Research Based Learning: Added Value in Students' Science Critical Thinking Skills

Many new learning models in the 21st century have emerged in improving students' academic skills, one of which is research-based learning (RBL). This pedagogic and constructivist model connects research and learning in improving students' critical thinking skills (CTS). The results of the study show that studies in empowering students' CTS using RBL are still limited. Therefore, exploration and deeper measurement of CTS with the RBL model were carried out through this study. The purpose of this study was to improve students' CTS using the RBL learning model. The results of the ANCOVA test showed that there was an effect of the RBL model in improving students' CTS. Descriptive data also shows that the average value of CTS is 72.70 using RBL, while students who take part in learning using conventional models show an average value of critical thinking skills of 58.30. Thus, RBL can be recommended in increasing the CTS of elementary school students in science learning.

The Effectiveness of Visual Mind Mapping Strategy for Improving English Language Learners' Critical Thinking Skills and Reading Ability

<p style="text-align: justify;">This study investigated the effectiveness of visual mind mapping as a reading strategy for improving English language learners' critical thinking skills. Students from two general English courses were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. California Critical Thinking Test was used to assess participants' critical thinking skills. The findings revealed a statistically significant difference at (p < .005) in the mean scores of the experiment and control groups in the post-test due to visual mind mapping strategy in favor of the experimental group with a positive and significant impact on participants' critical thinking skills. The findings also showed that the experimental group’s scores were significantly improved in all indicators of critical thinking. The study results showed that visual mind mapping strategy affected the increased of critical thinking skills and reading comprehension ability. The study's findings revealed that using a visual mind mapping strategy had a significant improvement impact on English language learners critical thinking skills and reading ability.</p>

Critical Thinking Skills and Scientific Attitudes of Pre-Service Chemistry Teachers Through the Implementation of Problem-Based Learning Model

This study aims to determine the effect of applying problem-based learning models on critical thinking skills and scientific attitudes of pre-service chemistry teachers in Basic Chemistry 1. This quasi-experimental research uses pre-test and post-test through an unequal control group design. This research has been carried out for 3 months from September-November in 2021 on pre-service chemistry teachers. The data were analyzed using Hotelling's T2 test and the Rasch model. Empirical evidence shows that based on Hotelling's T2 test results obtained a significance value of 0.001 < (0.05) with a partial eta squared value of 0.28 which means Ha is accepted. So, it can be concluded that there is a contribution of problem-based learning models on critical thinking skills and scientific attitudes of students with the contribution of 28%. Another finding also shows that based on the results of the Rasch model test, it shows that in the experimental class the indicators of critical thinking skills and scientific attitudes are mostly possessed the ability to synthesize attitudes towards scientific investigations. The indicators of critical thinking skills and scientific attitudes are least possessed the ability to analyze and chemistry learning experiences. The conclusions of this study include there is a significant effect of the application of the PBL model on students' critical thinking skills and scientific attitudes with a model contribution of 28%, as well as critical thinking skills and scientific attitudes that most students have in the experimental class are analytical skills and attitudes towards scientific investigations.

Improving Students' Critical Thinking Skills Against Environmental Problems: Practicum Mini Project "Understanding Public Perceptions of Environmental Problems"

The purpose of this research is to improve students' critical thinking skills towards environmental problems through mini-project practicum activities on the concept of understanding public perceptions of environmental problems. This research is descriptive research using a qualitative approach. The subjects in this study were Semester II class E students who took Environmental Science courses in the Even Semesters of the 2019/2020 Academic Year. The instrument used to measure critical thinking skills using indicators developed by Ennis are 1) Elementary, 2) Clarification Basic Support, 3) Inference, 4) Advanced Clarification, 5) Strategies and Tactics. Results The average critical thinking ability of 20 students is in the medium category (average score of 69.54). Of the 20 students, 10% were in the very high category, 30% in the high category, 25% in the medium category, and 35% in the low category. Indicators of students' critical thinking in 5 aspects, each of which has an average value that is in the medium category

Developing Critical Thinking Skills among Prospective Teachers through Teaching Educational Research Course: A Quasi Experimental Approach

