Problem-Based Learning in Geography Education: The Effect on Spatial Thinking and Flood Preparedness Attitudes in Senior High School Student
Abstract
Floods are a dominant hydrometeorological disaster in Indonesia, requiring early preparedness from the students. However, observations show a gap between the high risk of flooding in the students' environment and their low spatial thinking skills and preparedness attitudes due to the dominance of conventional learning. This study aims to examine the effect of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model based on contextual problems on students' spatial thinking skills and preparedness attitudes towards flood disasters. This study used a quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group design, with two classes as research subjects, namely the experimental class and the control class. The data collection instruments used were a validated spatial thinking ability test and preparedness attitude questionnaire. Data analysis used the Independent Sample T-Test and Mann- Whitney U tests. The results showed that the PBL model had a significant effect on spatial thinking ability (p < 0.001), with a large effect category (d = 1.045). In addition, PBL also had a significant effect on disaster preparedness attitudes (0 = 0.026), with a medium effect size (r = 0.306), as indicated by a change in category from "ready" to "very ready." This study proves that the integration of contextual flood problems in PBL syntax effectively stimulates students' spatial visualization and facilitates the internalization of risks that shape disaster response character. This study contributes to the development of geography learning strategies on disaster preparedness attitudes and emphasizes their application for a young generation that is resilient in facing hydrometeorological disasters
Keywords
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Aliman, M. (2020). Pengembangan Instrumen Tes Kemampuan Berpikir Spasial Bagi Siswa SMA. Geodika: Jurnal Kajian Ilmu Dan Pendidikan Geografi, 4(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.29408/geodika.v4i1.1823
Azizah, C., Pawitan, H., Dasanto, B. D., Ridwansyah, I., & Taufik, M. (2021). Risk Assessment of Flash Flood Potential in the Humid Tropics Indonesia: A Case Study in Tamiang River Basin. International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology, 13(1), 57–73. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJHST.2022.119236
Calamba, R. R. (2024). High School Students’ Level of Awareness and Preparedness of Natural Disasters. International Journal of Studies in Education and Science, 5(2), 150–167. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijses.91
Castaño, C., Caballero, R., Noguera, J. C., Chen Austin, M., Bernal, B., Jaén-Ortega, A. A., & Ortega-Del-Rosario, M. D. (2025). Developing Sustainability Competencies Through Active Learning Strategies Across School and University Settings. In Sustainability (Vol. 17, Issue 19, p. 8886). https://doi.org/10.3390/su17198886
Cho, M., & Kwon, M. (2025). Sustainable Disaster Nursing Education Through Functional Exercises and Simulation: Effects on Knowledge, Problem-Solving, and Learning Outcomes. Sustainability, 17(20), 9165. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209165
Choi, Y., Shin, D., Sim, M., Lee, J., & Lee, H. (2025). Assessing Hazard Literacy in Adults: Science Education for Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness. Asia-Pacific Science Education, 11(2), 295–331. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1163/23641177-bja10103
Cvetković, V. M., Nikolić, N., & Lukić, T. (2024). Exploring Students’ and Teachers’ Insights on School-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Safety: A Case Study of Western Morava Basin, Serbia. Safety, 10(2), 50. https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10020050
Duarte, L., Teodoro, A. C., & Gonçalves, H. (2022). Evaluation of Spatial Thinking Ability Based on Exposure to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Concepts in the Context of Higher Education. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 11(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi11080417
Fadjarajani, S., As, R., & Putri, A. E. (2024). Model of Problem-Based Learning in Geography : Focusing on Societal Dynamics to Enhance Spatial Thinking Skills. The 6th International Geography Seminar (IGEOS 2023), 02011. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202460002011
Gagnier, K. M., Holochwost, S. J., & Fisher, K. R. (2022). Spatial Thinking in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: Elementary Teachers’ Beliefs, Perceptions, and Self-Efficacy. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 59(1), 95–126. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21722
Golightly, A., & Raath, S. (2015). Problem-Based Learning to Foster Deep Learning in Preservice Geography Teacher Education. Journal of Geography, 114(2), 58–68. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221341.2014.894110
Granados-Sánchez, J. (2022). Levels of Transformation in Sustainable Curricula: The Case of Geography Education. Sustainability, 14(8), 4481. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084481
Guo, L., Fang, M., Liu, L., Chong, H., Zeng, W., & Hu, X. (2025). The Development of Disaster Preparedness Education for Public: A Scoping Review. BMC Public Health, 25(1), 645. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21664-0
Handoyo, B., Purwanto, Ridha, S., & Tan, G. C. I. (2024). Effect of The Spatial Based Learning Using Quantum Geographic Information System on Students’ Critical Thinking Skills. Journal of Social Studies Education Research, 15(5), 328–379.
