Critical thinking, communication skills and biology learning outcomes: Are they correlated?

Abstract

A correlational research design was used to investigate the correlation between (1) critical thinking and communication skills; (2) critical thinking and learning outcomes; (3) communication skills and learning outcomes; and (4) critical thinking, communication skills, and learning outcomes. The research population consisted of all eleventh-grade students from the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, SMAN 4 Malang. This study took place during the 2019-2020 academic year. The study sampled 78 students using the homogeneity test. The participants’ critical thinking skills were assessed using an essay test integrated into an achievement test on the human movement and circulatory systems. In contrast, their communication skills were assessed using an observation sheet. Data analysis showed that there was a correlation between (1) critical thinking and communication skills, (2) critical thinking and learning outcomes, (3) communication skills and learning outcomes, and (4) critical thinking, communication skills, and student learning outcomes. The correlation between variables exists because critical thinking and communication skills can influence, empower and improve students’ biology learning outcomes.