The effect of problem based learning on critical thinking ability in mathematics education

Abstract

Critical thinking is considered necessary to everyone because the ability to think critically is one of the requirements of education process. Therefore, it is very important for students in various levels of education to learn to think critically. One of learning models that increases the critical thinking ability and involves students’ role actively is Problem Based Learning. The purposes of this experimental quantitative research were to examine the ability of students’ critical thinking, the students’ activity and the teachers’ ability in managing the learning process by using Problem Based Learning. The method of this study was Pre Experimental Design with one-group post-test design with no control class. The data were collected through the test items and the observation sheet. The results showed that the students’ critical thinking ability increase by using Problem Based Learning model on enumeration rule, both the students’ activity during the learning process and the teachers’ ability in managing the learning were in active category. Based on the results of the research and data analysis, the authors concluded that Problem Based Learning can increase the students’ critical thinking ability.