Integration of problem-based learning and learning management system specifically designed to improve cognitive abilities of vocational students

Cognitive underperformance among vocational students in Informatics education in Indonesia remained a persistent challenge, particularly due to the dominance of passive instructional practices that were not aligned with the problem-solving demands of contemporary workplace preparation. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the integration of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and a specifically designed Learning Management System (LMS) in improving the cognitive abilities of vocational students. The study employed a Research and Development approach using the ADDIE model and applied a one-group pretest-posttest quasiexperimental design. The participants were 23 tenth-grade students from the Software and Game Development program at a vocational high school in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. The LMS was validated by experts before implementation. The results showed that the developed LMS was considered feasible, with an overall validation score of 76% categorized as Very Good. The statistical findings indicated a significant improvement in students’ cognitive abilities, with the mean score increasing from 43.70 in the pretest to 70.65 in the posttest. The paired-samples t test confirmed that this difference was statistically significant (t(22) = 26.80, p < 0.001), with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 2.68). In addition, the normalized gain score of 0.48 indicated a moderate level of effectiveness, while learner satisfaction reached 88.73%, also categorized as Very Good. These findings suggested that the integration of PBL and a specifically designed LMS effectively supported cognitive improvement across different student ability levels. In conclusion, this instructional framework provided an effective and inclusive model for vocational Informatics learning. The study implied that integrating student-centered pedagogy with a tailored digital platform could offer a scalable solution for improving cognitive learning outcomes in vocational education.

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