Al Ishlah Jurnal Pendidikan
Vol 16, No 4 (2024): AL-ISHLAH: JURNAL PENDIDIKAN

Enhancing Critical Thinking in Elementary Students Through the Development Students Worksheet Using a Discovery Learning Approach

Siska Tresia Oktari (Universitas Negeri Padang)
Ardipal Ardipal (Universitas Negeri Padang)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Dec 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and evaluate Discovery Learning-based Student Worksheets (SW) to enhance critical thinking skills at the elementary school level. Addressing the need for innovative tools in education, the research assessed the validity, practicality, and effectiveness of these worksheets in improving student outcomes. A Research and Development (RD) approach using the 4D model—definition, design, development, and deployment—was employed. The study was conducted in three elementary schools in West Sumatra. Data were collected through observation sheets, interview questionnaires, validation instruments, practicality questionnaires, and evaluation tests. The validity test of the SW yielded an average score of 89% (very valid), with media and material validity rated at 90% and 80%, respectively. Practicality tests showed an average score of 88.5% (very practical), based on teacher and student responses of 87% and 90%. Critical thinking test instruments demonstrated high validity, reliability, and appropriate levels of difficulty and discrimination. Implementation in two schools resulted in significant improvements in student outcomes, with an average N-Gain score of 0.74 (74.09%), indicating substantial enhancement in critical thinking skills. The findings highlight the SW's potential as an effective tool for fostering critical thinking at the elementary level. The results suggest that integrating Discovery Learning principles can significantly improve learning outcomes. The Discovery Learning-based SW was proven valid, practical, and effective. Future research should explore its application in diverse educational contexts and examine long-term impacts on critical thinking development.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

alishlah

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Mathematics Other

Description

This journal focuses on advancing scholarly research and critical discourse in the field of education. It publishes original research articles that address contemporary issues and emerging trends in curriculum development, instructional practices, learning processes, educational policy, and teacher ...