Journal of Research in Instructional
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Research in Instructional

Problem-based learning for developing students’ critical thinking skills in human digestive system learning

Suherni Suherni (Universitas Negeri Gorontalo)
Elya Nusantari (Universitas Negeri Gorontalo)
Masra Latjompoh (Universitas Negeri Gorontalo)
Pricillia Putri Wiratami Minggu (Universitas Negeri Gorontalo)
Sri Rahayung Nusi (Universitas Negeri Gorontalo)
Merlin Tombo (Universitas Negeri Gorontalo)
Tri Vinesa Moha (Universitas Negeri Gorontalo)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Jun 2026

Abstract

This research seeks to evaluate the implementation of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to enhance students' critical thinking skills about the human digestive system content. This study method is pre-experimental, using a one-group pretest-posttest design. The research sample comprised 100 students, 45 males and 55 females, all in grade VIII at junior high schools in South Bolaang Mongondow Regency. Data-gathering methods included tests and questionnaires using the Guttman scale. The paired-samples t-test was used to see whether there was a significant difference between students' pretest and posttest results after PBL education. The data analysis indicated that the implementation of PBL significantly enhanced students' critical thinking (Sig. < 0.05). The N-Gain calculation result of 0.70 falls into the high category. The implementation of learning was assessed as good to very good, while students' answers to PBL were evaluated as very good. The results suggest that PBL is a pertinent and effective method for fostering critical thinking in junior high school science education, especially in contextual subjects closely linked to students' daily experiences.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jri

Publisher

Subject

Description

Journal of Research in Instructional is an Open Access Journal published by the Universitas Papua. Journal of Research in Instructional is regularly published bi-annually. By publishing bi-annually: June and December Journal of Research in Instructional is intended to communicate original researches ...