Integrating Local Wisdom of Penti: A Novel Strategy to Enhance Students' Creative Thinking Skills in Biology Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/saludcyt20251401Keywords:
Learning design, Learning development, Culturally integrated learning, PENTI, Creative thinking skillsAbstract
Introduction: Penti, a traditional Manggarai ceremony, embodies gratitude, reconciliation, and values of cooperation and mutual assistance. These values inspire the PENTI learning model, designed to create contextual learning experiences and improve students' creative thinking skills. This study investigates the model's effectiveness in enhancing high school students' creative thinking.
Method: This study employed a pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design, involving 337 tenth- grade students in Manggarai Barat, Indonesia. Participants were divided into experimental (PENTI), positive control (STAD), and negative control (conventional) groups. Creative thinking skills were assessed using an essay test rubric based on relevant indicators, with data analyzed via ANCOVA at a 0.05 significance level.
Results: The results showed that the PENTI model was significantly more effective than STAD and conventional learning in improving students' creative thinking skills. The LSD test further confirmed significant differences among the groups. Students in the PENTI class achieved an average score of 85.92, which was higher than those in the other groups.
Conclusion: The PENTI learning model, which integrates the values of cooperation and mutual assistance from the Penti traditional ceremony, has proven to be effective in enhancing students' creative thinking skills. This model provides contextual and meaningful learning experiences, making it a recommended innovative approach for modern education.
References
1. Greenstein LM. Assessing 21st century skills: A guide to evaluating mastery and authentic learning. Corwin Press; 2012.
2. Amrianto, Rohman F, Dharmawan A, Sari MS. Development of a 4C skills evaluation instrument for biology: A validity and reliability study on Indonesian high school students learning. Int J Innov Res Sci Stud. 2024 Mar 11;7(2):701–17.
3. Puccio GJ. From the Dawn of Humanity to the 21st Century: Creativity as an Enduring Survival Skill. J Creat Behav. 2017 Dec;51(4):330–4.
4. Sternberg RJ. Teaching for creativity: The sounds of silence. Psychol Aesthet Creat Arts. 2015 May;9(2):115–7.
5. Ramdani D, Susilo H, Suhadi S, Sueb S. The Effectiveness of Collaborative Learning on Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, and Metacognitive Skill Ability: Meta-Analysis on Biological Learning. Eur J Educ Res. 2022 Jul 15;volume–11–2022(volume–11–issue–3–july–2022):1607–28.
6. Care E, Anderson K, Kim H. Visualizing the breadth of skills movement across education systems. Washington: Brookings Institution; 2016.
7. Nakano T de C, Wechsler SM. Creativity and innovation: Skills for the 21st Century. Estud Psicol Camp. 2018 Sep;35(3):237–46.
8. Ramalingam D, Anderson P, Duckworth D, Scoular C, Heard J. Creative Thinking: Definition and Structure [Internet]. Camberwell, Australia: Australian Council for Educational Research; 2020. Available from: https://research.acer.edu.au/ar_misc/43
9. Zubaidah S, Fuad NM, Mahanal S, Suarsini E. Improving Creative Thinking Skills of Students through Differentiated Science Inquiry Integrated withMind Map. J Turk Sci Educ. 2017 Dec;14(4):77–91.
10. OECD. Education at a Glance 2018: OECD Indicators [Internet]. OECD; 2018 [cited 2025 Jan 6]. (Education at a Glance). Available from: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/education-at-a-glance-2018_eag-2018-en.html
11. Miller BT, Camarda A, Mercier M, Burkhardt JM, Morisseau T, Bourgeois-Bougrine S, et al. Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration: Assessment, Certification, and Promotion of 21st Century Skills for the Future of Work and Education. J Intell. 2023 Mar 15;11(3):54.
12. Townley A. Teaching and Learning Science in the 21st Century: Challenging Critical Assumptions in Post-Secondary Science. Educ Sci. 2018 Jan 12;8(1):12.
13. Huang S, Ko P, Lin H, Dai R, Chen H. Creative Thinking Counseling Teaching Program can Improve the Creativity, Creative Tendency, and Self‐Concept of Grade 7 Students: A Quasi‐Experimental Study. J Creat Behav. 2021 Sep;55(3):819–38.
14. Siburian O, Corebima AD, . I, Saptasari M. The Correlation Between Critical and Creative Thinking Skills on Cognitive Learning Results. Eurasian J Educ Res. 2019 May 29;19(81):1–16.
