<![CDATA[Introduction/Objectives: Critical thinking skills are one of the essential competencies in 21st-century learning that need to be developed through active, reflective, and student-centered learning processes. However, classroom learning practices are still predominantly dominated by conventional learning, resulting in the suboptimal development of students' critical thinking skills. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the comparison between the implementation of the Deep Learning approach and conventional learning in improving students' critical thinking skills at SMAN 6 Balikpapan. Methods: This study employed a quantitative approach using a quasi-experimental method with a pretest-posttest control group design . The research sample consisted of Grade XI IPAS students divided into an experimental class and a control class. The experimental class received treatment using the Deep Learning approach, while the control class used conventional learning. Data collection techniques included critical thinking tests, observations, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk normality test, Levene homogeneity test, N-Gain analysis, and Independent Sample T-Test with the assistance of IBM SPSS Statistics software. Results and Discussion: The results showed that students' critical thinking skills improved after the implementation of both Deep Learning and conventional learning. The N-Gain analysis indicated that the experimental class achieved higher improvement than the control class. However, the results of the Independent Sample T-Test revealed that there was no significant difference between students' critical thinking skills in the class implementing the Deep Learning approach and the class using conventional learning. The findings indicate that the implementation of the Deep Learning approach requires time, student readiness, consistency in learning implementation, and supportive learning environments to provide a more optimal impact on students' critical thinking skills. Conclusion: The Deep Learning approach has the potential to support the development of students' critical thinking skills through active, reflective, and investigative learning processes. Although it did not show a significant effect compared to conventional learning, the Deep Learning approach remains relevant for development in 21st-century learning as an effort to support the enhancement of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) and the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum.]]>
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