Influence of Problem Based Learning Model on Elementary School Student Critical Thinking Abilities

This research is a quantitative study employing a pre-experimental design method aimed at determining the impact of implementing problem-based learning models on the critical thinking abilities of fifth-grade students at SD Negeri Kedungringin 1 Beji. The population and sample consisted of 30 fifth-grade students. Data were collected through observation sheets and pre-test and post-test assessments in natural science subjects. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques with SPSS Windows version 27. Pre-test and post-test results indicated improvement in average critical thinking abilities. The average pre-test score was 47, categorized as low, while the post-test score averaged 84, categorized high. Inferential analysis using the paired sample t-test yielded data with Sig. < α = 0.05 (0.026 < α = 0.05), rejecting H0. This implies that implementing problem-based learning models has significant effect critical thinking abilities in natural science subjects among fifth-grade students at SD Negeri Kedungringin 1 Beji.