15. Zhu Y, Zhang JH, Au W, Yates G. University students’ online learning attitudes and continuous intention to undertake online courses: a self-regulated learning perspective. Educ Technol Res Dev. 2020 Jun;68(3):1485–519.
16. Nur S, Zubai̇dah S, Mahanal S, Rohman F. ERCoRe Learning Model to Improve Creative-Thinking Skills of Preservice Biology Teachers. J Educ Gift Young Sci. 2020 Mar 15;8(1):549–69.
17. Batlolona JR, Diantoro M, Wartono W, Latifah Eny. Creative Thinking Skills Students in Physics on Solid Material Elasticity. J Turk Sci Educ. 2024 Aug 28;16(1):49–61.
18. Abraham A. Gender and creativity: an overview of psychological and neuroscientific literature. Brain Imaging Behav. 2016 Jun;10(2):609–18.
19. OECD. OECD Economic Outlook, Volume 2023 Issue 1: Preliminary version [Internet]. OECD; 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 6]. (OECD Economic Outlook). Available from: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-economic-outlook/volume-2023/issue-1_ce188438-en.html
20. OECD. PISA in Focus: Creative Thinking: can students think outside the box? 2024a.
21. OECD. PISA 2022 RESULTS (VOLUME III): FACTSHEETS – INDONESIA © OECD 2024. 2024b.
22. Kadir K, Lucyana L, Satriawati G. The Implementation Of Open-Inquiry Approach To Improve Students’ Learning Activities, Responses, and Mathematical Creative Thinking Skills. J Math Educ. 2016 Dec 25;8(1):103–14.
23. Nurhamidah D, Masykuri M, Dwiastuti S. Profile of senior high school students’ creative thinking skills on biology material in low, medium, and high academic perspective. J Phys Conf Ser. 2018 Apr;1006:012035.
24. Sumarni W, Kadarwati S. Ethno-Stem Project-Based Learning: Its Impact to Critical and Creative Thinking Skills. J Pendidik IPA Indones. 2020 Mar 31;9(1):11–21.
25. Sapriati A, Rahayu U, Sausan I, Sekarwinahyu M, Anam RS. The Impact Of Inquiry-Based Learning On Students’ Critical Thinking In Biology Education Programs Within Open And Distance Learning Systems. J Pendidik IPA Indones. 2024 Aug 28;13(3):367–76.
26. Sunassee A, Bokhoree C, Patrizio A. Students’ Empathy for the Environment through Eco-Art Place-Based Education: A Review. Ecologies. 2021 May 20;2(2):214–47.
27. Uge S, Neolaka A, Yasin M. Development of Social Studies Learning Model Based on Local Wisdom in Improving Students’ Knowledge and Social Attitude. Int J Instr. 2019 Jul 3;12(3):375–88.
28. Birgili B. Creative and Critical Thinking Skills in Problem-based Learning Environments. J Gift Educ Creat. 2015 Dec 15;2(2):71–71.
29. Niman EM. Geographical Context And Natural Environment Preservation In Local Culture (A study on the Ritual of Penti in Manggarai, Flores NTT). J Pengelolaan Sumberd Alam Dan Lingkung J Nat Resour Environ Manag. 2022 Sep 5;12(3):456–65.
30. Niman EM. Eco-Cultural Analysis on Barong Lodok, Manggarai Indonesia. Int J Soc Sci Hum Res [Internet]. 2023 Dec 23 [cited 2024 Nov 21];6(12). Available from: https://ijsshr.in/v6i12/68.php
31. Wahyu Y, Edu AL. Reconstruction Of Character Values Based On Manggaraian Culture. Abdullah AG, Foley J, Suryaputra IGNA, Hellman A, editors. SHS Web Conf. 2018;42:00029.
32. Helmon S, Rahardi RK. Local Values Preservation Of Torok Oral Tradition Through Education Domain: Metaphorical Ecolinguistics (Preservasi Nilai Kearifan Lokal Tradisi Lisan Torok Melalui Ranah Pendidikan: Ekolinguistik Metaforis). Gramatika STKIP PGRI Sumat Barat [Internet]. 2020 Apr 28 [cited 2024 Nov 11];6(1). Available from: http://ejournal.stkip-pgri-sumbar.ac.id/index.php/jurnal-gramatika/article/view/3941
33. Payong MR. Promoting Peace Education by Using the Local Wisdom in Manggarai Culture, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. AL-ISHLAH J Pendidik. 2023 Jan 4;15(1):665–74.
