Project-Based Learning in Chemistry: Improving Laboratory Skill through Gravimetric Alkaloid Analysis of Local Natural Materials

Nurfatimah Sugrah, Khusna Arif Rakhman, Nur Jannah Baturante, Indra Cipta, Ni Made Wiratini, Agung Abadi Kiswandono, Dimas Saman

Abstract

Conventional chemistry laboratory instruction often separates theoretical understanding from practical activities, limiting students’ opportunities to develop integrated knowledge and laboratory skills. Project-Based Learning (PjBL) has been widely recognized as an effective approach to promote active, collaborative, and experiential learning in chemistry education. This study implemented PjBL in an analytical chemistry laboratory course involving 21 students, with samples divided into four groups. Students conducted projects on the isolation and gravimetric determination of alkaloids from local natural materials in North Maluku. Learning outcomes were evaluated through observations of laboratory activities, data analysis, collaboration, and research poster presentations. The imple mentation of PjBL showed high student participation (91.7%) and improved laboratory skills, including chemical handling, gravimetric analysis, data management, and scientific communication. Students successfully produced research reports and posters, while most participants reported enjoyable learning experiences, increased motivation, and improved collaboration and problem-solving skills. Research-based PjBL effectively integrates theoretical knowledge and laboratory practice, while supporting the development of laboratory competence, collaborative learning, and scientific communication skills among chemistry education students.

Keywords

Alkaloid, Gravimetric, Laboratory skill, PjBL, and Project-based learning

Full Text:

PDF

References

Aga, K. (2024). Comfort in active learning spaces – students ’ perceptions and preferences preferences. European Journal of Engineering Education, 3797, 785–806. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2024.2341756

Agustian, H. Y. (2025). Recent advances in laboratory education. Chemistry Teacher International, 7(2), 217–224. https://doi.org/10.1515/cti-2024-0071

Ahmad, I., Rissyelly, Kurniawan, A., & Mun’Im, A. (2017). Screening of extraction method for alkaloid enrichment of Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 10(7), 214–219. https://doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2017.v10i7.18426

Andriani, N., Amison, & Nazarudin. (2025). Activities , Resources , and Learning Environment : A Case Study of Science Learning at Sekolah Alam. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 11(1), 1075–1091. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v11i1.9569

Barr, C. A., Brodeur, D. R., Kumar, U., & Heilman, D. W. (2022). Integrating authentic research, peer learning, and high-impact project work into the general chemistry laboratory. Journal of Chemical Education, 99, 3899–3905.

Bhandari, N., Tadepalli, S., & Gopalakrishnan, P. (2024). Investigation of acoustic comfort , productivity , and engagement in naturally ventilated university classrooms : Role of background noise and students ’ noise sensitivity. Building and Environment, 249(December 2023).

Bretz, S. L. (2019). Evidence for the importance of Laboratory courses. Journal of Chemical Education, 96, 193–195.

Budner, D., & Simpson, B. (2018). Project-based integrated lecture and quantitative analysis course. Journal of Chemical Education, 95, 1533–1540.

Cao, J., Guan, H., & Jiang, J. (2025). A Review of the Literature on Project-Based Learning in High School Chemistry over the Past Decade in the. Journal of Chemical Education, 102, 599–614.

Chang, Y., Choi, J., & Sen-akbulut, M. (2024). education sciences Undergraduate Students ’ Engagement in Project-Based Learning with an Authentic Context. Education Science, 14, 1–14.

Che Ahmad, C. N., Shaharim, S. A., & Abdullah, M. F. N. L. (2017). Teacher-student interactions, learning commitment, learning environment and their relationship with student learning comfort. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 14(1), 57–72. https://doi.org/10.12973/tused.10190a

Chimwayange, C. (2025). Promoting student engagement using project based learning as service-based skills development. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 35, 1429–1446.

Chrysti Suryandari, K., Sajidan, Budi Rahardjo, S., Kun Prasetyo, Z., & Fatimah, S. (2018). Project-based science learning and pre-service teachers’ science literacy skill and creative thinking. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 37(3), 345–355. https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v38i3.17229

Davis, E. J., Pauls, S., & Dick, J. (2017). Project-Based Learning in Undergraduate Environmental Chemistry Laboratory: Using EPA Methods To Guide Student Method Development for Pesticide Quantitation. Journal of Chemical Education, 94(4), 451–457. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00352

Dewi, niluh P. (2020). Uji kuantitatif metabolit standar ekstrak etanol daun awar-awar(Ficus Septica Burm. f) dengan metode kromatografi. Acta Holistica Pharmaciana, 2(1), 16–24.

