Problem-Based Learning Materials in Upskilling Mathematics Critical Thinking Skills

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) material to the critical thinking skills of Grade 10 students in Mathematics. The study used experimental research design by measuring the improvement on the performance of the students after the implementation of the researcher-made PBL material. It also used survey strategy to assess the acceptance of the students on the quality of the developed PBL material and correlated the results with the critical thinking skills before and after the use of the material using paper and pen test. Results revealed that learning experiences relate to inferring, communicating, and problem-solving. There is also significant relationship between learning outcomes and communicating and problem solving. Both effectiveness and efficiency and user-friendliness significantly relate to communicating learning experience while congruence relates significantly to all critical thinking skills. Thus, learners’ use of the PBL material increases their critical thinking skills as evidenced by the t–test results showing significantly different critical thinking skills before and after the use of PBL material. With the improved level of students’ critical thinking skills, the PBL material may be used as a supplementary in the delivery of the lessons in any subject area.