Problem-Based Learning and Critical Thinking Skills among Accountancy, Business, and Management Students

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a teaching method that immerses students in solving real-world problems, with the goal of improving their critical thinking skills. While PBL has been shown to benefit students across various disciplines, its impact on the critical thinking skills of ABM students has not been extensively researched. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of PBL in enhancing the critical thinking skills of ABM students. Using a descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 300 ABM students through validated questionnaires. The results indicated that students who participated in PBL demonstrated significant improvements in their critical thinking abilities compared to those who did not. Specifically, PBL students exhibited stronger skills in problem identification, analysis, information evaluation, creative solution development, and decision-making. The findings suggest that PBL is an effective method for enhancing critical thinking skills in ABM students. The study recommends that schools invest in training teachers on the implementation of effective PBL strategies and develop PBL programs that align with the ABM curriculum. Additionally, future research should adopt a mixed-methods approach to better understand the nuanced effects of PBL on students’ critical thinking development.