Research-Based Learning (RBL) in Science Education in Higher Education: Conceptualizations, Implementation, Impact, and Future Directions

Febblina Daryanes; Siti Zubaidah; Susriyati Mahanal; Sulisetijono Sulisetijono

doi:10.17275/per.26.51.13.4

Research-Based Learning (RBL) in Science Education in Higher Education: Conceptualizations, Implementation, Impact, and Future Directions

Abstract

Science education in higher education continues to face challenges related to limited student engagement in research activities, insufficient research skills, and the dominance of theoretical instruction. Research-based learning (RBL) is an instructional approach that integrates teaching and research to address these challenges. However, comprehensive reviews focusing on its conceptualizations, implementation, and impact in science education remain scarce. The objective of this study was to methodically examine the conceptual underpinnings, implementation trends, effects, and potential future research avenues of RBL in science education in higher education. The study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA reporting guidelines. A systematic literature review was conducted by examining publications indexed in the Scopus database between 2015 and 2024. The review was limited to articles published in English and accessible as open-access documents. Using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 relevant articles were selected and synthesized through a narrative approach. The results indicate that RBL is grounded in constructivist theory and emphasizes student-centered research activities, real-world problem-solving, autonomous learning, and experiment-based learning. The implementation of RBL generally involves stages of research preparation, investigation, and dissemination, although variations exist across contexts. The findings indicate that RBL positively enhances students’ research skills, conceptual understanding, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and scientific knowledge. Future research should explore institutional support, digital technology integration, collaborative learning, reflective practices, and diverse samples. Overall, RBL is an effective pedagogical approach for science education in higher education. RBL supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing students’ research and lifelong learning skills.

Keywords

research-based learning, science education, higher education, future directions

Supporting Institution

This research received no external funding

Ethical Statement

The authors claim that the study was carried out in compliance with the most stringent ethical standards.

Thanks

The author would like to thank all parties who have helped in this research.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Curriculum and Instration (Other), Higher Education Studies (Other)

Journal Section

Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis

Authors

Febblina Daryanes ^*
0000-0001-5309-2461
Indonesia

Siti Zubaidah
0000-0002-0718-6392
Indonesia

Susriyati Mahanal
0000-0001-5764-2184
Indonesia

Sulisetijono Sulisetijono
0000-0003-1066-3054
Indonesia

Publication Date

July 3, 2026

Submission Date

January 18, 2026

Acceptance Date

May 22, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 13 Number: 4

DOI

https://doi.org/10.17275/per.26.51.13.4

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA66TY85GZ

APA

Daryanes, F., Zubaidah, S., Mahanal, S., & Sulisetijono, S. (2026). Research-Based Learning (RBL) in Science Education in Higher Education: Conceptualizations, Implementation, Impact, and Future Directions. Participatory Educational Research, 13(4), 113-138. https://doi.org/10.17275/per.26.51.13.4

AMA

1.Daryanes F, Zubaidah S, Mahanal S, Sulisetijono S. Research-Based Learning (RBL) in Science Education in Higher Education: Conceptualizations, Implementation, Impact, and Future Directions. PER. 2026;13(4):113-138. doi:10.17275/per.26.51.13.4

Chicago

Daryanes, Febblina, Siti Zubaidah, Susriyati Mahanal, and Sulisetijono Sulisetijono. 2026. “Research-Based Learning (RBL) in Science Education in Higher Education: Conceptualizations, Implementation, Impact, and Future Directions”. Participatory Educational Research 13 (4): 113-38. https://doi.org/10.17275/per.26.51.13.4.

EndNote

Daryanes F, Zubaidah S, Mahanal S, Sulisetijono S (July 1, 2026) Research-Based Learning (RBL) in Science Education in Higher Education: Conceptualizations, Implementation, Impact, and Future Directions. Participatory Educational Research 13 4 113–138.

IEEE

[1]F. Daryanes, S. Zubaidah, S. Mahanal, and S. Sulisetijono, “Research-Based Learning (RBL) in Science Education in Higher Education: Conceptualizations, Implementation, Impact, and Future Directions”, PER, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 113–138, July 2026, doi: 10.17275/per.26.51.13.4.

ISNAD

Daryanes, Febblina - Zubaidah, Siti - Mahanal, Susriyati - Sulisetijono, Sulisetijono. “Research-Based Learning (RBL) in Science Education in Higher Education: Conceptualizations, Implementation, Impact, and Future Directions”. Participatory Educational Research 13/4 (July 1, 2026): 113-138. https://doi.org/10.17275/per.26.51.13.4.

JAMA

1.Daryanes F, Zubaidah S, Mahanal S, Sulisetijono S. Research-Based Learning (RBL) in Science Education in Higher Education: Conceptualizations, Implementation, Impact, and Future Directions. PER. 2026;13:113–138.

MLA

Daryanes, Febblina, et al. “Research-Based Learning (RBL) in Science Education in Higher Education: Conceptualizations, Implementation, Impact, and Future Directions”. Participatory Educational Research, vol. 13, no. 4, July 2026, pp. 113-38, doi:10.17275/per.26.51.13.4.

Vancouver

1.Febblina Daryanes, Siti Zubaidah, Susriyati Mahanal, Sulisetijono Sulisetijono. Research-Based Learning (RBL) in Science Education in Higher Education: Conceptualizations, Implementation, Impact, and Future Directions. PER. 2026 Jul. 1;13(4):113-38. doi:10.17275/per.26.51.13.4

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Research-Based Learning (RBL) in Science Education in Higher Education: Conceptualizations, Implementation, Impact, and Future Directions

Abstract

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Ethical Statement

Thanks

References

Details

Primary Language

Subjects

Journal Section

Authors

Publication Date

Submission Date

Acceptance Date

Published in Issue

DOI

IZ

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