<![CDATA[Critical thinking is an individual's ability to process information consciously and deeply before accepting information or making appropriate decisions. However, observations conducted at SMP Baitul Izza indicated that students' critical thinking skills were still relatively low. This study aimed to determine the effect of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method on students' critical thinking skills. This research employed a quantitative approach using a quasi-experimental method with a Nonequivalent Control Group Design. The sample consisted of two classes: Class VII A as the control group and Class VII B as the experimental group. Data were collected through critical thinking skills tests administered as pretests and posttests. The data were analyzed using validity tests, reliability tests, normality tests, homogeneity tests, and an Independent Samples T-Test. The results showed that the Problem-Based Learning method had a significant effect on students' critical thinking skills, with a t value of 7.592, which was higher than the t table value of 2.018, and a significance value (2-tailed) of 0.000 < 0.05. Therefore, the decision-making basis indicated that Ha was accepted. It can be concluded that there was a significant difference in students' critical thinking skills between those taught using the group discussion method and those taught using the Problem-Based Learning method. The findings also revealed that the Problem-Based Learning method was more effective than the group discussion method in improving students' critical thinking skills in Social Studies (IPS) learning.]]>
