ENHANCING HUMAN SKILLS THROUGH INNOVATIVE PEDAGOGIES: INTEGRATING TBPL AND DESIGN THINKING IN INDONESIAN HIGHER EDUCATION

Authors

  • Helmy Syakh Alam Faculty of Information Technology and Design, Primakara University
    Indonesia
    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6446-925X
  • Linda Yupita Faculty of Information Technology and Design, Primakara University
    Indonesia
  • Syed Abdul Waheed Faculty of Education, University of Okara
    Pakistan
  • Nadia Gilani Faculty of Education, University of Okara
    Pakistan

Keywords:

Team-Based Project Learning (TBPL), Design Thinking, Innovative Pedagogies, 21st-century skills

Abstract

The rapid progression in digital technologies and endless industrial disruption necessitate that higher education institutions change from the classical paradigm of knowledge transfer toward one that enhances adaptive human skills. This article discusses the integration of Team-Based Project Learning (TBPL) and Design Thinking as an innovative teaching method for enhancing human skills, e.g., collaboration, communication, critical thinking, empathy, and problem-solving. Two hundred twenty-nine students at Primakara University were involved in the learning model, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire; they were analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of SPSS version 26 based on mean scores and rank indicators of the skill structure. All skill dimensions measured in this study were rated above 3.00 on a 1–4 Likert scale, which indicates an encouraging perception from the students. Highest-scored dimensions included: Lecturer Support (3.48) and Ability to Face Challenges (3.38), whereas Learning Facility Support (3.20) and Project Theme Relevance (3.12) scores recorded were relatively lower. It appears that the TBPL and Design Thinking integration have constructive contributions toward the development of non-cognitive competencies concerning the 21st century. The findings give empirical implications for the universities to design learning environments with an explicit intent to embed collaboration, empathy, and problem-solving as key educational outcomes.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Aditomo, A., Good, J., & Klieme, E. (2013). The Development of Students’ Problemsolving Skills in Different Cultures: A Comparison between Indonesia and Germany. Learning and Instruction, 28, 64–77.

Anderson, L. W., & Krathwohl, D. R. (2001). A taxonomy for Learning, Teaching, and Assessing: A Revision of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. Longman.

Asikainen, H., & Gijbels, D. (2017). Do Students Develop Towards More Deep Approaches to Learning During Studies? A Systematic Review on the Development of Students’ Deep and Surface Approaches to Learning in Higher Education. Educational Psychology Review, 29(2), 205–234. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-017-9406-6.

Barrows, H. S. (1996). Problem-based Learning in Medicine and Beyond: A brief Overview. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 68, 3–14.

Biggs, J. B., & Tang, C. S. (2009). Teaching for Quality Learning at University: What the Student Does (3 Ed., reprinted). McGraw-Hill.

Bransford, J. D., Brown, A. L., & Cocking, R. R. (2000). How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School. National Academy Press.

Briggs, J., & Tang, C. (2011). Teaching for Quality Learning at University. Open University Press.

Brown, T. (2009). Change By Design: How Design Thinking Transforms Organizations and Inspires Innovation. Harper Business.

Carlgren, L., Rauth, I., & Elmquist, M. (2016). Framing Design Thinking: The Concept in Idea and Enactment. Creativity and Innovation Management, 25(1), 38–52.

Carstensen, T., & Bason, C. (2012). Design-driven Innovation in the Public Sector: The Case of MindLab. CoDesign, 8(2–3), 115–133.

Chan, C. K. Y. (2012). Team-based Learning in a Social Work Classroom: An Action Research Study. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 32(4), 389–405.

Chan, H. K., Yaakon, A. R. & Pinjaman, S. (2021). Effect of Support from Lecturers and Host Country Nationals on Cross-Cultural Adjustment among International Students: Evidence from a Malaysian University. Pertanika Journal: Social Sciences & Humanities, 29(2), 1213-1229. https://doi.org/10.47836/pjssh.29.2.25.

