Critical thinking skills are one of the 21st century skills that are effectively trained by using the OR-IPA and Problem Based Learning (PBL) Model, therefore this research aims to compare the effectiveness of both. Research design used True Experiment with Randomized Subject Control-group Pre-test and Post-test with 94 pre-service physics teachers. Data collected using the critical thinking skills test and the student response sheet, and then analyzed using t-test and N-gain. The results showed: (1) the teaching instruments of OR-IPA and PBL Model have fulfilled the validity requirements (rα ~ .26) and reliability (α = .96 - .99). (2) Each of OR-IPA, PBL, and Conventional Model can significantly increase critical thinking skills at α = 5%, respectively with average N-gain: medium (.60), medium (.48), and low (.14); with the student response of: very positive, very positive, and less positive. (3) The OR-IPA and PBL Model are effective to improve critical thinking skills, while the Conventional Model is ineffective, and the OR-IPA Model is more effective compared to the PBL Model. Implication of this research is that the OR-IPA Model can be an innovative solution to improve critical thinking skills, but there is still a need for repetitive research like this. Keywords: basic physics, critical thinking skills, OR-IPA model, pre-service physics teachers, and PBL model.

The Kampus Merdeka lately becomes the center of attention for the education circle in Indonesia. The government via Indonesian Minister of education and culture believed that the Kampus Merdeka as an effort to freedom for the education system more supportive of students and lecturers in achieving quality learning meaningful to face the disruption of the current era. This paper presents the authors' views on "Kampus Merdeka" which was promoted by the Indonesian government. Also, the authors will underline the concept of "Kampus Merdeka" in accordance with Paulo Freire's critical pedagogy. From our point of view, we give a position this concept is developed based on the thinking of Paulo Freire. As we know, Freire's educational model offered a model of education for freedom. In this case, the term ‘freedom’ means a transformation in a real system that is competitively related and complex.

Evidence-Based Reasoning (EBR) is a framework of inquiry-based teaching for developing scientific reasoning. This research aims to analyze the effectiveness of EBR in inquiry-based Physics teaching to improve students' scientific reasoning. Applying Slovin formula for sample determination, the research involved 139 upper-secondary school students with similar prior knowledge. This research used one group pre-test post-test design with replication. The effectiveness of teaching on improving scientific reasoning was analyzed by using Paired Sample T-test. ANOVA was used to analyze the consistency of the teaching effectiveness across in test group. The findings indicated that EBR effectively improved students' scientific reasoning in inquiry-based Physics teaching based on two main grounds. On the first, the significance was ensured by N-gain category of scientific reasoning component, which proved (a) control of variables reaching high category, (b) proportional thinking at moderate category; c) probabilistic thinking reaching moderate category, (d) hypothetical-deductive reasoning attaining low category; and (e) correlational thinking achieving low category. In addition, the level of scientific reasoning has attained the experience characterized by slightly imperfect answers. Students voiced positive response to EBR, which stated that it helped them engage in scientific reasoning in Physics learning. They also voiced the general opinion on EBR and inquiry-based learning in general. Keywords: evidence-based reasoning, inquiry teaching, physics teaching, scientific reasoning.

The Physics Independent Learning (PIL) model is an authentic problem-based model designed teaching guide for improving self-directed learning and problem-solving skills in open and distance education. This research is aimed to analyze the validity and effectiveness of PIL model. This research was conducted using focus group discussions of experts that consisted of three science education experts and applies quasi-experiment of one group pre-test and post-test design to 144 students in East Java, Indonesia. Before applying the lesson using the PIL model, the students are given pre-test and after accomplishing the learning, the students are given post-test. The data collected from pre-test and post-test then is further analyzed by means of validity coefficient (rα), Cronbach’s alpha (α), pair t-test, n-gain and ANOVA. The result of research shows that rα = .75 and α = .92 is for content validity; rα = .79 and α = .99 is for construct validity, so that PIL model is validity and reliability qualified. In addition, there are increasing scores of physics problem solving skills and self-directed learning skills of α = 5% with moderate category of n-gain consistent in a limited trial test and of high category in a broader trial test for all groups. Keywords: PIL model, model validity, model effectiveness, physics problem-solving skills, self-directed learning skills, electricity, magnetism.

This research aims to analyse effectiveness of the Indonesian National Qualification Framework (INQF)-based learning on General Physics to increase the sixth level student’s Learning Outcomes (LOs) according to the INQF indicators and student’s skills in using physics laboratory equipment. This research was conducted using two groups of students that consisted of 29 and 30 students. A preliminary test (pre-test) and a post-test were applied to the groups that assumed to have the same level of knowledge and skills. The data were analysed using the paired t-test, the n-gain, and the ANOVA. The results show that the INQF-based learning applied to the General Physics effective in increasing the student’s LOs according to the INQF indicators. Moreover, the n-gain scores between the pre-test and the post-test can be categorized as moderate for the sixth level student’s LOs and categorized as high for the student’s skills in using the physics laboratory equipment. Key words: INQF-based learning, general physics, student’s learning outcomes.