Pengaruh Metode Eksperimen Terhadap Peningkatan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Pada Pembelajaran IPA Kelas 4 Di UPT SDN 12 III Koto Siturah

Abstract

This research is motivated by the low critical thinking skills of students in science learning due to monotonous teaching methods that do not actively engage students. Teachers tend to use lecture methods without providing students with opportunities to explore concepts through direct experience. Therefore, this study aims to determine the influence of the experimental method on improving the critical thinking skills of 4th-grade students in science learning. This study employs a quantitative descriptive research method with descriptive statistical analysis. The research subjects were 12 fourth-grade students at UPT SDN 12 III Koto Siturah. Data collection techniques involved pretest and posttest assessments measuring six aspects of critical thinking: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, explanation, and self-regulation. The data were analyzed using frequency distribution, mean values, standard deviation, and range values. The research results show that the average critical thinking score increased from 59.1 in the pretest to 81.6 in the posttest. A total of 41,67 % of students achieved a high category, 41,67 % were in the moderate category, and 16.67 % remained in the low category after implementing the experimental method. These findings indicate that the experimental method contributes to improving students' critical thinking skills by allowing them to actively participate in the learning process, conduct experiments, and draw conclusions based on direct observation. Thus, the experimental method can be an effective alternative to enhance students' critical thinking skills in science learning.