Dorn, S. K., Newman, J. D., Kessel, J. C. van, & Brown, L. C. (2021). Synthesis and biological assay of small-molecule quorum sensing inhibitor: A three-week course-based undergraduate research experience. Journal of Chemical Education, 98, 3533-.

Doughan, S., & Shahmuradyan, A. (2022). Introduction second year analytical chemistry students to research through experimental design in the undergraduate teaching laboratory. Journal of Chemical Education, 99, 4001–4007.

Ealangov, S., & Jamaludin, K. A. (2024). Readiness to Implement Project-Based Learning: The Influence of Knowledge and Attitude among Community College Lecturers. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 16(1), 84–98. https://doi.org/10.30880/jtet.2024.16.01.007

Eshun, I., Koranteng, U., Ajayi, A. B., & Ogar, E. E. (2026). Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning in Developing Critical Thinking Skills. Journal of ICT and Education, 1(1), 10–21.

Fadhly, E., Kusrini, D., & Fachriyah, E. (2015). Isolasi, Identifikasi Senyawa Alkaloid dari Daun Rivina humilis L. serta Uji Sitotoksik Menggunakan Metode BSLT (Brine Shrimp Lethality Test). Jurnal Kimia Sains Dan Aplikasi, 18(2), 67–72. https://doi.org/10.14710/jksa.18.2.67-72

Hansen, M. J., Palakal, M. J., & Joy, L. (2024). The Importance of STEM Sense of Belonging and Academic Hope in Enhancing Persistence for Low ‑ Income , Underrepresented STEM Students. Journal for STEM Education Research, 7(2), 155–180. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41979-023-00096-8

Harvey, D. (2004). Modern Analyitical Chemistry. In Chapter 12 Chromatographic and Electrophoretic Methods.

Heller, S. T., Duncan, A. P., Moy, C. L., & Kirk, S. R. (2020). The value of failure: A student-driven course-based reserach experience in an undergraduate organic chemistry lab inspired by an unexpected result. Journal of Chemical Education, 97, 3609–3616.

Hohrath, S., Aßmann, S., Krabbe, H., & Opfermann, M. (2024). Students ’ perceived authenticity and understanding of authentic research while experimenting in a non ‑ formal learning setting. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 39(4), 3325–3349. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-024-00810-z

Julianti, T., Oufir, M., & Hamburger, M. (2014). Quantification of the antiplasmodial alkaloid carpaine in papaya (Carica Papaya) leaves. Planta Medica, 80(13), 1138–1142. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1382948

Kapondo, G. L., Fatimawali, ., & Jayanti, M. (2020). Isolasi, Identifikasi Senyawa Alkaloid Dan Uji Efektivitas Penghambatan Dari Ekstrak Daun Sirih (Piper betle L.) Terhadap Bakteri Staphylococcus epidermidis. Jurnal E-Biomedik, 8(2), 180–186. https://doi.org/10.35790/ebm.v8i2.28999

Kerr, M. A., & Yan, F. (2016). Incorporating course-based undergraduate resarch experiences into analytical chemistry laboratory curricula. Journal of Chemical Education, 93, 658–662.

Liu, J.-P., Yan, P., Lan, J., Yang, R., Wenqin, W., Chen, Y., Wang, J., Zhao, Y., & Shen, J. (2023). A simple demonstration of deoxygenation of carbonyl groups for undergraduates in an organic chemistry laboratory calss through project-based learning. Journal of Chemical Education, 100, 3540–3546.

Madybekova, G., Zabynbekova, T., Shertayeva, N., & Bitursyn, S. (2026). Enhancing analytical chemistry education through project-based learning : an empirical study on university students ’ research and practical skill development. Chemistry Teacher International, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1515/cti-2025-0075

Megawati, R. (2024). Integration of Project-Based Learning in Science , Technology , Engineering , and Mathematics to Improve Students ’ Biology Practical Skills in Higher Education : A Systematic Review. Open Education Studies, 6, 1–13.

Memmen, J., & Markic, S. (2025). Codesigning Learning for the Future: Participatory Development of a Student Laboratory to Promote Transversal Skills. Journal of Chemical Education, 102, 4278–4288.

O’Rourke, B. (2021). Growing gap in STEM supply and demand. Harvard Gazette. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/11/increasing-access-and-opportunity-in-stem-crucial-say-experts/

Poya, Y. (2026). Sustainability Embedding UN SDGs in chemistry education through project-based learning : insights from case. RSC Sustainability, 4, 1557–1569. https://doi.org/10.1039/d5su00954e

Provost, J. J. (2022). Developing course undergraduate research experience (CUREs) in chemistry. Journal of Chemical Education, 99, 3842–3848.

