Influence of Problem-Based Learning Model on Students’ Critical Thinking Ability and Learning Motivation in Mathematics Learning

Abstract

Low critical thinking skills and student learning motivation, including learning that occurs in schools, which is still teacher-centred. The students' critical thinking skills are still relatively low, which is caused by mathematics teachers who still apply the principle of transfer of knowledge. This study aims to determine the effect of the problem-based learning (PBL) model on critical thinking skills and students' motivation to learn mathematics. This type of research is a quasi-experiment. The design model uses a pre-test-post-test control group design. The population of this study was all students of class VII SMP Kesatria Medan in the 2023/2024 academic year, consisting of 30 students. Sampling was conducted using a random sampling technique, and the research sample was obtained, namely VII-1, totalling 16 students as the control class and 14 students as VII-2 as the experimental class. The research instrument used tests in the form of essays. Data analysis techniques used descriptive analysis, including normality tests, homogeneity tests and hypothesis tests, namely the t-test (paired sample t-test). The results of the study show the sig. (2-tailed) of 0.000 < 0.05, it can be concluded that students who get the problem-based learning model are better than students who use conventional learning models.