THE IMPACT OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING APPROACH

TO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ MATHEMATICS CRITICAL

THINKING ABILITY

Reviandari Widyatiningtyas1, Yaya S. Kusumah2, Utari Sumarmo2, Jozua Sabandar2

1
Universitas Langlangbuana, Jl. Karapitan No. 116 Bandung
2
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudi No. 229 Bandung e-
mail: revywidya@yahoo. co. id

Nowadays, mathematics critical thinking ability is an important mathematics basic competence

in math education unit level curriculum (SBC) which exist in the Republic of Indonesia. The
importance of the ability not only to meet the demands of learn mathematics but also to the student
awareness of the importance of mathematics in other subjects and human life. Ruseffendi (2008) stated
that the use of mathematics taught in school, is math as a provision in everyday life and mathematics
in order to educate the nation. Thus, the characteristics possessed mathematics can bring math learning
leads to build students’ thinking skills.
Basically every student has the ability to think critically on mathematics, but the problem is how
we bring critical thinking skills and mathematical development and increases mathematics critical
thinking skills through learning mathematics. According to Krulik and Rudnick (NCTM, 1999)
mathematics critical thinking is thought that tested, questioned, connect, and evaluate all aspects that
exist in a situation or a problem. Meanwhile, in the process of mathematics critical thinking, students
will make a statement relating to the problems encountered, then connect the existing problems with
the knowledge and experience that has been chosen.
Ennis in Baron and Stenberg (1987) stated that critical thinking is defined as reflective thinking
which is grounded and focused on the determination of what is believed or done. Furthermore, it’s
said by Ennis (Sabandar, 2007), the real critical thinking is a process that occurs in a person's thinking
and aims to make decisions that make sense about something he can believe as the truth and that will
be done later.
According to Glazer (2001), critical thinking in mathematics is the ability that involves prior
knowledge, mathematical reasoning, and cognitive strategies to generalize, prove, or evaluate the
lesser-known mathematical situations effectively. Teachers in mathematics learning should facilitate
students in developing the critical thinking process, it means that teachers must take action which
reflects the capabilities recommended by the Glazers.
Another researcher, Ennis (Innabi, 2003) stated that aspects relating to the subject matter
includes: generalizing concepts, skills and algorithms, as well as problem solving, with indicators of
each aspect of thinking with regard to the subject matter includes: (1) aspects related to the concept
which include identify the characteristics of the concept, and comparing the concept to another; (2)
 Widyatiningtyas, et al, The Impact of Problem-Based Learning … 31

aspects relating to the generalization which include define the concept contained in the generalization
and association, and determine the conditions applying generalizations; (3) aspects relating to the skills
and algorithms which include classify conceptual basis of skill, and comparing students’ performance
with exemplary students’ performance; and (4) aspects relating to problem solving such as providing
a common form for the purpose of settlement, and specify the provided information.
Above descriptions leads to the conclusion thatmathematics critical thinking is a systematic
ability to incorporate prior knowledge, mathematical reasoning abilities and also be able to apply
cognitive strategies in mathematical problem solving. Thus the mathematics critical thinking
encompass the skills to analyze and examine the validity of an argument, identify problems based on
a graph or diagram, identifies the adequacy ofthe data of the problem, can select or sort out in the best
way of solving problem and evaluate the resolution process.
Indicators of mathematics critical thinking skills that used in this study include: (1) find a
relationship, that is the students’s ability to reconstruct the elements of the problem and formulate a
relationship in the solution;(2) analyzing the data, that is the ability of students to identify and take
decisions on encountered problem;(3) analyzing the elements, that is the ability of students to identify
the elements contained in a relationship;(4) analyzing the relationship, that is the ability of students to
check relationship and interactions between the elements of the problem and then make a decision as
to its completion;(5) criticizing the evidence, that is the ability of students to make comments, peel,
add, subtract, or rearrange a mathematical proof that they have learned;(6) solving the problem, that
is the ability of the students in the examination results or answers in solving problems.
Mathematics learning that can build and developstudent’s mathematical critical thinking skills
is the learning that designed to activate students with a non-routine problems to be solved by the
students either individually or in groups. This is in line with the curriculum 2006, which is in the
process of learning, the child is considered as a resource of knowledge, the position of teachers in this
curriculum are no longer dominating the class but as a facilitator.
Mathematics learning problems in school ist still dominated by the factor of teachers and
students. Some researchers describes the mathematics learning outcomes in schools have not shown
satisfactory results (Djajuli, 1999; Sumarmo, 1999). The survey results IMSTEP-JICA (1999) in
Bandung found that one of the causes of poor quality of studentsmathematical understanding is due to
the learning process of mathematics. Teachers are generally too concentrated on problem solving
exercises that are generally more than the procedural and mechanistic rather than mathematical
understanding, students tend to be passive because in learning activities the teacher as the only source
of information that usually explains the concept informatively through sample questions and exercises.
Results of mathematical learning by using the conventional approach that usually centered on
the teacher and by using expository method causes passive students, less excavated of students’ high
order mathematical thinking skills, such as logical thinking, critical thinking, creative thinking and
other capabilities (Herman, 2007; Ratnaningsih, 2007; Suryadi, 2005; Mulyana, 2008; Ismaimuza
2010; Mahmudi, 2010).
32 IndoMS-JME, Volume 6, No. 2, July 2015, pp. 30-38

