<![CDATA[This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model on students’ critical thinking skills in mathematics learning on the topic of exponents in the eighth grade of SMPN 21 Mataram in the first semester of the 2025/2026 academic year. This research employed a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental method using a posttest-only control group design. The sample consisted of class VIII-A as the experimental group, which was taught using the PBL model, and class VIII-B as the control group, which was taught using conventional teaching methods. Each class consisted of 24 students. Data were collected through a critical thinking skills test (posttest) and were supported by observations of teacher and student activities. The results showed that the average score of students’ critical thinking skills in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group, with 71.6 > 62.4. The results of the independent sample t-test indicated that there was a significant difference between the two groups, with a significance value of 0.001 < 0.05.Therefore, it can be concluded that the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model has a significant effect on students’ critical thinking skills in mathematics learning on the topic of exponents in the eighth grade of SMPN 21 Mataram in the first semester of the 2025/2026 academic year.]]>
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