Cummings, C., & Yur-Austin, J. (2021). Design Thinking and Community Impact: A Case Study of Project-based Learning in an MBA Capstone Course. Journal of Education for Business, 97, 126–132.

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “What” and “Why” of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-determination of Behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268.

Dehler, J., Lindenmann, H., & Müller, M. (2001). Design Knowledge and Engineering Education: From Theory to Practice. International Journal of Engineering Education, 17(5), 458–467.

Dekker, T. J. (2024). Generic Skills Development in European Liberal Arts and Sciences Programs: A Student Perspective. Tertiary Education and Management, 30(3), 187–203. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11233-024-09142-5.

De Prada, E., Mareque, M., & Pino-Juste, M. (2022). Teamwork Skills in Higher Education: Is University Training Contributing to Their Mastery? Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica, 35, 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41155-022-00207-1.

Dewi, E. G. A., Alam, H. S., & Redioka, A. A. N. (2023). Efektivitas PBL dengan Pendekatan Flipped Learning dalam Mata Kuliah Bahasa Inggris. Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan (JIIP), 6(8), , 5847-5853.

Dochy, F., Segers, M., Van den Bossche, P., & Gijbels, D. (2003). Effects of Problembased Learning: A Meta-analysis. Learning and Instruction, 13(5), 533–560.

Donelan, H. & Kear, K. (2024). Online Group Projects in Higher Education: Persistent Challenges and Implications for Practice. Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 36(2), 435-468. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-023-09360-7.

Dosi, C., Rosati, F., & Vignoli, D. S. (2018). Design Thinking and the Creation of Value: Insights from the Social Innovation Field. Journal of Cleaner Production, 171, 434–443.

Duckworth, A. L., & Yeager, D. S. (2015). Measurement Matters: Assessing Personal Qualities Other Than Cognitive Ability for Educational Purposes. Educational Researcher, 44(4), 237–251. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X15584327.

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.

Fraut, M. (2004). Transfer of Knowledge between Education and Work. Journal of Education and Work, 17(2), 113–140.

Fredricks, J. A., Blumenfeld, P. C., & Paris, A. H. (2004). School Engagement: Potential of the Concept, State of the Evidence. Review of Educational Research, 74(1), 59–109.

Fukuyama, F. (2018). Identity: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.

Hattie, J. (2009). Visible Learning: A Synthesis of Over 800 Meta-analyses Relating to Achievement. Routledge.

Hesse, F., Care, E., Buder, J., Sassenberg, K., & Griffin, P. (2015). A Framework for Teachable Collaborative Problem-Solving Skills. Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills (pp. 37–56). Springer.

Hmelo-Silver, C. E. (2004). Problem-based Learning: What and How Do Students Learn? Educational Psychology Review, 16(3), 235–266.

IDEO. (2012). Design Thinking for Educators. IDEO.

Iserte, S., Tomás, V. R., Castillo, M., Boronat, P., & Garcia, L. A. (2023). Complete Integration of Team Project-Based Learning into a Database Syllabus. IEEE Transactions on Education, 66(3), 218-225.

Jamaludin, R., McKay, E., & Ledger, S. (2020). Are We Ready for Education 4.0 within ASEAN Higher Education Institutions? Thriving for Knowledge, Industry and Humanity in a Dynamic Higher Education Ecosystem? Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 12(5), 1161-1173. https://doi.org/10.1108/jarhe-06-2019-0144.

Johnsen, M.M.W., Sjølie, E. & Johansen, V. (2024). Learning to Collaborate in a Project-based Graduate Course: A Multilevel Study of Student Outcomes. Research in High Education, 65(3), 439–462. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-023-09754-7.

Jonassen, D. H. (2000). Toward a Design Theory of Problem Solving. Educational Technology Research and Development, 48(2), 63–85.

Keller, J. M. (1987). Motivational Design of Instruction. In Instructional Theories in Action: Lessons Illustrating Selected Designs and Their Applications (pp. 373–401). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Kereluik, K., Mishra, P., Fahnoe, C., & Terry, L. (2013). What Knowledge is of Most Worth: Teacher Knowledge for 21st Century Learning. Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education, 29(4), 127–140.

