Peningkatan Kemampuan Berfikir Kritis Siswa Menggunakan Model Discovery Learning Pada Pembelajaran IPAS

Abstract

Critical thinking skills are one of the important 21st century skills that need to be developed from elementary school level. However, observations in grade IV of SD Negeri 36/II Sarana Jaya show that students' critical thinking skills are still low, as indicated by minimal active participation, lack of ability to analyze information, and limitations in providing logical reasons for their answers. This study aims to enhance students' critical thinking skills through the implementation of the Discovery Learning model in the subject of Natural and Social Sciences (IPAS). This research is classroom action research (CAR) conducted in two cycles during the odd semester of the 2024/2025 academic year with 24 fourth-grade students as research subjects. Each cycle consists of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection stages. The instruments used include learning implementation observation sheets, student activity observation sheets, and critical thinking ability tests. Data were analyzed using descriptive quantitative and qualitative methods to assess improvements from Cycle I to Cycle II. The results of the study showed a significant increase in learning implementation, student activity, and critical thinking skills. In cycle I, learning implementation was in the good category and improved to very good in cycle II. Student activity, which was initially in the fair category, also improved to very good. Meanwhile, the average test results for students' critical thinking skills improved from cycle I to cycle II, reaching the established success criteria.