Hawes, Z. C. K., Gilligan-Lee, K. A., & Mix, K. S. (2022). Effects of Spatial Training on Mathematics Performance: A Meta-Analysis. In Developmental Psychology (Vol. 58, Issue 1, pp. 112–137). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0001281
Hoffmann, R., & Muttarak, R. (2017). Learn from the Past, Prepare for the Future: Impacts of Education and Experience on Disaster Preparedness in the Philippines and Thailand. World Development, 96, 32–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2017.02.016
Howell, J. B., & Maddox, L. E. (2024). Geographic Inquiry for Citizenship: Identifying Barriers to Improving Teachers’ Practice. The Journal of Social Studies Research, 48(1), 17–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssr.2022.04.001
Intaramuean, M., Nonomura, A., & Boonrod, T. (2025). Empowering Flood Preparedness: Enhancing Flood Knowledge, Risk Perception, and Preparedness among Primary School Learners in Flood-Affected Southern Thailand. Progress in Disaster Science, 26, 100410. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdisas.2025.100410
Kerski, J. J. (2023). Teaching and Learning Geography with a Web GIS Approach. In A. Klonari, M. L. De Lázaro y Torres, & A. Kizos (Eds.), Re-visioning Geography: Supporting the SDGs in the post-COVID era (pp. 113–135). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-40747-5_7
Khan, S. M., Shafi, I., Butt, W. H., Diez, I. de la T., Flores, M. A. L., Galán, J. C., & Ashraf, I. (2023). A Systematic Review of Disaster Management Systems: Approaches, Challenges, and Future Directions. Land, 12(8), 1514. https://doi.org/10.3390/land12081514
Li, C., Sun, N., Lu, Y., Guo, B., Wang, Y., Sun, X., & Yao, Y. (2023). Review on Urban Flood Risk Assessment. Sustainability, 15(1), 765. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010765
Lukman, S., & Masinu, A. La. (2020). Pengetahuan dan Sikap Kesiapsiagaan Siswa SMP Dalam Menghadapi Bencana Gunungapi Gamalama Kota Ternate. Georafflesia, 5.2, 105.
Mašterová, V. (2023). Learning and Teaching through Inquiry with Geospatial Technologies: A Systematic Review. European Journal of Geography, 14(3 SE-Review Article), 42–54. https://doi.org/10.48088/ejg.v.mas.14.3.042.054
McLaughlin, J. A., & Bailey, J. M. (2023). Students Need More Practice with Spatial Thinking in Geoscience Education: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Studies in Science Education, 59(2), 147–204. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057267.2022.2029305
Paper, C., & Nguyen, T. L. (2023). Awareness of Climate Change Among University Students: A Case Study at FPT University Trong. International Conference on Environmental, Social and Governance, 165–185. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v8i20.14601
Putri, I. H. S., Buchori, I., & Handayani, W. (2021). Land Use Change and Precipitation Implication to Hydro-Meteorological Disasters in Central Java: An Overview. International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, 14(1), 100–114. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-12-2020-0125
Retscher, G., Gabela, J., & Gikas, V. (2022). PBeL—A Novel Problem-Based (e-)Learning for Geomatics Students. Geomatics, 2(1), 76–106. https://doi.org/10.3390/geomatics2010006
Ridha, S., Rahman, A., Abdi, A. W., & Kamil, P. A. (2022). The Implementation of Disaster Education after the Sixteen Years of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami in Aceh-Indonesia: Progress or Regress? E3S Web of Conferences, 340, 8–11. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202234003003
Silviariza, W. Y., & Handoyo, B. (2020). Spatial-Problem Based Learning (SPBL) Development (Preliminary Studies for Geography Learning). Jurnal Pendidikan Geografi: Kajian, Teori, Dan Praktek Dalam Bidang Pendidikan Dan Ilmu Geografi, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.17977/um017v25i12020p069
Silviariza, W. Y., Sumarmi, & Handoyo, B. (2020). Using of Spatial Problem Based Learning (SPBL) Model in Geography Education for Developing Critical Thinking Skills. Journal for the Education of Gifted Young Scientists, 8(3), 1045–1060. https://doi.org/10.17478/JEGYS.737219
Song, J., Yamauchi, H., Oguchi, T., & Ogura, T. (2022). Application of Web Hazard Maps to High School Education for Disaster Risk Reduction. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 72, 102866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.102866
Sonrum, P., & Worapun, W. (2023). Enhancing Grade 5 Student Geography Skills and Learning Achievement: A Problem-Based Learning Approach. Journal of Education and Learning, 12(5), 188. https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v12n5p188
Sukackė, V., Guerra, A. O., Ellinger, D., Carlos, V., Petronienė, S., Gaižiūnienė, L., Blanch, S., Marbà-Tallada, A., & Brose, A. (2022). Towards Active Evidence-Based Learning in Engineering Education: A Systematic Literature Review of PBL, PjBL, and CBL. Sustainability, 14(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113955
Sun, H., Song, F., Ai, X., & Duan, Y. (2024). Content Analysis of Disaster Risk Reduction in Secondary School Geography Textbooks in China and the United States: Promoting Disaster Resilience through Geography Education. Sustainability, 16(21), 9321. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219321
Tay, H. L., Banomyong, R., Varadejsatitwong, P., & Julagasigorn, P. (2022). Mitigating Risks in the Disaster Management Cycle. Advances in Civil Engineering, 2022(1), 7454760. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/7454760
Westman, A., Kurland, L., & Hugelius, K. (2024). Non-Technical Skills Needed by Medical Disaster Responders– A Scoping Review. Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, 32(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-024-01197-y
Wilmot, D., Sarah Witham, B., Munazza, F., Alfonso, G. de la V., Regula, G., Johanna, M., & and Wilson, S. (2025). Transformative Learning in Geography Education: International Perspectives and Practices. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 34(3), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/10382046.2025.2473104
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37905/jgej.v7i1.36032
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2026 Authors

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



















