Effectiveness of Hybrid Discovery Learning in Enhancing Students’ Comprehension and Critical Thinking Skills

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v20i01.57485

Keywords:

Hybrid discovery learning model, learning management system, critical thinking skills, student comprehending, direct instruction, active learning

Abstract


This study sought to explore how the hybrid discovery learning (HDL) model can support and enhance students’ comprehending of the material. In particular, it examined the differences in learning outcomes when the HDL approach was implemented with and without the support of a learning management system (LMS). A quasi-experimental design with a descriptive quantitative approach was employed, involving three cohorts: two control cohorts and one experimental cohort. Data were gathered through an assessment of students’ critical thinking skills in a secondary school history class. The results indicated that both forms of the HDL model, whether implemented in a conventional setting or supported by an LMS, contributed significantly to enhancing students’ comprehension. The experimental cohort and Control cohort 2 outperformed Control cohort 1, which was taught using the direct instruction model. However, LMS integration did not yield significant additional benefits. These findings affirm the effectiveness of the HDL model in improving student learning outcomes and offer meaningful insights that can inform the design and implementation of more impactful active learning strategies in the future.

References

[1] UNESCO, “Technology in education: Global Education Monitoring Report 2023.” Retrieved by https://gem-report-2023.unesco.org/technology-in-education/, 2023.

[2] M. Barron Rodriguez, C. Cobo, A. Muñoz-Najar, and I. Sánchez Ciarrusta, “Remote Learning during the Global School Lockdown: Multi-Country Lessons.,” World Bank, 2020.

[3] S. E. Smaldino, D. L. Lowther, J. D. Russell, and C. Mims, “Instructional technology and media for learning,” 2015.

[4] L. Mishra, T. Gupta, and A. Shree, “Online teaching-learning in higher education during lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic,” International journal of educational research open, vol. 1, p. 100012, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.ijedro.2020.100012.

[5] B. L. Moorhouse, “Adaptations to a face-to-face initial teacher education course ‘forced’online due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Journal of education for teaching, vol. 46, no. 4, pp. 609–611, 2020, doi: 10.1080/02607476.2020.1755205.

[6] M. C. Keiper, A. White, C. D. Carlson, and J. M. Lupinek, “Student perceptions on the benefits of Flipgrid in a HyFlex learning environment,” Journal of education for business, vol. 96, no. 6, pp. 343–351, 2021, doi: 10.1080/08832323.2020.1832431.

[7] C. Dziuban, C. R. Graham, P. D. Moskal, A. Norberg, and N. Sicilia, “Blended learning: the new normal and emerging technologies,” International journal of educational technology in Higher education, vol. 15, pp. 1–16, 2018, doi: 10.1186/s41239-017-0087-5.

[8] S. Hrastinski, “What do we mean by blended learning?,” TechTrends, vol. 63, no. 5, pp. 564–569, 2019, doi: 10.1007/s11528-019-00375-5.

[9] R. A. Rasheed, A. Kamsin, and N. A. Abdullah, “Challenges in the online component of blended learning: A systematic review,” Computers & education, vol. 144, p. 103701, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.compedu.2019.103701.

[10] H. Hapke, A. Lee-Post, and T. Dean, “3-in-1 hybrid learning environment,” Marketing Education Review, vol. 31, no. 2, pp. 154–161, 2021, doi: 10.1080/10528008.2020.1855989.

[11] H. W. Asrini, G. W. Wicaksono, and B. Budiono, “Curriculum Management Systems for Blended Learning Support,” JOIV International Journal on Information Visualization, vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 2145–2153, 2023, doi: 10.62527/joiv.7.4.1306.

[12] R. Boelens, B. De Wever, and M. Voet, “Four key challenges to the design of blended learning: A systematic literature review,” Educational Research Review, vol. 22, pp. 1–18, 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.edurev.2017.06.001.

[13] P. Seixas, “A model of historical thinking,” Educational Philosophy and Theory, vol. 49, no. 6, pp. 593–605, 2017, doi: 10.1080/00131857.2015.1101363.

[14] P. Burke, What is cultural history? John Wiley & Sons, 2019. doi: 10.1080/00131857.2015.1101363.

[15] G. L. Stoel, J. P. van Drie, and C. A. M. van Boxtel, “Teaching towards historical expertise. Developing a pedagogy for fostering causal reasoning in history,” Journal of Curriculum Studies, vol. 47, no. 1, pp. 49–76, 2015, doi: 10.1080/00220272.2014.968212.

[16] A. Körber and J. Meyer-Hamme, “Historical thinking, competencies, and their measurement: Challenges and approaches,” New directions in assessing historical thinking, pp. 89–101, 2015.

[17] G. Iggers, Q. E. Wang, and S. Mukherjee, A global history of modern historiography. Routledge, 2016. doi: 10.4324/9781315543499.

[18] M. Tamm, “Truth, objectivity and evidence in history writing,” Journal of the Philosophy of History, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 265–290, 2014.

