Challenge of Applying STEM Education to Improve Physics Problem Solving Skills in Islamic Boarding Schools

This study aims to examine the effect of the application of STEM education on students' problem-solving abilities at Islamic boarding schools in terms of educational background (santri-nonsantri and academic abilities). It is a pre-experimental research design using One Group Pretest-Postest Design. The population in this study is all physics education students at the Islamic University of Madura. The research sample is level 3 students, the determination of the sample is carried out using cluster random sampling technique. This research is a problem-solving ability test instrument in the form of description questions. Data collection is carried out by tests. Data analysis is carried out by two-way ANOVA test, N-Gain test, and effect size test. The results show the application of STEM education with influence significantly on the problem-solving ability of students in pesantren-based tertiary institutions and line with students' academic abilities. the higher the student's academic ability, the better the problem-solving ability. However, there is no relationship between the status of students and non-students. The challenges that must be solved in applying the STEM approach to Islamic boarding schools are difficulties in using mathematical procedures correctly and limited access to technolog