The effect of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) approach on critical thinking abilities of SMPN 1 Maron students

This study aims to analyze the impact of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) approach on the critical thinking skills of students at SMPN 1 Maron. STEM integrates interdisciplinary concepts into learning to enhance 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking. The study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group design involving 53 students divided into an experimental group (27 students) and a control group (26 students). The research instruments included critical thinking essay tests and student response questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using T-tests, ANOVA, and correlation analysis. The results revealed a significant improvement in the experimental group, with the average critical thinking scores increasing from 70.25 (pre-test) to 88.75 (post-test), while the control group showed an increase from 68.50 to 75.30. This difference indicates the effectiveness of the STEM approach in enhancing students' critical thinking skills. In conclusion, the STEM approach has proven to contribute positively to the development of critical thinking skills among junior high school students. These findings can serve as a reference for developing STEM-based curricula to improve the quality of education in Indonesia.