The Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning in Improving Students’ Critical Thinking Skills

Abstract

 This study aims to examine the effectiveness of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in improving students’ critical thinking skills at the junior high school level. The study was motivated by the increasing need for students to develop higher-order thinking skills in twenty-first-century education, particularly critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. However, conventional teaching methods are often unable to actively engage students in meaningful learning experiences. Therefore, Project-Based Learning is considered an innovative learning model that can encourage active participation and critical analysis among students.

The study concludes that Project-Based Learning is effective in improving students’ critical thinking skills and creating more interactive and student-centered learning environments. Therefore, teachers are encouraged to implement Project-Based Learning as an alternative instructional strategy to support the development of students’ higher-order thinking skills in classroom learning.