Learning that exposes problems in mastering the concept is a problem-based learning (PBL).
The teacher's role in the PBL is a designer, organizer and facilitator of learning. PBL is a learning
approach that begins with exposes students to the math problem, then students are required to solve
the problem that is rich with mathematical concepts. One of the characteristics of PBL is positioned
students as self-directed problem solver through collaborative activities to encourage students to be
able to find the problem and plan completion, trains students and familiarize skilled serves to reflect
the findings in the inquiry about the effectiveness of their way of thinking in solving the problems that
faced.
Problem-based learning is an approach to learning that challenges students to learn through
problem solving which done by cooperatively in small groups. According to Tan (Rusman, 2012) in
the PBL students’ thinking skills are really optimized through a process of group or team work
systematically, so students can empower and float their capacity to think on an ongoing basis. Thus in
the PBL teachers and students are required to be able to display issues aimed at achieving mastery of
concepts covered through thinking skills and creativity achievement of learning resources.
Ibrahim and Nur (2000) recommended that the PBL is a learning approach that is used to
stimulate student’s high-order thinking in a situation that is oriented to real-world problems, including
thinking how to learn. Furthermore, Moffit (Depdiknas, 2002) proposes that PBL is a learning
approach that uses real-world problems as a context for students to learn about critical thinking and
problem solving skills.
Torp and Sage (1998) stated that math and science can achieve success by applying PBL.
Moreover, according to Herman (2006) through PBL, students are conditioned to be able to think
flexible, filed conjecture, solve problems and find common rules. So that in its application, PBL
requires the readiness of teachers and students to be able to collaborate in resolving the raised issues.
Teachers must be prepared to be a supervisor at the same tutor for students who can provide
motivation, encouragement and help in mastering the skills of problem solving.
Objectivity of PBL according to Resnick (1987) are thinking and problem solving skills, and
modeling of adults who provide rationality about how the PBL help students to perform in real life
situations and learn the importance of the role of adults. Additionaly, Ibrahim and Nur (2002) argued
in detail of PBL goal that is to help students develop the thinking skills and problem solving skills,
learn various adult roles through their involvement in a real experience, and become autonomous
students. Hence, PBL can be used depending on the objectives to be achieved, whether related to: (1)
acquisition of content knowledge that is multidisciplinary;(2) the acquisition of skills and heuristics
discipline process;(3) learning problem solving skills;(4) learning wider life skills. As a result, the
broader PBL purpose the more complex of problems becomes, and also the more important PBL steps
or cycles processes require.
In this research, PBL steps that is used are: (1) study carried out for 2 hours of lessons;(2) in the
first 5 minutes the teacher explains about lesson that will be applied following the tasks that must be
done by students and procedures for assessment, then create groups of students;(3) each group was
 Widyatiningtyas, et al, The Impact of Problem-Based Learning … 33

given problem and for 40 minutes discussing in groups;(4) during the 10 minutesis class discussion
and the issues that arise in the discussion group, discussed together in the classroom and students
integrate new knowledge into the context of the problem;(5) for 30 minutes to do a presentation of
each group is accompanied by a question and answer;(6) for 5 minutes the teacher gives a summary
of the material at the meeting that day and deliver the tasks groups and individuals.

