Ability of Problem Solving and Critical Thinking of Students in Learning of Creative Problem Solving (CPS)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test the improvement of students' mathematical problem-solving and critical thinking abilities and the differences in the increase in these two abilities in Creative Problem Solving learning. The research used was a quasi-experimental study with the Nonequivalent (Pretest and Posttest) group design. This study uses two homogeneous experimental classes. The population in this study were students of grade 8 SMP Negeri 12 Singkawang. The sample used was 45 people who were grouped into two experimental classes. Experiment class 1 using the CPS Model to improve problem-solving abilities and experiment class 2 using the CPS model to improve mathematical critical thinking skills. The sampling method is simple random sampling. The instruments used were the Problem Solving Ability Test and the Students' Mathematical Critical Thinking Ability Test. The data analysis technique used was the N-Gain test and the U Mann Whitney test. The results showed that: 1) There is an increase in students' mathematical problem solving abilities in the moderate category after being given CPS learning; 2) There is an increase in students' mathematical critical thinking skills in the moderate category after being given CPS learning; and 3) There is no difference in the increase in mathematical problem solving abilities and mathematical critical thinking abilities of students after being given CPS learning.