THE EFFECT OF IMPLEMENTING THE PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING MODEL ON THE CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS OF SIXTH-GRADE STUDENTS IN SOCIAL STUDIES AT SD INPRES MARISO 3, MAKASSAR CITY

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of implementing the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model on sixth-grade students' critical thinking skills in Social Studies (IPS) at SD Inpres Mariso 3, Makassar City. This study is motivated by students' low critical-thinking skills, reflected in passive learning behaviour resulting from conventional, teacher-centred instruction. This research employed a quantitative pre-experimental method using a One-Group Pretest-Posttest Design. The sample consisted of 14 sixth-grade students, comprising 5 male and 9 female students, selected through saturated sampling. Data were collected through observation, critical-thinking tests, and documentation, and were analysed descriptively and inferentially using a paired-sample t-test with SPSS version 26. The results showed that the mean pretest score was 63.21, categorised as low, while the mean posttest score increased to 82.00, categorised as high, indicating an average increase of 18.79 points. The paired-sample t-test yielded a t-count of 53.599 with a significance value of 0.000 (< 0.05), indicating a significant difference in students' critical thinking skills before and after implementing the PBL model. Therefore, the implementation of the Problem-Based Learning model has a positive and significant effect on the critical thinking skills of sixth-grade students in Social Studies at SD Inpres Mariso 3, Makassar City.