The influence of problem based learning on critical thinking ability for students in optical instrument topic

Abstract

The research aims to reveal the influence of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model on students' critical thinking ability in optical instrument material. This research is a quasi-experimental research with Pre-test and Post-test Design. The subjects of this study were class X MAN 3 Malang. The experimental and control classes received PBL models and conventional learning models respectively. The instrument of this study was the Optical Instrument Critical Thinking Ability Test in the form of 14 essay questions with Cronbach’s alpha reliability 0.78. The research data were analyzed using several tests including t-test, N-gain, and size effect tests. Based on the results of the analysis, it was shown that the implementation of the PBL model succeeded in increasing students' critical thinking ability higher than that of conventional learning. The experimental class was able to reach the high N-gain score category, while the control class was in the medium category. The research has a “large” size effect category. This means that the PBL model implemented has a stronger influence than that of conventional learning in improving students' critical thinking ability. Thus, the PBL model can be recommended as an alternative learning model in improving students' critical thinking ability in physics learning on the topic of optical instruments.