The effect of problem-based learning on students' critical thinking skills in school

Authors

  • Suharti Siradjuddin Universitas Negeri Makassar Author
  • Uswati Hasanah Universitas Ibn Khaldun Bogor Author
  • Handayani Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65779/arshaka.v1i2.61%20

Keywords:

Critical Thinking Skills, Education, Problem-Based , Learning, Innovative Learning, Students, PBL Method

Abstract

This study aims to explore the influence of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on improving students' critical thinking skills in schools. PBL is a learning method that prioritizes solving real-world problems as a means to develop critical thinking skills. This study used a pseudo-experimental design with two groups, namely the experimental group that followed problem-based learning and the control group that followed conventional learning. Data was collected through pre-tests and post-tests to measure changes in critical thinking skills, as well as questionnaires to explore students' perceptions of the learning methods applied. The results showed that the experimental group experienced a significant improvement in critical thinking skills compared to the control group. The implementation of PBL was also responded positively by students, who felt more engaged in learning and more motivated. These findings indicate that PBL is effective in improving students' critical thinking skills, with supporting factors such as student engagement and teacher readiness playing an important role. The implication of this study is the importance of teacher training and the provision of adequate resources to optimize the implementation of PBL in schools in Indonesia.

References

Amalia, E., Surya, E., & Syahputra, E. (2017). The effectiveness of using problem based learning (PBL) in mathematics problem solving ability for junior high school students. International Journal of Advance Research and Innovative Ideas in Education, 3(2), 3402–3406.

Amiluddin, R., & Sugiman, S. (2016). Pengaruh problem posing dan PBL terhadap prestasi belajar, dan motivasi belajar mahasiswa pendidikan matematika. Jurnal Riset Pendidikan Matematika, 3(1), 100–108. https://doi.org/10.21831/jrpm.v3i1.7303

Aslan, A. (2021). Problem- based learning in live online classes: Learning achievement, problem-solving skill, communication skill, and interaction. Computers & Education, 171, 104237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2021.104237

Awami, F., Syamsuri, S., Yuhana, Y., & Nindiasari, H. (2022). Pengaruh penerapan model pembelajaran problem based learning (PBL) terhadap kemampuan berpikir kritis dan self confidence siswa. MENDIDIK: Jurnal Kajian Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran, 8(1), 10–18. https://doi.org/10.30653/003.202281.200

Cahyaningsih, U., & Ghufron, A. (2016). The effects of the implementation of the problem-based learning model on the creativity and critical thinking skills in mathematics learning. Jurnal Pendidikan Karakter, 6(1), 104–115.

Hendriana, H., Johanto, T., & Sumarmo, U. (2018). The role of problem-based learning to improve students’ mathematical problem-solving ability and self confidence. Journal on Mathematics Education, 9(2), 291–300. https://doi.org/10.22342/jme.9.2.5394.291-300

Hmelo-Silver, C. E. (2004). Problem-Based Learning: What and How Do Students Learn? Educational Psychology Review, 16(3), 235–266. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:EDPR.0000034022.16470.f3

Islamiyah, M., & Fajri, M. (2020). Investigating Indonesian Master’s students’ perception of critical thinking in Academic Writing in a British university. The Qualitative Report, 25(12), 4402–4422.

Karatas, I., & Baki, A. (2013). The effect of learning environments based on problem solving on students’ achievements of problem solving. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 5(3), 249–268.

Laksanawati, E. K., & Rofiroh, R. (2020). Perbandingan metode problem based learning dengan metode konvensional terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah dan self efficacy matematis mahasiswa pada mata kuliah matematika teknik. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika (Jupitek), 3(2), 81–87. https://doi.org/10.30598/jupitekvol3iss2pp81-87

Maulidia, F., Saminan, S., & Abidin, Z. (2020). The implementation of problem-based learning (PBL) model to improve creativity and self-efficacy of field dependent and field independent students. Malikussaleh Journal of Mathematics Learning (MJML), 3(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.29103/mjml.v3i1.2402

Mukarromah, A., & Sartono, E. K. E. (2019). Analysis of Critical Thinking Skills in Problem Based Learning Model Based on Thematic Learning. Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Current Issues in Education (ICCIE 2018). https://doi.org/10.2991/iccie-18.2019.7

Ongesa, C. M. (2020). Critical Thinking Skill Gap in the Kenyan Education Curriculum. Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Education, 9(SI), 178–191. https://doi.org/10.32674/jise.v9iSI.1860

Prahani, B. K., Suprapto, N., Suliyanah, Lestari, N. A., Jauhariyah, M. N. R., Admoko, S., & Wahyuni, S. (2018). The effectiveness of collaborative problem based physics learning (CPBPL) model to improve student’s self-confidence on physics learning. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 997, 012008. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/997/1/012008

Rafli, M. F., Syahputra, E., & Yusnadi, D. (2018). The effect of problem based learning model on mathematical communication skills and students’ self-confidence in Junior High School. Proceedings of the 3rd Annual International Seminar on Transformative Education and Educational Leadership (AISTEEL 2018). https://doi.org/10.2991/aisteel-18.2018.89

Razak, A. A., Ramdan, M. R., Mahjom, N., Zabit, M. N. M., Muhammad, F., Hussin, M. Y. M., & Abdullah, N. L. (2022). Improving critical thinking skills in teaching through problem-based learning for students: A scoping review. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 21(2), 342–362. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.21.2.19

Sulistiani, E., Waluya, S. B., & Masrukan. (2018). The analysis of student’s critical thinking ability on discovery learning by using hand on activity based on the curiosity. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 983, 012134. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/983/1/012134

Downloads

Published

2026-01-15

How to Cite

The effect of problem-based learning on students’ critical thinking skills in school. (2026). Arshaka: Pedagogy and Learning Review, 1(2), 88-94. https://doi.org/10.65779/arshaka.v1i2.61