Knöpfel, M., Kalz, M., & Meyer, P. (2024). General Problem-solving Skills Can be Enhanced by Short-time Use of Problem-based Learning (PBL). Journal of Problem Based Learning in Higher Education, 12(1), 72–91. https://doi.org/10.54337/ojs.jpblhe.v12i1.7871

Knowles, M. S., Holton, E. F., & Swanson, R. A. (2015). The Adult Learner: The Definitive Classic in Adult Education and Human Resource Development. Routledge.

Kolko, J. (2015). Design Thinking Comes of Age. Harvard Business Review, 93(9), 66–71.

Kolmos, A., De Graaff, E., & Du, X. (2006). Diversity of Problem-based Learning: PBL in Engineering Education. Aalborg University Press.

Kruchin, A. (2017). Teaching 21st Century Skills in the ELT Classroom. English Teaching Forum, 55(3), 2–11.

Kumar, R. P., Polepaka, S., & Udaya, B. S. (2021). An Improved Application-oriented Teaching Style by Integrating Design Thinking and Project-Based Learning. Soft Computing for Intelligent Systems: Proceedings of ICSCIS 2020 (pp. 531-537). Springer Singapore.

Kusurkar, R. A., Ten Cate, T. J., Vos, C. M. P., Westers, P., & Croiset, G. (2013). How Motivation Affects Academic Performance: A Structural Equation Modelling Analysis. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 18(1), 57–69. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-012-9354-3.

Kyllonen, P. C. (2016). Measurement of 21st Century Skills: The Way Forward. In Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills (pp. 11–30). Springer.

Liedtka, J. (2015). Experiencing Design Thinking: Background, Benefits, and Best Practices. Columbia University Press.

Liedtka, J., & Ogilvie, T. (2011). Designing for Growth: A Design Thinking Tool Kit for Managers. Columbia University Press.

Lombardi, M. M. (2007). Authentic Learning for the 21st Century: An Overview. Educause Learning Initiative.

Lor, R. (2017). Design Thinking in Education: A Critical Review of Literature. Asian Conference on Education & Psychology, Bangkok, Thailand.

Lou, Y., Abrami, P. C., & d’Apollonia, S. (2001). Small Group and Individual Learning with Technology: A Meta-analysis. Review of Educational Research, 71(3), 359–381.

Luthans, F., Youssef, C. M., & Avolio, B. J. (2006). Psychological Capital: Developing the Human Competitive Edge. Oxford University Press.

Maher, K. (2020). Soft Skills for The Future: The Case for Experiential Learning. Journal of Teaching and Learning with Technology, 9(1), 1–15.

Marciniak, R., & Rembielak, G. (2022). Factors Determining Satisfaction with Elearning during the Pandemic in the Opinion of Polish and Spanish Students: Analysis of Differences and Similarities. e-mentor, Czasopismo naukowe Szkoły Głównej Handlowej w Warszawie, 96(4), 14-24. https://doi.org/10.15219/em96.1577.

Markula, A., & Aksela, M. (2022). The Key Characteristics of Project-based Learning: How Teachers Implement Projects in K-12 Science Education. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 4(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-021-00042-x.

Martin, R. (2009). The Design of Business: Why Design Thinking is the Next Competitive Advantage. Harvard Business Press.

Marzano, R. J. (2003). What Works in Schools: Translating Research Into Action. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2013). Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice. Jossey-Bass.

Michaelsen, L. K., & Sweet, M. (2008). The Essential Elements of Team-based Learning. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 2008(116), 7–27. https://doi.org/10.1002/tl.330.

Mourshed, M., Farrell, D., & Barton, D. (2012). Education to Employment: Designing A System that Works. McKinsey Center for Government.

OECD. (2018). The Future of Education and Skills: Education 2030. OECD Publishing.

Panke, S. (2019). Design Thinking in Education: Perspectives, Opportunities and Challenges. Open Education Studies, 1(1), 281–306.

https://doi.org/10.1515/edu-2019-0022.

