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Constructivism learning theory places learners as active subjects in constructing knowledge through learning experiences, social interactions, and reflection on their surroundings. This approach views learning not as a passive process of receiving information, but as an active process of constructing meaning based on the prior knowledge possessed by learners. This paper aims to comprehensively examine the development and definition of constructivist learning theory, its main principles and characteristics, and its implications in the learning process, particularly in the context of primary education. The writing method used is a literature study by analyzing various literature sources in the form of textbooks, scientific journal articles, and other relevant references related to constructivism theory. The results of the study show that constructivist learning emphasizes learner-centered learning, where knowledge is not transferred directly by the teacher but is constructed through a process of assimilation and accommodation. In this approach, teachers act as facilitators who design a conducive learning environment so that students are able to build understanding independently and through social interaction. The application of constructivist learning has been proven to encourage the development of critical thinking, problem solving, cooperation, and meaningful learning. Therefore, constructivist learning theory is relevant to be applied in modern learning as an effort to improve the quality of the learning process and outcomes of students.

The implications of progressivism in learning serve as an essential foundation for building an educational process that fosters active, creative, adaptive, and innovative students in accordance with 21st-century competency demands. The progressive approach positions students at the center of the learning process through direct experience, deep exploration, collaboration, dialogue, experimentation, and problem-solving relevant to real-life contexts, ensuring that learning is not only focused on content mastery but also on the development of potential, character, independence, and higher-order thinking skills. This study employs a literature review method by examining primary and secondary sources on the principles of progressivism, active learning strategies, and their relation to the Merdeka Curriculum as a foundation for national educational transformation. The findings indicate that progressivism plays a significant role in shaping critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, digital literacy, and initiative through the implementation of learning by doing, project-based learning, simulations, scientific experiments, reflective discussions, and technology integration that strengthens learner autonomy. This experience-based approach effectively supports students in constructing knowledge independently while enhancing confidence, responsibility, social awareness, and cooperative skills. However, its implementation still faces challenges such as passive learning culture, limited teacher competence in active methods, insufficient facilities, overloaded curriculum, psychosocial barriers, academic anxiety, and students’ low confidence in expressing opinions. These findings affirm that progressivism is highly relevant to educational reform in Indonesia; therefore, improving teacher competence, strengthening facilities, reinforcing policies, providing continuous support, and creating safe, democratic, inclusive, and supportive learning environments are essential to help students develop optimally as independent, creative, and innovative learners.

This study aims to determine the effect of problem based learning model on students' scientific thinking skills. This type of research is experimental research, the design used is a quasi-experimental with a pretest posttest non-equivalent control group design. This research was conducted in class IV at one of the Private Elementary Madrasahs in Batubara Regency. The population of the study was all students in class IV with a total sample of 30 students. The instrument used was a scientific thinking ability test in the form of 5 essay questions. The results of this study used the analysis prerequisite test, namely the normality test and the homogeneity test. The hypothesis test in this study used the paired sample t test statistic on the IBM SPSS version 29 program, the sig value was obtained. (2tailed) is 0.001 <0.05 so that Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted indicating the influence of the problem based learning model on students' scientific thinking skills. For further researchers, this research should be completed by examining other aspects in detail that have not been reached at this time.

The scientific method is a systematic and structured approach used to gather data, observe natural phenomena, and develop scientific understanding. The scientific method helps students in developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of physics concepts. This article explains how the scientific method can be integrated into physics education to create a learning environment focused on experiments, observations, and data analysis. This method also encourages learners to develop research skills and think creatively. Developing a physics curriculum based on the scientific method can enhance students' interest in science and prepare them to face challenges in our increasingly interconnected and science-based society. This article is based on the results of previous related journal reviews, which provide a research foundation and in-depth information about the role of the scientific method, and it then links it to physics education.