Implementation of Problem-Based Learning to Improve Mathematical Critical Thinking Ability of High School Students

Authors

  • Maya Kasmita Universitas Negeri Makassar
  • Namira Ummi Khalsum Universitas Andalas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69855/science.v2i2.130

Keywords:

Problem Based Learning, Critical Thinking, Mathematics, High School Education

Abstract

Problem-based learning (PBL) has been recognized as an effective method in improving students' critical thinking skills, especially in mathematics learning. This study aims to analyze the implementation of PBL in improving mathematical critical thinking skills of high school students. The research method used was quasi-experiment with post-test only control group design. The research sample consisted of two randomly selected XI classes, with one class as an experimental group that received PBL learning and one class as a control group with conventional learning methods. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups. The average post-test score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group, with greater improvement in the interpretation and inference indicators. Statistical tests showed that the application of PBL had a significant positive impact on students' mathematical critical thinking skills. The implications of this study indicate that PBL can be used as an alternative learning strategy that is more effective in improving critical thinking skills in mathematics. Therefore, it is expected that teachers can adopt and develop PBL in learning so that students are more active and independent in solving mathematical problems. Further research is recommended to examine other factors that influence the effectiveness of PBL in improving critical thinking skills.

References

Aliah Phang, F., Abdul-Aziz, A., Mohd Yusof, K., Sadikin, A. N., & Abdul Aziz, A. (2016). Instilling professional skills and sustainable development through problem-based learning (PBL) among first-year engineering students. International Journal of Engineering Education. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292615566

Fazriah, R. S., Toto, T., & Nuraida, I. (2021). Improving mathematical literacy skills of vocational high school students through group investigation model with scaffolding strategy. J-KIP (Journal of Teacher Training and Education), 2(3), 125. https://doi.org/10.25157/j-kip.v2i3.6211

Fitri Amalia, N., & Pujiastuti, E. (2017). Critical Thinking Skills and Curiosity Through PBL Model.

Hafni, M., & Nasution, H. (2022). Implementation of Problem-Based Learning Model to Improve Students' Mathematical Critical Thinking Skills.

Hasibuan, A. T., & Prastowo, A. (2019). 21st century education concept: Leadership and human resource development for elementary schools/Islamic elementary schools. Magistra: Media for Developing Basic and Islamic Education, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.31942/mgs.v10i1.2714

Herdiman, I., Nurismadanti, I. F., Rengganis, P., & Maryani, N. (2018). Critical thinking ability of junior high school students in circle material. PRISMA, 7(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.35194/jp.v7i1.213

Herzon, H. H., Budijanto, B., & Utomo, D. H. (2018). The influence of problem-based learning (PBL) on critical thinking skills. Journal of Education: Theory, Research, and Development, 3(1), 42-46.

Inayati, U. (2022). The concept and implementation of the independent curriculum in 21st century learning in elementary schools/Islamic elementary schools. ICIE: International Conference on Islamic Education, 2, 293–304. https://proceeding.iainkudus.ac.id/index.php/ICIE/article/view/241/96

Kusumawati, I. T., Soebagyo, J., & Nuriadin, I. (2022). Literature Study of Critical Thinking Skills with the Application of PBL Model on Constructivism Theory Approach. MathEdu JOURNAL (Mathematic Education Journal), 5(1), 13- 18. http://journal.ipts.ac.id/index.php/MathEdu

Masrinah, E. N., Aripin, I., & Gaffar, A. A. (2019, October). Problem based learning (PBL) to improve critical thinking skills. In Proceedings of the National Seminar on Education (Vol. 1, pp. 924-932).

Minarni, A., Sri, D.L., dan Annajmi. 2018. Mathematical Thinking Ability and Students' Affective Aspects. Medan: Smart Hope.

Nugraha, W. S. (2018). Improving critical thinking skills and mastery of science concepts of elementary school students using problem-based learning model. EduHumaniora | Elementary Education Journal Cibiru Campus, 10(2), 115. https://doi.org/10.17509/eh.v10i2.11907

Rahayu, B. N. A., & Dewi, N. R. (2022). Theoretical study: critical mathematical thinking ability reviewed from curiosity in the ICT-assisted preprospec learning model. In PRISMA, Proceedings of the National Mathematics Seminar (Vol. 5, pp. 297-303).

Rahmah, L. A., Soedjoko, E., & Suneki, S. (2019). PBL learning model improves critical mathematical thinking skills and curiosity of class X students of SMAN 7 Semarang. In PRISMA, Proceedings of the National Mathematics Seminar (Vol. 2, pp. 807-812).

Saputri, G. L., Wardono, & Karisudin, I. (2019). The Importance of Mathematical Literacy Skills and the Formation of 4C Skills with the REACT Strategy (Relating, Experiencing, Applying, Cooperating). PRISMA, Proceedings of the National Mathematics Seminar, 2.

Saputro, B., Sulasmono, B. S., & Setyaningtyas, E. W. (2019). Improving critical thinking skills and mathematics learning outcomes using the PBL model in grade V students. Tambusai Education Journal, 3(1), 621-631.

Sofyan, H., & Komariah, K. (2016). Problem-based learning in the implementation of the 2013 curriculum in vocational high schools. Journal of Vocational Education, 6(3), 260. https://doi.org/10.21831/jpv.v6i3.11275

Sugrah, N. U. (2020). Implementation of constructivist learning theory in science learning. HUMANIKA, 19(2), 121–138. https://doi.org/10.21831/hum.v19i2.29274

Sulistiani, E., & Masrukan, M. (2017). The importance of critical thinking in mathematics learning to face the challenges of the MEA. In PRISMA, Proceedings of the National Mathematics Seminar (pp. 605-612). https://journal.unnes.ac.id/sju/prisma/article/view/21554

Widayanti, R. & Nur’aini K. D. (2020). Implementation of Problem Based Learning Model to Improve Mathematics Learning Achievement and Student Activity. Mathema Journal, 2 (1), 12-2

Downloads

Published

2025-05-19

How to Cite

Maya Kasmita, & Namira Ummi Khalsum. (2025). Implementation of Problem-Based Learning to Improve Mathematical Critical Thinking Ability of High School Students. Science Get Journal, 2(2), 49–60. https://doi.org/10.69855/science.v2i2.130

Issue

Section

Articles