34. Nair SM, Sanai M. Effects of Utilizing the STAD Method (Cooperative Learning Approach) in Enhancing Students Descriptive Writing Skills. Int J Educ Pract. 2018;6(4):239–52.
35. Retnowati R, Istiadi Y, Istiana R. Effectiveness of Project Learning Model Based on Local Wisdom in Improving Creativity to Develop Environment Learning Media. In: Proceedings of the 3rd Asian Education Symposium (AES 2018) [Internet]. Bandung, Indonesia: Atlantis Press; 2019 [cited 2024 Nov 11]. Available from: https://www.atlantis-press.com/article/55917419
36. Toharudin U, Kurniawan IS. Learning models based Sundanese local wisdom: Is it effective to improve student’s learning outcomes? J Phys Conf Ser. 2019 Feb;1157:022069.
37. Irwansyah M, Ferawati F, Suryani E, Olahairullah O, Ariyansyah A, Nurfathurrahmah N, et al. Developing biology learning tools based on character education integrated with sustainable local wisdom to enhance 21st -century attitude of students. J Phys Conf Ser. 2020 Apr 1;1521(4):042017.
38. Usmeldi, Amini R. The effect of integrated science learning based on local wisdom to increase the students competency. J Phys Conf Ser. 2020 Feb 1;1470(1):012028.
39. Suastra IW, Jatmiko B, Ristiati NP, Yasmini LPB. Developing Characters Based on Local Wisdom of Bali in Teaching Physics in Senior High School. J Pendidik IPA Indones. 2017 Oct 17;6(2):306.
40. Gan B, Menkhoff T, Smith R. Enhancing students’ learning process through interactive digital media: New opportunities for collaborative learning. Comput Hum Behav. 2015 Oct;51:652–63.
41. Cañar JSP, Sánchez MET. The effectiveness of cooperative learning on EFL first-year high school students’ writing skill. Issues Educ Res. 2023 Aug;33(3):1125–47.
42. Cheng X, Ka Ho Lee K, Chang EY, Yang X. The “flipped classroom” approach: Stimulating positive learning attitudes and improving mastery of histology among medical students. Anat Sci Educ. 2017 Jul;10(4):317–27.
43. Lau KW, Lee PY. The use of virtual reality for creating unusual environmental stimulation to motivate students to explore creative ideas. Interact Learn Environ. 2015 Jan 2;23(1):3–18.
44. Kwangmuang P, Jarutkamolpong S, Sangboonraung W, Daungtod S. The development of learning innovation to enhance higher order thinking skills for students in Thailand junior high schools. Heliyon. 2021 Jun;7(6):e07309.
45. Dishon G, Gilead T. Adaptability and Its Discontents: 21st-Century Skills and The Preparation for an Unpredictable Future. Br J Educ Stud. 2021 Jul 4;69(4):393–413.
46. Ausubel DP. The Psychology of Meaningful Verbal Learning: An Introduction t School Learning. New York: Grune & Stratton; 1963.
47. Bandura A. Social Foundations of Thought and Action: A Social Cognitive Theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall; 1986.
48. Machmud MT, Wattanachai S, Samat C. Constructivist gamification environment model designing framework to improve ill-structured problem solving in learning sciences. Educ Technol Res Dev. 2023 Dec;71(6):2413–29.
49. Schunk DH, DiBenedetto MK. Motivation and social cognitive theory. Contemp Educ Psychol. 2020 Jan;60:101832.
50. Mugambi MM. Linking Constructivism Theory to Classroom Practice. Int J Humanit Soc Sci Educ [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2024 Nov 3];5(9). Available from: https://www.arcjournals.org/pdfs/ijhsse/v5-i9/14.pdf
51. Riany YE, Meredith P, Cuskelly M. Understanding the Influence of Traditional Cultural Values on Indonesian Parenting. Marriage Fam Rev. 2017 Apr 3;53(3):207–26.
52. Ritter SM, Gu X, Crijns M, Biekens P. Fostering students’ creative thinking skills by means of a one-year creativity training program. Wei D, editor. PLOS ONE. 2020 Mar 20;15(3):e0229773.
