High order thinking ability through social studies problem-based learning at a Junior Secondary School in East Java
E. Triasningsih, L. Kaluge, Sudiyono

Universitas Kanjuruhan Malang

Abstract

The purpose of this study was an attempt to examine the differences between problem based learning and traditional teaching methods in order to perform high thinking skills and motivation among students in learning social studies. This quantitative study randomly sampled 108 students at a Junior Secondary School. Data were collected by using tests for thinking ability, observations on teaching methods and documentation for having learning achievement in social studies. The statistical analysis discovered three main findings. First, there was a significant difference in high thinking ability between students taught by problem based and conventional methods. Second, the high thinking ability was significantly affected by the condition of learning motivation. Third, for social studies, between thinking ability and learning motivation was a positive correlation.

Keywords: teaching methods, high thinking skills, learning motivation, social studies

Topic: Learning / Teaching Methodologies and Assessment