[19] Y. Tian and R. Lynch, “A comparative study of motivation and perceptual learning style preferences for learning Chinese as a foreign language among grade 5 to grade 8 students of Concordian International School, Thailand,” Scholar: Human Sciences, vol. 9, no. 2, 2017.

[20] K. Aslaksen and H. Lorås, “The modality-specific learning style hypothesis: a mini-review,” Frontiers in psychology, vol. 9, p. 1538, 2018, doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01538.

[21] D. T. Willingham, E. M. Hughes, and D. G. Dobolyi, “The scientific status of learning styles theories,” Teaching of Psychology, vol. 42, no. 3, pp. 266–271, 2015, doi: 10.1177/0098628315589505.

[22] J. Cuevas, “Is learning styles-based instruction effective? A comprehensive analysis of recent research on learning styles,” Theory and Research in Education, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 308–333, 2015, doi: 10.1177/1477878515606621.

[23] L. Tomkins and E. Ulus, “‘Oh, was that “experiential learning”?!’Spaces, synergies and surprises with Kolb’s learning cycle,” Management Learning, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 158–178, 2016, doi: 10.1177/1350507615587451.

[24] T. H. Morris, “Experiential learning–a systematic review and revision of Kolb’s model,” Interactive learning environments, vol. 28, no. 8, pp. 1064–1077, 2020, doi: 10.1080/10494820.2019.1570279.

[25] L. Nadjamuddin et al., “enhancement of Hybrid Discovery Learning (HDL) Model for Integrated Social Studies Learning,” Technium Soc. Sci. J., vol. 28, p. 253, 2022, doi: 10.47577/tssj.v28i1.5953.

[26] J. S. Bruner, “The act of discovery.,” Harvard educational review, 1961.

[27] M. Martyn, “The hybrid online model: Good practice,” Educause quarterly, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 18–23, 2003.

[28] L. Alfieri, P. J. Brooks, N. J. Aldrich, and H. R. Tenenbaum, “Does discovery-based instruction enhance learning?,” Journal of educational psychology, vol. 103, no. 1, p. 1, 2011.

[29] L. Mei, “An Integrated Model for Online-Offline Classroom for Optimizing Academic Management and Enhancing Student Learning Outcomes.,” International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, vol. 19, no. 18, 2025, doi: 10.3991/ijim.v19i18.57263.

[30] H. Salim, P. G. Waterworth, A. Daud, and M. Hanif, “The Integration of Digital Technologies into Practicum Classrooms by Smartphone-Savvy Pre-Service Teachers in Indonesia.,” European Journal of Educational Research, vol. 12, no. 2, 2023, doi: 10.12973/eu-jer.12.2.593.

[31] A. Alammary, “Blended learning models for introductory programming courses: A systematic review,” PloS one, vol. 14, no. 9, p. e0221765, 2019, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221765.

[32] A. W. Lazonder and R. Harmsen, “Meta-analysis of inquiry-based learning: Effects of guidance,” Review of educational research, vol. 86, no. 3, pp. 681–718, 2016, doi: 10.3102/003465431562736.

[33] G. Xue, “Construction of a Hybrid Learning Model Based on Mobile Interaction Technology in Vocational Schools and its Mechanism for the standard Assurance of Teaching.,” International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, vol. 19, no. 11, 2025, doi: 10.3991/ijim.v19i11.56059.

[34] T. De Jong, M. C. Linn, and Z. C. Zacharia, “Physical and virtual laboratories in science and engineering education,” Science, vol. 340, no. 6130, pp. 305–308, 2013, doi: 10.1126/science.1230579.

[35] C. E. Hmelo-Silver, R. G. Duncan, and C. A. Chinn, “Scaffolding and achievement in problem-based and inquiry learning: a response to Kirschner, Sweller, and,” Educational psychologist, vol. 42, no. 2, pp. 99–107, 2007, doi: 10.1080/00461520701263368.

[36] M. Pedaste et al., “Phases of inquiry-based learning: Definitions and the inquiry cycle,” Educational research review, vol. 14, pp. 47–61, 2015, doi: 10.1016/j.edurev.2015.02.003.

[37] E. M. Furtak, T. Seidel, H. Iverson, and D. C. Briggs, “Experimental and quasi-experimental studies of inquiry-based science teaching: A meta-analysis,” Review of educational research, vol. 82, no. 3, pp. 300–329, 2012, doi: 10.3102/0034654312457206.

[38] P. A. Facione, “Critical thinking: What it is and why it counts,” Insight assessment, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 1–23, 2011.

[39] M. F. Ramadhan, M. Mundilarto, A. Ariswan, I. Irwanto, B. Bahtiar, and S. Gummah, “The Effect of Interface Instrumentation Experiments-Supported Blended Learning on Students’ Critical Thinking Skills and Academic Achievement.,” International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, vol. 17, no. 14, 2023, doi: 10.3991/ijim.v17i14.38611.

[40] J. W. Creswell and J. D. Creswell, Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications, 2017.

[41] L. R. Aiken, “Three coefficients for analyzing the reliability and validity of ratings,” Educational and psychological measurement, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 131–142, 1985, doi: 10.1177/0013164485451012.