Pekrun, R., & Linnenbrink-Garcia, L. (2012). Academic Emotions and Student Engagement. Academic Press.

Prince, M. (2004). Does Active Learning Work? A Review of The Research. Journal of Engineering Education, 93(3), 223–231.

Razzouk, R., & Shute, V. (2012). What is Design Thinking and Why is It Important? Journal of Engineering Education, 83(3), 330–348.

Ryan, M. F. (2022). Groupwork in Higher Education: A Practitioner’s Guide. Technological University of the Shannon. http://research.thea.ie/handle/20.500.12065/4040

Sarooghi, H., Sunny, S., Hornsby, J., & Fernhaber, S. (2019). Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship Education: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective. Journal of Small Business Management, 57(2), 652–657.

Savery, J. R. (2006). Overview of Problem-based Learning: Definitions and Distinctions. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 1(1), 3.

Schunk, D. H., Pintrich, P. R., & Meece, J. L. (2014). Motivation in Education: Theory, Research, and Applications. Pearson Education.

Schwab, K. (2017). The Fourth Industrial Revolution. Crown Business.

Shuman, L. J., Besterfield-Sacre, M., & McGourty, J. (2005). The ABET “Professional Skills”–Can They Be Taught and Assessed? Journal of Engineering Education, 94(1), 41–55.

Stockinger, K., Rinas, R., & Daumiller, M. (2021). Student Adaptability, Emotions, and Achievement: Navigating New Academic Terrains in a Global Crisis. Learning and Individual Differences, 90, 102046. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2021.102046.

Strobel, J., & van Barneveld, A. (2009). When Is PBL More Effective? A MetaSynthesis of Meta-Analyses Comparing PBL to Conventional Classrooms. The Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 3(1), 44–58.

Suriaman, S., Hariati, S., Salim, I. A., & Haris, H. (2024). Pengaruh Team-Based Project Terhadap Keterampilan Komunikasi, Kolaborasi, dan Berpikir Kritis Mahasiswa. Jurnal Kewarganegaraan, 21(1), 47. https://doi.org/10.24114/jk.v21i1.53057.

Tang, K. N. (2019). The Importance of Soft Skills Acquisition by Teachers in Higher Education Institutions. International Journal of Higher Education, 8(2), 1–10.

Thaduri, A., Anantha, M. T., Kolluri, S. C., & Pyatla, S. (2024). Utilizing Design Thinking to Integrate Project-Based Learning in Addressing Real-Life Challenges. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 38(1), 68–75. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2024/v38is1/24212.

Thomas, J. W. (2000). A Review of Research on Project-Based Learning. The Autodesk Foundation.

Trilling, B., & Fadel, C. (2009). 21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times. Jossey-Bass.

Tschimmel, K., & Santos, J. (2018). How Designers Can Contribute to Education. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing.

Tuan, H. L., Chin, C. C., & Shieh, S. H. (2005). The Development of a Questionnaire to Measure Students’ Motivation Towards Science Learning. International Journal of Science Education, 27(6), 639–654.

Van den Akker, J., Bannan, J., Kelly, A. E., Nieveen, N., & Plomp, T. (2006). Analyse, Design, Implement, Evaluate: An Overview of The DELTA Approach. Springer.

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.

Wagner, T. (2014). The Global Achievement Gap: Why Even Our Best Schools Don’t Teach the New Survival Skills Our Children Need-And What We Can Do About It. Basic Books.

World Economic Forum. (2020). The Future of Jobs Report 2020. World Economic Forum.

Yupita, L., Alam, H. S., & Artani, K. T. B. (2025). Team-Based Project Learning (TBPL) as A Catalyst for Management Skill Development: A Reflexive Thematic Study. EURASIA: Economics & Business, 6(96), 27–32.

Zhou, C. (2017). Handbook of Research on Creative Problem-Solving Skill Development in Higher Education: IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-0643-0

Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming A Self-Regulated Learner: An Overview. Theory into Practice, 41(2), 64–70.

Downloads

Submitted

2025-10-14

Accepted

2026-01-02

Published

2025-12-30