METHOD
Research Design
This study is a quasi-experimental research by applying problem-based learning approach in
learning mathematics. Research units is determined based on the grade level of the school, group
learning and students’ prior mathematical school ability level is set according to the classification of
the local Ministry of Education (based on the ranking of national exam results) chosen two schools:
one school with a high level and the other one is moderate. From each school selected two classes,
one class for a class experiment, and another class as the control class.
The sample in this research were not randomly selected but classes by using existing classes and
selected whose schedule does not intersect because researchers act as a teacher. The experimental class
were treated PBL (X), and the class is given control of conventional learning (CL). After the study is
completed the final test is held (O), which tests the ability of mathematics critical thinking. Afterward,
the research involved two groups at each school level, so that the design uses a static group
(Ruseffendi, 2005).

Research Subject
Population of subjects in this research was all students in high school (SMA) from two schools
in the Kotamadya Bandung with different levels in which excellent and moderate level. Then, selection
of high school students as subjects based on the consideration that the population of high school
students already have a diversity of academic ability and level of thinking is estimated to be superior
compared to elementary and junior high school students, so that the implementation of the PBL can
run as expected. Kotamadya Bandung was chosen because based on the consideration that the
characteristics of high school students relatively the same as high school students in other major cities,
especially in West Java.
From each school were selected two sample classes, namely the experimental class and control
class. Then, selection of these classes is not done randomly, but selected classes that have the same or
adjacent the schedule is not as in this research, the researchers acted as a teacher. Then, at the excellent
school level the number of students in each class of 35 people, and at the moderate school level is
selected bythe number of active students in each class of 35 people. Subject that selected are grade
ten.
34 IndoMS-JME, Volume 6, No. 2, July 2015, pp. 30-38

Data Analysis
In this research, aquantitative data were analyzed by using ANOVA with two lines and t-test.
The effect of problem-based learning approach to the critical thinking skills of students by school level
mathematical and early mathematical ability was determined.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

In this section, conventional learning (CL) and problem-based learning of mathematics will be
described clearly. The purpose of this study was to analyze and comprehensively reveal the quality of
critical thinking skills among students’ whos obtain mathematical problem-based learning (PBL) and
conventional learning (CL). In addition it also analyzed the interaction between the school and the
level of learning with prior mathematical ability as well as describe the implementation of
problembased learning at each school level.
In this study, the data included quantitative data in the form of prior mathematical ability test
(PMA) and mathematics critical thinking ability tests, to 140 students consisting of 70 students PBL,
and CL 70 students coming from high school level and being Data from tests showed minimal
completeness criteria (MCC) mathematics critical thinking skills was 32. 5 (65% of the ideal score).
Mathematic critical thinking skills data test results described and analyzed based onfactors:
group learning model, the level of school and the students’ prior mathematical ability (PMA). In this
study, a minimum completeness criteria (MCC) of mathematics critical thinking skills are 32. 5 (65%
of the ideal score). The data processing an average score of students' critical thinking skills and PBL
37. 7 percentage MCC achievement by 80%, the average score of 32. 57 and less CL MCC percentage
achieved by 50% has been obtained.
A comparative analysis of critical thinking skills among students that acquire PBL and CL, is
started with the distribution normality test by using the test KolmogorofSmirnovZ (KS Z) and the data
score of mathematics critical thinking skills for each learning model was normal distributed. Moreover,
homogeneity test of population variance of scores of mathematics critical thinking skills based group
learning by using Levene test, and the population variance of scores of mathematics critical thinking
skills based learning model of homogeneous has been obtained.
Both sets of data were normally distributed and homogeneous variance, so proceed with
calculating the average difference in the two groups of data based model of learning by using t-test.
The calculations shows that in the group of data of all students there are significant differences of
students’ mathematics critical thinking skills between the students who acquire PBL and CL with an
average PBL students greater than CL students.
An analysis of the interaction between learning approaches and school level to the ability of
mathematics critical thinking, starting with the normal distribution test and homogeneity of variance
test. The calculations shows that the mathematics critical thinking skills score dataon normal
distribution (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). Then, population variance of scores of mathematics critical
 Widyatiningtyas, et al, The Impact of Problem-Based Learning … 35

