Current Trend of Blended Learning Implementation in Biology Education during Covid-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review of Literature.
Heru Setiawan (1) Prof. Dr. Ari Widodo, M.Ed.,(2) Prof. Hertien Koosbandiah Surtikanti, M.Si. (2)

1)Graduate Student in Biology Education Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia.
2)Lecturer in Biology Education Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review the implementation of online and blended learning in the context of Biology education in research published from 2019 to 2021 during Covid-19 Pandemic. The method used is a systematic review of literature by searching databases such as ERIC, Google Scholar, Scopus, emerald. Some inclusion and exclusion criteria including context of subject, year of publication, and languages were applied. The result of the screening is 20 articles. The results of the analysis are then synthesized based on the several themes and described qualitatively. The results of the review show that research themes regarding blended learning can be categorized into 4 emerging themes, including the effectiveness of the implementation of blended learning, the challenges of implementing blended learning, strategies for implementing blended learning, and perceptions of teachers and students in learning biology. The majority of articles stated that blended learning was effective. However, it also has challenges or obstacles such as internet connection and readiness of facilities to support blended learning. The strategies used in the implementation of blended learning are the use of quizzes, reflection, the use of interesting videos and pictures in the LMS, increasing student interest in online learning, and also implementing feedback from the teacher to the students^ work. Lastly, teachers, and students have both positive and negative perceptions of various aspects of blended learning. The recommendation is that further research should be conducted on strategies, effectiveness, challenges and perceptions of blended learning in various contexts during and post Covid-19 pandemic especially in developing countries because the majority of research has been conducted in developed countries.

Keywords: biology, blended learning, systematic review, Covid-19, effectiveness, strategy.

Topic: STEM Education