Empowering Critical Thinking Skills with Problem Solving Model in Higher Education
Budi Utami*, Riezky Maya Probosari, Sulistyo Saputro, Ashadi, Mohammad Masykuri

budiutami[at]staff.uns.ac.id
Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta

Abstract

Critical thinking skills are a necessary aspect of 21st century skills. Based on Facione, critical thinking skills include aspects of interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, explanation, and self regulation. The purpose of this study is to know the critical thinking skills of students with problem solving model in the scientific method. The classroom based action research was held in one of the science education programs in Central Java. Data sources are collected through portfolios, discussions and presentations and field observation records in the classroom. Students critical thinking skills were observed and analyzed. the result of the research shows with problem solving model of students critical thinking skill in interpretation, analysis, inference in good category, and evaluation, explanation, and self regulation in enough category. This shows that students need problem solving model to empower critical thinking skill especially aspect of evaluation, explanation, and self regulation

Keywords: critical thinking skills, problem solving, teacher candidates

Topic: Integrated Science Education