Development of Flashcards on the Diversity of Macroscopic Fungi in Sultan Adam Mandiangin Forest Park to Train Students’ Critical Thinking Skills

Abstract

Taman Hutan Raya Sultan Adam Mandiangin possesses rich macroscopic fungal diversity that can be utilized as a contextual learning resource in biology education. This study aimed to develop a flashcard-based learning medium on macroscopic fungal diversity from Tahura Sultan Adam Mandiangin to promote university students’ critical thinking skills. The study employed the Plomp and Nieveen educational design research model consisting of three phases: preliminary research, prototyping, and assessment. Product validation involved three experts in biology education, while practicality and effectiveness testing involved students who had completed the Cryptogamae course. Data were collected using validation sheets, practicality questionnaires, readability questionnaires, and critical-thinking assessment instruments and were analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the developed flashcard achieved a validity score of 4.5 (very valid), a practicality score of 95% (very practical), and an effectiveness score of 88 (very effective). The flashcard successfully facilitated six dimensions of critical thinking, namely interpretation, assumption, deduction, evaluation, inference, and self-regulation. The novelty of this study lies in integrating local macroscopic fungi biodiversity with critical-thinking-oriented learning activities within a contextual flashcard medium. These findings indicate that local biodiversity resources can be transformed into innovative learning materials that support meaningful biology learning and critical thinking development. Future studies should involve larger participant groups and experimental research designs to examine further the long-term impact of flashcard-based learning on students’ learning outcomes.