thinking skills based on group learning approaches and school level is homogeneous (using test
levene).
Due to the normal distribution of data groups and homogeneous variance, so to determine the
presence or absence of interaction between learning approaches and school level in critical thinking
skills used mathematical two ways ANOVA. Summary results of two ways ANOVA are presented in
Table 2.

Table 2. The interaction between the test and Level Schools Learning Approach to
Students’ Mathematics Critical Thinking Ability
The
average
Sum of squared
Source Squares Dk F Sig. H0

Learning 920. 579 1 920. 579 48. 129 0,000 Rejected

1004.
464
Level Schools 1004. 464 1 52. 515 0,000 Rejected

Interaction 146. 064 1 146. 064 7. 636 0. 007 Rejected

Total 177,505. 000 140

Referring in Table 2, it can be concluded that the learning approach has significant impact to the
students’ mathematics critical thinking ability. This is indicated by the value of probability (Sig. = 0.
000) smaller than 0. 05. Similarly, at the school level also have a significant influence on the ability
of mathematics critical thinking. ANOVA test results shows the value of F = 0. 636 with probability
value (Sig. ) = 0. 007 (less than 0. 05), then there is no interaction between learning approaches and
school level to the students’ mathematics critical thinking ability.
An analysis of the interaction of learning approaches and prior mathematical ability on the
ability of mathematics critical thinking, starting with the normal distribution test and homogeneity of
variance test. The calculations show that the mathematics critical thinking skills score on normal
distribution data (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). Population variance of scores of mathematics critical
thinking skills based group learning approach and prior mathematical ability is not homogeneous
(level test).
Furthermore, to determine the presence or absence of interaction between learning approach and
prior mathematical ability (PMA) to the critical thinking skills used mathematical ANOVA two lanes.
Summary results of two ways ANOVA are presented in Table 3.
36 IndoMS-JME, Volume 6, No. 2, July 2015, pp. 30-38

Table 3. The interaction between the Learning Approach and PMA to Students’ Mathematics
Critical Thinking Ability
Number Average
Quadratic Quadratic
Source Dk F Sig. Ho

Learning 771. 451 1 771. 451 50. 056 0,000 Rejected

Ex. PMA 1643. 890 2 821. 945 53. 332 0,000 Rejected

Be
accepted
Interaction 31,990 2 15. 995 1,038 0. 357

177,505.
000
Total 140

Following in Table 3, it can be concluded that the learning approach has significant impact on
the students’ mathematics critical thinking ability. This is indicated by the value of probability (Sig. =
0. 000) smaller than 0. 05. Similarly, at the early mathematical ability (PMA) also have a significant
influence on the students’ mathematicscritical thinking ability. ANOVA test results in Table 3, the
value of F = 0. 730 with probability value (Sig. ) = 0. 484. (Greater than 0. 05), then there is no
interaction between learning approach and prior mathematical ability.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

From the data analysis and discussion of the results obtained by the conclusion of this research
are students who follow the problem-based learning approach has better mathematics critical thinking
ability than student who take conventional learning. There is interaction between the learning approach
factor and school-level factor on the student’s mathematics critical thinkingability. There is no
interaction between the learning approach factor and students’ prior mathematics ability factor. Based
on the conclusions of this research are problem-based learning should be developed in the field and
can be use as an alternative option for the implementation of learning mathematics and making the
suggested teaching materials in form of more challenging for students and inorder to exist trigger for
cognitive conflict.
 Widyatiningtyas, et al, The Impact of Problem-Based Learning … 37

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