Integrating Culturally Responsive Teaching and Differentiated Learning to Promote Critical Thinking in Chemistry Learning toward Sustainable Development Goal 4
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63230/jocsis.2.2.177Keywords:
Chemistry Learning, Critical Thinking Skills, Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT), Differentiated Learning, Inclusive Learning, EnvironmentAbstract
Objective: To combine Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) and differentiated learning in chemistry instruction to increase student engagement and improve students’ critical thinking skills. Method: Qualitative research conducted at MA Pembangunan UIN Jakarta involving 32 students. The learning model was implemented in chemistry topics of hydrolysis and acid-base titration. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and reflective journals. Results: The implementation of CRT-integrated differentiated learning improved students’ critical thinking skills. Students were able to connect chemical concepts with relevant real-life experiences and cultural contexts. The approach also promoted active participation, collaboration, appreciation of cultural diversity, and an inclusive learning environment. Novelty: Proposing an integrated instructional framework that combines Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) and differentiated learning to foster students’ critical thinking in chemistry education while advancing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. The framework promotes inclusive, equitable, and culturally relevant learning by accommodating diverse student backgrounds and learning needs, thereby supporting both conceptual understanding and higher-order thinking skills.
References
Andina, R. E., Ridwan, A., & Rahmawati, Y. (2017). Analisis model mental siswa pada materi hidrolisis garam di Klaten. Jurnal Riset Pendidikan Kimia, 7(2), 144–152. https://doi.org/10.21009/JRPK.072.08
Arfa, A. M., & Lasaiba, M. A. (2022). Pendidikan multikultural dan implementasinya di dunia pendidikan. Geoforum, 1(2), 36–49. https://doi.org/10.30598/geoforumvol1iss2pp36-49
Avandra, R., & Desyandri. (2023). Implementasi pembelajaran berdiferensiasi terhadap keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa pada pembelajaran IPA kelas VI SD. Didaktik: Jurnal Ilmiah PGSD STKIP Subang, 8(2), 2944–2960. https://doi.org/10.36989/didaktik.v8i2.618
Dolapcioglu, S., & Doğanay, A. (2022). Development of critical thinking in mathematics classes via authentic learning: An action research. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 53(6), 1363–1386. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2020.1819573
Enworo, O. C. (2023). Application of Guba and Lincoln’s parallel criteria to assess trustworthiness of qualitative research on indigenous social protection systems. Qualitative Research Journal, 23(4), 372–384. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-08-2022-0116
Estari, A. W. (2020). Pentingnya memahami karakteristik peserta didik dalam proses pembelajaran. Social, Humanities, and Educational Studies (SHEs): Conference Series, 3, 1439–1444. https://jurnal.uns.ac.id/SHES/article/view/56953
Forbes, M. H., & Lord, S. M. (2024). Celebrating and leveraging classroom geographic and cultural diversity to enhance student learning. Education Sciences, 14(3), Article 287. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14030287
Garvin-Hudson, B., & Jackson, T. O. (2018). A case for culturally relevant science education in the summer for African American youth. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 31(8), 708–725. https://doi.org/10.1080/09518398.2018.1478156
Gay, G. (2000). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice. Teachers College Press.
Gusteti, M. U., & Neviyarni, N. (2022). Pembelajaran berdiferensiasi pada pembelajaran matematika di Kurikulum Merdeka. Jurnal Lebesgue: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Matematika, Matematika dan Statistika, 3(3), 636–646. https://doi.org/10.46306/lb.v3i3.180
Güth, F., & van Vorst, H. (2024). To choose or not to choose? Effects of choice in authentic context-based learning environments. Educational Psychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-024-00798-6
Habig, S., Blankenburg, J., van Vorst, H., Fechner, S., Parchmann, I., & Sumfleth, E. (2018). Context characteristics and their effects on students’ situational interest in chemistry. International Journal of Science Education, 40(10), 1154–1175. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2018.1470349
Haelermans, C. (2022). The effects of group differentiation by students’ learning strategies. Instructional Science, 50(2), 223–250. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11251-021-09575-0
Heitner, K. L., & Jennings, M. (2016). Culturally responsive teaching knowledge and practices of online faculty. Online Learning Journal, 20(4), 54–78. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v20i4.1043
Hernandez, C. M., Morales, A. R., & Shroyer, M. G. (2013). The development of a model of culturally responsive science and mathematics teaching. Cultural Studies of Science Education, 8(4), 803–820. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11422-013-9544-1
Hiruy, A., & Melesse, S. (2022). Examining theory-practice gap in implementing Differentiated Instruction (DI) in the Ethiopian TVET system: The case of TVET colleges in Bahir Dar City. Cogent Education, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2022.2114223
Ladson-Billings, G. (1995). Toward a theory of culturally relevant pedagogy. American Educational Research Journal, 32(3), 465–491. https://doi.org/10.3102/00028312032003465
