Project- Based Learning and Problem-Based Learning: Are They Effective to Improve Student’s Thinking Skills?

TLDR

The study investigates the impact of project‑based learning and problem‑based learning on students’ creativity and critical thinking, and compares their differential effects. Using a quasi‑experimental non‑equivalent control‑group design, 102 eleventh‑grade students from three classes were assigned to project‑based learning, problem‑based learning, or a control group, with creativity and critical thinking measured and analyzed via t‑tests, multivariate, and univariate analyses. Results show that both learning approaches enhance creativity and critical thinking, with project‑based learning producing a greater increase in creativity, while no significant difference was observed between the approaches for critical thinking.

Abstract

<p>The study aims at finding (1) the effect of project-based learning and problem-based learning on student’s creativity and critical thinking and (2) the difference effect of project-based learning and problem-based learning on student’s creativity and critical thinking. This study is quasi experiment using non-equivalent control-group design. Research population of this study was all classes in eleventh grade of mathematics and natural science program of SMA N 1 Temanggung. The participants were 102 students. This study used three classes as research sample which implemented three different kinds of learning models in respiratory system. XI MIPA 3 was as an experimental group implementing project- based learning and XI MIPA 5 was as an experimental group implementing problem- based learning, while XI MIPA 1 was as control group. Data was collected using two instruments to measure student’s creativity and student’s critical thinking. Data was analysed using t- test, multivariate analysis, and univariate analysis. The results reveal that (1) project-based learning and problem-based learning affect student’s creativity and critical thinking; (2) there is a difference effect of project-based learning and problem- based learning on student’s creativity; and (3) there is no difference effect of project-based learning and problem-based learning on student’s critical thinking.<br /><br /></p>