Enhancement of Critical Thinking Skills of Grade X Students at SMKN 2 Singosari in History Learning: The Process of Islam's Entry and Development in the Archipelago through Project-Based Learning

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the improvement of critical thinking skills among grade X students at SMKN 2 Singosari in history learning, particularly regarding the process of Islam's entry and development in the archipelago, through the implementation of project-based learning. The research method employed is classroom action research. Data were collected through tests to measure students' critical thinking skills and their learning outcomes. The analysis results indicate a significant improvement in students' critical thinking skills from pre-cycle to cycle I, and from cycle I to cycle II. At the indicator level, there is a consistent improvement in the ability to ask questions, skills in presenting arguments and ideas, skills in validating data relevant to the problem, and skills in formulating conclusions and solutions with proper reasoning. Furthermore, students' learning outcomes also show a significant improvement from pre-cycle to cycle I, and from cycle I to cycle II, both in terms of average learning outcomes and the level of learning completeness. These findings suggest that the implementation of project-based learning can positively contribute to the enhancement of critical thinking skills and learning outcomes of students in history learning.