Improving Students' Critical Thinking Skills Using the Problem Based Learning Model Assisted by Virtual Laboratories

Abstract

The current level of students' critical thinking skills still needs to improve. This causes the need for innovation in learning methods and models that can improve students' thinking skills. This research aims to enhance students' critical thinking skills through a problem-based learning (PBL) model assisted by a virtual laboratory in the Biology learning process. This research uses a pre-experimental method with a one-group pretest post-test design. The research subjects consisted of 30 class XI high school students. Data collection methods include observation, critical thinking skills essay tests and student response questionnaires. Data collection instruments use questionnaires and test questions. Test the empirical validity of the instrument using Pearson product-moment correlation in SPSS and Cornbach's Alpha to test its reliability. Data analysis uses the N-Gain Test for each indicator of critical thinking skills. The N-Gain test results show that applying the PBL learning model assisted by a virtual laboratory significantly increases the average necessary thinking skills in the high category. It was concluded that there was an increase in students' essential thinking skills through the learning process using the PBL learning model assisted by a virtual laboratory.