Rakhman, K. A., Cipta, I., Sugrah, N., Annisa, D. A., Wiratini, N. M., & Kumendong, N. (2026). Developing a Research-Integrated PjBL Model and Descriptive Assessment for Laboratory and Science Process Skills. Jurnal Pendidikan MIPA, 16(1), 124–151.

Rakhman, K. A., Sugrah, N., Mauraji, I. S. ., & Kiswandono, A. A. (2024). Design and Validation of a Practicum Module for Gravimetric Analysis Techniques in Project-Based Learning. Orbital: Jurnal Pendidikan Kimia, 8(2), 119–131. file:///D:/Sri Mulyanti/riset/artkel orbital.pdf

Robinson, J. K. (2013). Project-based learning: Improving student engagement and performance in the laboratory. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 405(1), 7–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-012-6473-x

Roslina, Liliawati, W., & Hasanah, L. (2023). Project Based Learning with Stem Approach to Alternative Energy Material as Effective Learning to Improve Problem Solving Skills. Phenomenon: Jurnal Pendidikan MIPA, 13(2), 145–156.

Saraha, A. R., Ibrahim, F., Sugrah, N., & Rakhman, K. A. (2022). Video project in distance learning during the covid-19 pandemic: readiness, process and benefits. Inovasi Pendidikan IPA, 8(2), 164–173. https://journal.uny.ac.id/index.php/jipi/article/view/45285%0Ahttps://journal.uny.ac.id/index.php/jipi/article/download/45285/18884

Scarborough, D. L. A., Hall, R. D., & Vanderkruk, K. E. N. (2022). Laboratory research projects in undergraduate environmental and analytical chemistry. Journal of Chemical Education, 99, 1672–1681.

Setyawati, R. D., Pramasdyahsari, A. S., Prasad, B., & Aini, S. N. (2023). Construct the Validity of STEM and Project-based Critical Thinking Skills Test Instruments Using the Rasch Model. Phenomenon: Jurnal Pendidikan MIPA, 13(1), 96–110.

Situmorang, M. (2026). Project-based learning with STEM to promote higher order thinking skills as a strategy to improve high school chemistry learning outcomes. Chemistry Teacher International, 8(1), 53–68. https://doi.org/10.1515/cti-2025-0025

Sugrah, N., Mustafa, L. K., Rakhman, K. A., Ahmar, D. S., Rahim, F., & Inayah, N. (2025). Synergistic Effects of Problem-Based Learning and VAK Learning Styles on Critical Thinking and Self-Efficacy in High School Chemistry Nurfatimah. Jurnal Pendidikan MIPA, 26(October), 2343–2365.

Teng, S., He, J., Wang, X., Li, Y., Khan, A., Zhao, T., Wang, Y., Cheng, G., & Liu, Y. (2023). A molecular networking-based isolation of gardneria alkaloids from Gardneria distincta and their anti-inflammatory activity. Phytochemistry, 209(November 2022), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113639

Verma, O. P. (2017). Comparative study of alkaloids from different parts of Ravolfia tetraphylla. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 1, 770–772.

Vogler, J. S., Thompson, P., Davis, D. W., Mayfield, B. E., Finley, P. M., & Yasseri, D. (2018). The hard work of soft skills: augmenting the project-based learning experience with interdisciplinary teamwork. Instructional Science, 46(3), 457–488. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11251-017-9438-9

Wardatun, S., Sutanto, & Mahmudah, E. (2019). Effect type of solvent for extraction binahong leaves (Anrederacordifolia (ten.) steenis) on saponin levels by gravimetric method. International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering, 8(2 Special Issue 7), 298–299. https://doi.org/10.35940/ijrte.B1023.0782S719

Xiao, J., Wang, Y., Yang, Y., Liu, J., Lin, B., Hou, Y., Chen, G., & Li, N. (2023). 1H NMR-guided isolation of hasubanan alkaloids from the alkaloidal extract of Stephania longa. Bioorganic Chemistry, 139(May), 6–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106717

Yusof, W. R. W., Kimi, M., Zulklkiplee, W. S. H. W., Zailani, M. A., Shahabudin, M., Ismail, A. A.-H., Abdullah, S. M. A. A., Ismail, I. N. A., & Gopal, D. J. R. (2022). Assessment of practical and scientific writing skills for pre-university students through project-based learning. Journal of Chemical Education, 99, 715–722.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.20961/paedagogia.v29i2.108402

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.