53. Mavuru L, Ramnarain U. Learners’ socio-cultural backgrounds and science teaching and learning: a case study of township schools in South Africa. Cult Stud Sci Educ. 2020 Dec;15(4):1067–95.
54. Cohen L, Manion L, Morrison K. Research Methods in Education [Internet]. 8th ed. London: Routledge; 2017 [cited 2024 Aug 20]. Available from: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9781315456539
55. Slavin RE. Cooperative learning: Theory, research, and practice. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.; 1995.
56. Woolfolk A. Educational Psychology. 13th ed. Pearson Education; 2016.
57. Sun J, Anderson RC, Lin TJ, Morris JA, Miller BW, Ma S, et al. Children’s engagement during collaborative learning and direct instruction through the lens of participant structure. Contemp Educ Psychol. 2022 Apr;69:102061.
58. Darong HC, Jem YH, Niman EM. Character Building: The Insertion of Local Culture Values in Teaching and Learning. JHSS J Humanit Soc Stud. 2021 Oct 29;5(3):252–60.
59. Yu Z, Gao M, Wang L. The Effect of Educational Games on Learning Outcomes, Student Motivation, Engagement and Satisfaction. J Educ Comput Res. 2021 Jun;59(3):522–46.
60. Zidny R, Eilks I. Integrating perspectives from indigenous knowledge and Western science in secondary and higher chemistry learning to contribute to sustainability education. Sustain Chem Pharm. 2020 Jun;16:100229.
61. Johnson DW, Johnson RT. Cooperative Learning: The Foundation for Active Learning. In: Manuel Brito S, editor. Active Learning - Beyond the Future [Internet]. IntechOpen; 2019 [cited 2024 Nov 13]. Available from: https://www.intechopen.com/books/active-learning-beyond-the-future/cooperative-learning-the-foundation-for-active-learning
62. Qureshi MA, Khaskheli A, Qureshi JA, Raza SA, Yousufi SQ. Factors affecting students’ learning performance through collaborative learning and engagement. Interact Learn Environ. 2023 May 19;31(4):2371–91.
63. Lázaro SM, León-del-Barco B, Polo-del-Río MI, López-Ramos VM. The Impact of Cooperative Learning on University Students’ Academic Goals. Front Psychol. 2022 Jan 5;12:787210.
64. Haka NB, Arifiana M, Ningrum MC, Astuti Y, Hidayah N. Creative Thinking And Collaboration Skills: Improved Learning With The CORE Model Of Biology Subjects. Phenom J Pendidik MIPA. 2023 Mar 23;12(2):255–69.
65. Khaerunnisah I, Sopandi W, Wahyu W. Implementation of Problem-Solving Oriented RADEC Learning Model in Colloidal Material for the Emergence of Creative Thinking Skills of High School Students. J Educ Sci. 2023 Jul 24;7(3):400.
66. Cottrell KG, Mcnamara DS. Cognitive Precursors to Science Comprehension. In: Proceedings of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Conference of the Cognitive Science Society [Internet]. 1st ed. Routledge; 2019 [cited 2024 Nov 3]. p. 244–9. Available from: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9781317708322/chapters/10.4324/9781315782379-79
67. Vogel S, Schwabe L. Learning and memory under stress: implications for the classroom. Npj Sci Learn. 2016 Jun 29;1(1):16011.
68. McClelland JL, McNaughton BL, Lampinen AK. Integration of new information in memory: new insights from a complementary learning systems perspective. Philos Trans R Soc B Biol Sci. 2020 May 25;375(1799):20190637.
69. Yerimadesi Y, Warlinda YA, Hardeli H, Andromeda A. Implementation of Guided Discovery Learning Model with SETS Approach Assisted by Chemistry E-Module to Improve Creative Thinking Skills of Students. J Penelit Pendidik IPA. 2022 Jul 31;8(3):1151–7.
70. Sasmita FE, Kusuma RS. Learning models that can improve elementary school students’ creative thinking ability. J Bid Pendidik Dasar. 2023 Jan 27;7(1):57–71.
71. Klejman AP, Strzałkowska AG. Learning Environment in the Optics of Critical Constructivism. Lub Rocz Pedagog. 2023 Aug 28;42(2):7–21.
72. Bruner J. The Culture of Education. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; 1996.
73. Vygotsky L. Educational Psychology. United States: St. Lucie Press; 1997. 416 p.
74. Thorsten A. How to compose a narrative: Students’ approaches and pedagogical implications. Writ Pedagogy. 2019 Jun 20;11(1):23–48.
