Integrating Culturally Responsive Teaching and Differentiated Learning to Promote Critical Thinking in Chemistry Learning toward Sustainable Development Goal 4

Authors

  • Fitriyuni Miralda Siregar Universitas Negeri Jakarta Author
  • Yuli Rahmawati Universitas Negeri Jakarta Author
  • Achmad Ridwan Universitas Negeri Jakarta Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63230/jocsis.2.2.177

Keywords:

Chemistry Learning, Critical Thinking Skills, Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT), Differentiated Learning, Inclusive Learning, Environment

Abstract

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

Published

2026-06-27

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Integrating Culturally Responsive Teaching and Differentiated Learning to Promote Critical Thinking in Chemistry Learning toward Sustainable Development Goal 4. (2026). Journal of Current Studies in SDGs, 2(2), 177. https://doi.org/10.63230/jocsis.2.2.177