Implementation of Contextual Teaching and Learning in an Effort to Improve Children's Critical Thinking Skills Through Science Activities

This study aims to obtain information about contextual learning carried out in PAUD in order to stimulate the thinking skills of early childhood. The method used in this study is descriptive. In measuring the results of the validity of the data, researchers used the Miles and Huberman data analysis technique. The research sample consisted of 15 students aged 5-6 years. The results of the study showed that around 75% experienced a significant increase after using the contextual method, which basically came from the child's life. Although there are still some children who have not developed like the others, overall learning activities using the contextual method have been able to stimulate children in critical thinking activities. So that the desired results can be achieved optimally. It can be concluded that using this method can stimulate children's thinking skills because children learning using science media can provide concrete examples to children.