Journal of Educational Sciences
Vol. 10 No. 7 (2026): Journal of Educational Sciences

The Effect of the Problem-Based Learning Model on Students’ Critical Thinking Skills in IPAS Learning at SDN Lasoani

Isthifara Aulya (Department of Primary Teacher Education, Tadulako University, Palu City, 94111, Indonesia)
Herlina Herlina (Department of Primary Teacher Education, Tadulako University, Palu City, 94111, Indonesia)
Sisriawan Lapasere (Department of Primary Teacher Education, Tadulako University, Palu City, 94111, Indonesia)
Roberto Rolly Bulalong (Department of Primary Teacher Education, Tadulako University, Palu City, 94111, Indonesia)
Azizah Azizah (Department of Primary Teacher Education, Tadulako University, Palu City, 94111, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of the Problem-Based Learning model on the critical thinking skills of fourth grade students in IPAS learning at SDN Lasoani. The study employed a quantitative approach using a pre-experimental method with a one-group pretest and posttest design. The sample consisted of 26 fourth grade students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using essay tests developed based on Ennis’s critical thinking indicators and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. The results showed that the mean score increased from 61.15 on the pretest to 82.31 on the posttest. Improvements were observed across all critical thinking indicators, with the highest increase found in the drawing conclusions indicator. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test yielded a significance value of 0.001 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant difference between pretest and posttest scores. These findings demonstrate that the Problem-Based Learning model effectively improves students’ critical thinking skills through contextual problem-solving, investigation, discussion, and reflection activities. Therefore, PBL can be considered an effective instructional approach for enhancing critical thinking skills in IPAS learning within the context of the Merdeka Curriculum.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JES

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Library & Information Science Other

Description

JES publishes original articles on the latest issues and trends occurring regionally and internationally in the educational sciences with the aim to advance our knowledge both in term of theory and practice. Moreover, this journal also covers the issues concerned with the following special sections: ...