Trends in the Effectiveness of Instructional Models in Enhancing Spatial Thinking Skills in Geography Education: A Systematic Literature Review

Rakhmawati Oktasenta Syafira; Bambang Syaeful Hadi; Sri Astutik

doi:10.51276/edu.v7i3.1799

Authors

Rakhmawati Oktasenta Syafira Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta
Bambang Syaeful Hadi Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta
Sri Astutik Universitas Jember

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v7i3.1799

Keywords:

Geography Education, Problem-Based Learning , Learning Models , Spatial Thinking , Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This study synthesized evidence on instructional models for students’ spatial thinking in geography education and mapped publication patterns from 2021 to 2026. Following PRISMA 2020, a Systematic Literature Review included 15 empirical studies retrieved from Google Scholar, Garuda, and Crossref. Data were extracted using a review matrix and synthesized qualitatively; effect sizes were calculated when possible, but no meta-analysis was conducted. All ten controlled studies reported higher spatial-thinking scores in experimental groups (p ≤ .001); Cohen’s d ranged from 0.77 to 1.85 in eight calculable studies. Five classroom action research studies reported gains across cycles. Problem-Based Learning was most frequently studied (five studies), followed by Project-Based Learning and Discovery Learning (four each). Seven studies used digital geospatial tools, but their effect sizes were not consistently larger than those in other studies. Publications peaked in 2022; no eligible 2026 study was identified. Given varied designs and measures, no model was established as superior; findings offer a cautious basis for instructional planning.

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Author Biographies

Rakhmawati Oktasenta Syafira, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

She was born in Jember, Indonesia, on October 20, 2002. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Yogyakarta State University (UNY). She earned her bachelor’s degree in Geography Education from the University of Jember (UNEJ) in 2025.

Bambang Syaeful Hadi, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta

He was born in Brebes, Indonesia, on August 14, 1971. He is a Senior Lecturer at Yogyakarta State University. He holds degrees in Geography Education, Remote Sensing, and Social Sciences Education, plus a doctorate in Geography and Remote Sensing from Gadjah Mada University, specializing in remote sensing.

Sri Astutik, Universitas Jember

She was born in Jember, Indonesia, on June 10, 1967. She is a Professor at the University of Jember specializing in Geography Education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics Education from the University of Jember, a master’s degree in Physics from Bandung Institute of Technology, and a doctorate from Surabaya State University.

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