Increasing Critical Thinking Abilities and Skills through Problem Based Learning for Elementary School Students

Ardiansya, Vendra Oktareno
Minsih, Minsih
Negara, Santosa Pradana Putra Setya
Mujiono, Nanang Sri

Buletin KKN Pendidikan
Vol. 6, No. 1, Juni 2024

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of problem-based learning in enhancing critical thinking skills in Natural and Social Sciences. It utilized a quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest randomized control groups. Data analysis involved t-tests to determine group differences and N-gain to measure improvement. Results showed significant enhancement in critical thinking abilities with problem-based learning. The t-test indicated a significant difference between groups, with t count (5.949) exceeding the t table value (2.018) and p-value (0.000) below 0.05. N-Gain scores showed a higher improvement in the experimental group (48.65%) compared to the control (29.46%). These findings highlight the effectiveness of problem-based learning in fostering critical thinking.