Yogyakarta (December 8, 2025) – Nuryadi, a Mathematics Education lecturer at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Mercu Buana University Yogyakarta (UMBY), officially earned his doctorate after completing the Doctor of Mathematics Education program at Semarang State University (UNNES). This title also makes him the first doctor from the UMBY Mathematics Education Study Program.

Nuryadi defended his dissertation entitled “Reflective Critical Thinking Efficacy (RCTE) Assessment Model for Analyzing Critical Thinking and Self-efficacy in Mathematics Learning” in a closed examination held on Wednesday (December 3, 2025) in the Hall of Building D.12, 3rd Floor, FMIPA UNNES.

In his research, Nuryadi highlighted the lack of teachers' ability to identify the achievement of students' critical thinking aspects when solving math problems. This finding prompted him to develop the Reflective Critical Thinking Efficacy (RCTE) assessment model.

According to him, critical thinking skills are an important competency in mathematics learning. “When the Reflective Critical Thinking Efficacy (RCTE) model is applied, it is hoped that students will be able to develop critical thinking skills because critical thinking is one of the important dimensions in the Merdeka Curriculum that must be mastered,” said Nuryadi.

He explained that RCTE was designed as an instrument that teachers can use in formative assessment.

The model has complete specifications, ranging from objectives, characteristics, components, measurement instruments, to syntax and implementation guidelines.

“The RCTE assessment model can be used by teachers in conducting formative assessment because it has specifications covering (1) clear specifications of objectives, characteristics, components, instruments, syntax, and implementation guidelines, (2) instruments to measure critical thinking skills reviewed from self-efficacy and reflective thinking,” he said.

The assessment instrument covers seven aspects of critical thinking skills—focus, reason, inference, situation, clarity, overview, and reflection. For mathematical self-efficacy, the indicators measured include level, strength, and generality. The components of reflective thinking are assessed through the aspects of reacting, comparing, and contemplating.

“The advantages of applying the RCTE assessment model can be used to detect students' weaknesses and strengths in mathematics learning, so that teachers can provide appropriate feedback and actions for students,” he said.

Q1 Publication and Two Intellectual Property Rights

Nuryadi was declared free from open examination after fulfilling the requirements for reputable scientific publications. His dissertation was published in the Islamic Guidance and Counseling Journal (IGCJ), which is indexed in Scopus Q1 in 2025.

He also published a book with an ISBN and has two Intellectual Property Rights (HKI): a scientific article entitled “Mathematical Critical Thinking Profile Of Students On Pisa Framework Space And Shape Content Questions Reviewed From Self-Efficacy” and a book entitled “Formative Assessment Model of Critical Thinking Efficacy Reflection (RCTE) in Mathematics Learning for Junior High Schools (SMP).”

With a GPA of 3.97 and a study period of 4 years and 2 months, he was declared to have passed and was entitled to the title Dr. Nuryadi, S.Pd., Si., M.Pd.

“I hope to expand partnerships in the field of Mathematics Education through research collaboration and contribute to the development of 21st-century 4C skills assessment instruments, including critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity,” said Nuryadi.

The Head of the Mathematics Education Study Program at UMBY, Nafida Hetty Marhaeny, called this achievement an important milestone for the study program. “Dr. Nuryadi, S.Pd.Si., M.Pd., is the first doctorate recipient for the Mathematics Education Program at UMBY. This success serves as inspiration for faculty and students to continue improving their quality and contributing to the advancement of knowledge,” said Nafida. (*)