Integrating Deep Learning Approaches and Audiovisual Media into Elementary Science Education to Enhance Conceptual Understanding and Critical Thinking: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Enhancing conceptual understanding and critical thinking in elementary science requires meaningful learning experiences supported by appropriate instructional media. Examining the effects of integrating Deep Learning approaches and audiovisual media on students’ conceptual understanding and critical thinking was the primary aim of this study. A quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental matching-only design involved 30 fifth-grade students, comprising 15 students in the experimental group and 15 in the control group. Data were collected using conceptual understanding and critical thinking tests, with reliability coefficients of 0.84 and 0.86, respectively. Data analysis employed ANCOVA and MANCOVA. Results showed that the experimental group obtained higher posttest means in conceptual understanding (91.47) and critical thinking (89.72) than the control group (72.47 and 68.47). ANCOVA indicated significant effects on conceptual understanding, F(1,56) = 86.57, p < 0.01, η²p = 0.59, and critical thinking, F(1,56) = 72.43, p < 0.01, η²p = 0.56. MANCOVA also revealed a significant simultaneous effect, Pillai’s Trace = 0.68, F(2,56) = 58.72, p < 0.01, η²p = 0.68. Overall, integrating Deep Learning approaches with audiovisual media substantially improved both outcomes within the studied context.