Latifah, N., Hayat, M. S., & Khoiri, N. (2023). Potensi implementasi pembelajaran berdiferensiasi berorientasi ESD dalam projek IPAS aspek zat dan perubahannya. Jurnal Penelitian Pembelajaran Fisika, 14(2), 261–268. https://doi.org/10.26877/jp2f.v14i2.16955
Melesse, T., & Belay, S. (2022). Differentiating instruction in primary and middle schools: Does variation in students’ learning attributes matter? Cogent Education, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2022.2105552
Moghadam, Z. B., Narafshan, M. H., & Tajadini, M. (2023). The effect of implementing a critical thinking intervention program on English language learners’ critical thinking, reading comprehension, and classroom climate. Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 8, Article 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-023-00188-3
Nsabayezu, E., Iyamuremye, A., Nahimana, J. P., Mukiza, J., Kampire, E., & Nsengimana, T. (2022). The progress in the application of rubric materials in chemistry teaching and students’ learning enhancement during the 21st century: A systematic review. Discover Education, 1, Article 5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-022-00005-y
Nusser, L., & Gehrer, K. (2025). Addressing heterogeneity in secondary education: Who benefits from differentiated instruction in German classes? International Journal of Inclusive Education, 29(6), 1568–1588. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2020.1862407
Özcan, Z. Ç. (2016). The relationship between mathematical problem-solving skills and self-regulated learning through homework behaviours, motivation, and metacognition. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 47(3), 408–420. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2015.1080313
Pozas, M., & Letzel-Alt, V. (2023). Teacher collaboration, inclusive education and differentiated instruction: A matter of exchange, co-construction, or synchronization? Cogent Education, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2240941
Rahmawati, Y., & Ridwan, A. (2017). Empowering students’ chemistry learning: The integration of ethnochemistry in culturally responsive teaching. Chemistry, 26, 813–830. https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=600081
Rahmawati, Y., Ridwan, A., Rahman, A., & Kurniadewi, F. (2019). Chemistry students’ identity empowerment through ethnochemistry in Culturally Responsive Transformative Teaching (CRTT). Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1156(1), Article 012032. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1156/1/012032
Rahmian, L., Hod, Y., Yuan, G., & Zhang, J. (2025). Supporting students’ inquiry through doubly authentic learning designs: Four configurations of interests, domain, and identity. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 40, Article 68. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-024-00818-5
Rodríguez, A. D. (2014). Culturally relevant books: Culturally responsive teaching in bilingual classrooms. NABE Journal of Research and Practice, 5(1), 173–196. https://doi.org/10.1080/26390043.2014.12067778
Santamaria, L. J. (2009). Culturally responsive differentiated instruction: Narrowing gaps between best pedagogical practices benefiting all learners. Teachers College Record, 111(1), 214–247. https://doi.org/10.1177/016146810911100105
Sedeṅo, M. M., Villamor, G. T., & Masuhay, E. P. (2021). Differentiated instruction in general chemistry. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 6(4), 323–330.
Singh, S. S., & Akar, H. (2021). Culturally responsive teaching: Beliefs of pre-service teachers in the Viennese context. Intercultural Education, 32(1), 46–61. https://doi.org/10.1080/14675986.2020.1844533
Strogilos, V., Lim, L., & Binte Mohamed Buhari, N. (2023). Differentiated instruction for students with SEN in mainstream classrooms: Contextual features and types of curriculum modifications. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 43(4), 850–866. https://doi.org/10.1080/02188791.2021.1984873
Tan, C. (2017). Teaching critical thinking: Cultural challenges and strategies in Singapore. British Educational Research Journal, 43(5), 988–1002. https://doi.org/10.1002/berj.3295
Tiruneh, D. T., De Cock, M., & Elen, J. (2018). Designing learning environments for critical thinking: Examining effective instructional approaches. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 16(6), 1065–1089. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-017-9829-z
Tomlinson, C. A. (2001). How to differentiate instruction in mixed-ability classrooms (2nd ed.). Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Üce, M., & Ceyhan, İ. (2019). Misconception in chemistry education and practices to eliminate them: Literature analysis. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 7(3), 202–214. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v7i3.3990
Valiandes, S., & Neophytou, L. (2018). Teachers’ professional development for differentiated instruction in mixed-ability classrooms: Investigating the impact of a development program on teachers’ professional learning and on students’ achievement. Teacher Development, 22(1), 123–138. https://doi.org/10.1080/13664530.2017.1338196
van Riesen, S. A. N., Gijlers, H., Anjewierden, A., & de Jong, T. (2018). The influence of prior knowledge on experiment design guidance in a science inquiry context. International Journal of Science Education, 40(11), 1327–1344. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2018.1477263
Zielhuis, M., Sleeswijk Visser, F., Andriessen, D., & Stappers, P. J. (2024). How design professionals learn within collaborative research projects. CoDesign, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/15710882.2023.2294271
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Current Studies in SDGs

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