75. Maksimenko AA. EXPERIENCE OF THE NARRATIVE APPROACH IN FOREIGN EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE. Vestn Orenb Gos Univ. 2023;(2):33–40.
76. Cheng VMY. Understanding and enhancing personal transfer of creative learning. Think Ski Creat. 2016 Dec;22:58–73.
77. Harahap ES. The Differences of Improving Junior High School Student’s Creative Thinking Ability Through The Relating, Experiencing, Apllying, Cooperating, Transferring (REACT) Strategy and Conventional Learning Model. Adv Soc Sci Res J [Internet]. 2018 Oct 31 [cited 2024 Nov 3];5(10). Available from: http://scholarpublishing.org/index.php/ASSRJ/article/view/5492
78. Abrami PC, Bernard RM, Borokhovski E, Waddington DI, Wade CA, Persson T. Strategies for Teaching Students to Think Critically: A Meta-Analysis. Rev Educ Res. 2015 Jun;85(2):275–314.
79. Woodward G, Bonada N, Brown LE, Death RG, Durance I, Gray C, et al. The effects of climatic fluctuations and extreme events on running water ecosystems. Philos Trans R Soc B Biol Sci. 2016 May 19;371(1694):20150274.
80. Adon MJ. Examining Relational Concepts in Manggarai’s Penti Culture through Martin Buber’s Philosophy of Relational Dialogue. FIKRAH. 2023;8(1):251–80.
81. Mitchell IK, Walinga J. The creative imperative: The role of creativity, creative problem solving and insight as key drivers for sustainability. J Clean Prod. 2017 Jan;140:1872–84.
82. Schoo AM, Lawn S, Rudnik E, Litt JC. Teaching health science students foundation motivational interviewing skills: use of motivational interviewing treatment integrity and self-reflection to approach transformative learning. BMC Med Educ. 2015 Dec;15(1):228.
83. Yu KC, Fan SC, Lin KY. ENHANCING STUDENTS’ PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS THROUGH CONTEXT-BASED LEARNING. Int J Sci Math Educ. 2015 Dec;13(6):1377–401.
84. Kebritchi M, Lipschuetz A, Santiague L. Issues and Challenges for Teaching Successful Online Courses in Higher Education: A Literature Review. J Educ Technol Syst. 2017 Sep;46(1):4–29.
85. Afrikani T, Solihatin E, Musnir DN. Improving Teacher’s Ability through Training in Learning Strategies Based on Cooperative STAD Techniques. JETL J Educ Teach Learn. 2020 Mar 31;5(1):73.
86. Luke AM, Mathew S, Kuriadom ST, George JM, Karobari MI, Marya A, et al. Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning versus Traditional Teaching Methods in Improving Acquisition of Radiographic Interpretation Skills among Dental Students—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Tsai FM, editor. BioMed Res Int. 2021 Sep 24;2021:1–19.
87. Cropley DH. Promoting creativity and innovation in engineering education. Psychol Aesthet Creat Arts. 2015 May;9(2):161–71.
88. Saregar A, Cahyanti UN, Misbah M, Susilowati NE, Anugrah A, Muhammad N. CORE learning model: Its effectiveness towards students’ creative thinking. Int J Eval Res Educ IJERE. 2021 Mar 1;10(1):35.
89. Takko M, Jamaluddin R, Kadir SA, Ismail N, Abdullah A, Khamis A. Enhancing Higher-Order Thinking Skills among Home Science Students: The Effect of Cooperative Learning Student Teams- Achievement Divisions (STAD) Module. Int J Learn Teach Educ Res. 2020 Jul 30;19(7):204–24.
90. Chimmalgi M. Interactive Lecture in the Dissection Hall: Transforming Passive Lecture into a Dynamic Learning Experience. Anat Sci Educ. 2019 Mar;12(2):191–9.
91. Suciati S, Silvita S, Prasetyo O, Fauziah MD, Santika KD, Norawi AM, et al. Problem-Based Learning Models: Their Effectiveness in Improving Creative Thinking Skills of Students with Different Academic Skills in Science Learning. J Pendidik IPA Indones. 2024 Jan 12;12(4):672–83.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Rikardus Herak, Susriyati Mahanal, Siti Zubaidah, Vivi Novianti (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The article is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Unless otherwise stated, associated published material is distributed under the same licence.