The application of inquiry-based student worksheets to enhance critical thinking skills on buffer solutions

Khairul Rizal (Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Islam Kebangsaan Indonesia, Bireuen, Indonesia)
Meriza Faradilla (Department of Science Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Bina Bangsa Getsempena, Banda Aceh, Indonesia)

International Journal of Advances in Educational Research
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2024): October

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of inquiry-based learning student worksheets (LKS) in improving students' critical thinking skills on buffer solutions. One student from a class of 27 in grade XI at SMAN 1 Bireuen, Aceh, Indonesia, was selected as the sample for this research, which employed a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through validated multiple-choice tests. The results indicate that inquiry-based LKS enhances students' critical thinking skills in four key aspects: questioning and answering, observing and evaluating observation reports, making decisions and considering outcomes, and drawing inductions and evaluating inductive conclusions. However, students exhibited relatively weak skills in formulating questions. Inquiry-based learning enables students to actively participate in the learning process, conduct experiments, and solve problems independently. Previous research has shown that inquiry-based learning is effective in developing critical thinking skills.