v17i4.8629

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2025 Asmoni Asmoni, Kurratul Aini, Mas’odi Mas’odi, Jihat Nurrahman

Al-Ishlah Jurnal Pendidikan Abstracted/Indexed by:

    

 


 

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