The Influence of the Application of Problem-Based Learning Models on Critical Thinking Skills and Science Learning Outcomes

This research aims to examine the impact of the problem-based learning (PBL) approach on the critical thinking abilities and academic performance of seventh-grade students at MTsN 7 Bulukumba. The study employed a pretest-posttest control group design, with participants chosen through simple random sampling. Class VIIA, consisting of 27 students, served as the experimental group using PBL, while class VIIB, comprising 28 students, functioned as the control group with traditional direct instruction. Data were gathered via assessments of critical thinking skills and academic achievement, and were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26. The findings indicated that PBL was more effective than direct instruction in enhancing both critical thinking skills and academic performance regarding the science topics of substances and their transformations.