[42] H. R. Al Ajmi, “Teachers’ Knowledge of Hybrid Teaching Practiced during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Effects on Student Achievement.,” Journal of Education and e-Learning Research, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 166–174, 2022, doi: 10.20448/jeelr.v9i3.4145.

[43] J. Tashiro, P. C. K. Hung, and M. V. Martin, “Evidence-based educational practices and a theoretical framework for hybrid learning,” in Hybrid Learning: 4th International Conference, ICHL 2011, Hong Kong, China, August 10-12, 2011. Proceedings 4, 2011, pp. 51–72. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-22763-9_6.

[44] L. C. Yamagata-Lynch, “Blending online asynchronous and synchronous learning,” International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 189–212, 2014, doi: 10.19173/irrodl.v15i2.1778.

[45] M. Bower, B. Dalgarno, G. E. Kennedy, M. J. W. Lee, and J. Kenney, “Design and implementation factors in blended synchronous learning environments: Outcomes by a cross-case analysis,” Computers & Education, vol. 86, pp. 1–17, 2015, doi: 10.1016/j.compedu.2015.03.006.

[46] and S. W. S. J. H. Holland, K. J. Holyoak, R. E. Nisbett, P. R. Thagard, “Induction: Processes of inference, learning, and discovery,” vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 92–93, 1987, doi: 10.1109/MEX.1987.4307100.

[47] D. Hammer, “Discovery learning and discovery teaching,” Cognition and instruction, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 485–529, 1997, doi: 10.1207/s1532690xci1504_2.

[48] S. C. Scogin, M. Marks, C. Mader, and K. Phillips, “Building motivationally supportive course-based research experiences for undergraduates: a self-determination theory perspective,” Higher Education Pedagogies, vol. 8, no. 1, p. 2165528, 2023, doi: 10.1080/23752696.2023.2165528.

[49] D. Abrahamson and M. Kapur, “Reinventing discovery learning: a field-wide research program,” Instructional Science, vol. 46, pp. 1–10, 2018, doi: 10.1007/s11251-017-9444-y.

[50] A. J. Esteban, K. Calang, and P. M. E. Pagador, “A review of practices and digital technology integration in reading instruction and suggestions for the Philippines,” Int J Eval & Res Educ, vol. 13, no. 6, pp. 3663–3672, 2024, doi: 10.11591/ijere.v13i6.29856.

[51] A. Ashrafi, A. Zareravasan, S. Rabiee Savoji, and M. Amani, “Exploring factors influencing students’ continuance intention to use the learning management system (LMS): a multi-perspective framework,” Interactive Learning Environments, vol. 30, no. 8, pp. 1475–1497, 2022, doi: 10.1080/10494820.2020.1734028.

[52] S. Z. M. Osman, “Combining Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning: Student Satisfaction with Online Learning Using Learning Management Systems.,” Journal of Education and e-Learning Research, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 147–154, 2022, doi: 10.20448/jeelr.v9i3.4103.

[53] V. H. Perera Rodríguez and C. Hervás Gómez, “University students’ perceptions toward the use of an online student response system in game-based learning experiences with mobile technology,” European Journal of Educational Research, 10 (2), 1009-1022., 2021, doi: 10.12973/eu-jer.10.2.1009.

[54] A. Khaled, W. A. Hazaymeh, and M. E. Montierre, “Challenges of online education for teachers and parents in the Emirati school system,” 2022, doi: 10.12973/eu-jer.11.4.2345.

[55] Q. Lu, M. Rameli, and M. Rustam, “How Academic Self-Efficacy Influences Online Learning Engagement: The Mediating Role of Boredom.,” International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, vol. 17, no. 24, 2023, doi: 10.3991/ijim.v17i24.44759.

[56] A. Rido, H. Kuswoyo, and B. Mandasari, “Synchronous and Asynchronous Online Learning in English Language Classrooms in Indonesia: A Literature Review.,” International Association for enhancement of the Information Society, 2022, doi: 10.11591/ijere.v13i5.30125.

[57] H. Alomyan and A. Alelhas the objectivesat, “Employing ICTs in Kindergartens in Remote Areas of Jordan: Teachers’ Perspectives on Uses, Importance and Challenges.,” European Journal of Educational Research, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 2145–2157, 2021.

[58] A. Y. Aina and A. A. Ogegbo, “Teaching and Assessment through Online Platforms during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Benefits and Challenges.,” Journal of Education and e-Learning Research, vol. 8, no. 4, pp. 408–415, 2021, doi: 10.20448/journal.509.2021.84.408.415.

Downloads

Published

2026-01-16

How to Cite

Nadjamuddin, L., Rore, I., Mahmud, J., Zaky, M., Tadeko, N., & Nirmala, B. (2026). Effectiveness of Hybrid Discovery Learning in Enhancing Students’ Comprehension and Critical Thinking Skills. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM), 20(01), pp. 87–104. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v20i01.57485

Issue

Section

Papers