Critical Thinking in Elementary Mathematics: A mindful, Meaningful, and Joyful Learning Model

Authors

  • Pariang Sonang Siregar Universitas Rokania
  • Neni Hermita Riau University image/svg+xml
  • Firman Santosa Universitas Rokania
  • Tety Herti Universitas Rokania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18690/

Keywords:

Deeper learning, ped-agogical model, criti-cal thinking, mathe-matics education, ele-mentary school.

Abstract

This study evaluates a deeper learning model integrating mindful, meaningful, and joy-ful learning to bridge the procedural-conceptual knowledge gap. Using a sequential exploratory mixed-method design within a Lesson Study framework, we involved 7 teachers and 20 Indonesian fourth graders. Quantitative results showed significant critical thinking improvement (F = 528.603, p < .000) with a large effect size (d = 7.36). Qualitative findings revealed that the model established a psychologically safe environment, facilitating student-led knowledge construction. Despite the small sample, this study provides a validated pedagogical framework for fostering higher-order mathematical reasoning through affective safety and metacognition.

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Author Biographies

  • Pariang Sonang Siregar, Universitas Rokania

    Associate Professor in the Department of Elementary School Teacher Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Universitas Rokania, Indonesia. His research interests include primary school mathematics education, enjoyable learning in primary schools, and differentiated mathematics education in primary schools.

  • Neni Hermita, Riau University

    Professor in the Department of Elementary Education, aculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Riau, Indonesia. Her research interests include science education, curriculum innovation, instructional media, and integrating local culture into elementary learning. She is also the holder of a national patent in educational technology, reflecting her dedication to developing innovative learning tools.

  • Firman Santosa, Universitas Rokania

    Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer Science, Universitas Rokania, Indonesia. He holds a master's degree in information technology from the Universitas Putera Indonesia YPTK Padang. His research interests include data science, digital transformation, the Internet of Things, and data mining.

  • Tety Herti, Universitas Rokania

    Student in the Department of Elementary School Teacher Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Universitas Rokania. She has an interest in the world of children, particularly in the context of primary school education. Tety is an outstanding student who is involved in this research. 

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Published

30.06.2026

Data Availability Statement

The article is based on data fully presented and discussed within the article itself; therefore, no additional data archiving is required.

How to Cite

Siregar, P. S., Hermita, N., Santosa, F., & Herti, T. (2026). Critical Thinking in Elementary Mathematics: A mindful, Meaningful, and Joyful Learning Model. Revija Za Elementarno Izobraževanje, 19(2), 229-246. https://doi.org/10.18690/