The study aims to develop critical thinking skills among prospective teachers. The study was experimental in nature; quasi experimental approach was used to conduct the study. The population of the study was prospective teachers studying at master level. Sample of the study was 73 prospective teachers enrolled in the educational research course in two groups. The first was labeled as the control group, while one was labeled as the experimental group. To assess the critical thinking skills of prospective teachers test was developed by the research using guidelines of Watson and Glaser test. Test was consisted of five dimensions i.e. analyzing, assumptions, deduction, and inference and interpreting information. Cronbach's alpha determined the test's reliability to be 0.80. Intervention was consisted of 10 lessons related to educational research course. The prospective teachers performed well in analyzing, Assumptions, deduction and overall CTS in post-test as compare to pre-test. There was statistically noteworthy the variation between the or before as well as post-test grades of Inference and interpreting. The critical thinking skills are essential element to compete 21st century challenges. Prospective teachers have to face many educational challenges to improve students learning, it is necessary that they should be prepared with CTS either to infuse through separate curriculum or embed with existing curriculum.

Nursing Students’ Perception on Tutor Performance and Students’ Critical Thinking in Online Learning

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has influenced health education in many countries, including nursing education that moved to online learning. It affects the tutor's performance and students' critical thinking skills, especially in online PBL tutorials. Tutor and nursing students have to re-adapt to a new online meeting atmosphere that previously had face-to-face meetings. There was no previous investigation into the effect of online PBL on tutor performance and nursing students’ critical thinking skills in UMY.Purpose: This study aims to determine students’ perceptions of tutor performance in online problem-based learning tutorials and the critical thinking skills of nursing students in UMY.Methods: This research is a cross-sectional quantitative study. The sample included 91 second-year nursing students, using the total sampling technique. The researchers used two questionnaires with closed questions about the tutor's performance in PBL tutorials and the critical thinking skills. Data were analyzed by univariate analysis. Result: The majority of respondents were female (83.5%) and 19-20 years old (91.2%). The study results showed that the tutor's performance on the online PBL tutorial was in the good category (95.6%), while the critical thinking ability was in the poor category (54.9%).Conclusion: This study showed that students still needed to adjust and adapt maximally to online problem-based learning tutorials and needed support and motivation to improve the quality of learning.

The Effect of Applying Blended Learning Strategies Flipped Classroom Model on Students’ Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking skills are competencies that are expected to be possessed by every student in 21st century learning. One of the efforts that can be made to improve students' critical thinking skills is to apply the flipped classroom learning model. This study aims to determine the effect of students' critical thinking skills through the application of the blended learning model of the flipped classroom. The research approach used is quantitative with a quasi-experimental type of research, the research design used is pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design. Sampling used a total sampling technique from the entire population of 102 students of class XI IPA at SMAN 1 Peulimbang. The instrument used to measure critical thinking skills is in the form of essay questions accompanied by an assessment rubric. Data on critical thinking skills were analyzed by parametric statistics using the independent sample t test. The results showed that the value of < 0.05, then there was an effect of students' critical thinking skills after the application of the blended learning model of the flipped classroom on the respiratory system material

Features of training of police employee in the USA

The complexities of modern policing require internal affairs agencies to expand the training opportunities for police officers to carry out the tasks assigned to internal affairs agencies. It is not enough to focus solely on the law or on perishable skills such as arrest and control; defensive tactics; driving; and firearms. This article discusses the experience of building and developing the psychological skills required by the United States police force. Police training in the United States focuses on developing the skills needed to deal with the modern challenges that arise in the performance of official tasks. Training involves building and developing skills such as cognitive, emotional, social and moral skills that can improve the condition of police officers, as well as foster relationships between police officers and members of the community. Trained police officers need to develop critical thinking skills, effective communication, and emotional intelligence. The presented article reveals professional competencies for police officers, graduates of the police academy, which were developed by the Law Enforcement Foundation in the United States (Ohio). It also discusses aspects of psychological screening developed by the California Commission on Peacekeeping Training Standards to Consider When Recruiting Police Officers. The authors emphasize that when training police officers in any country, it is necessary to pay special attention to the continuity between training and practical service activities of the police officer.

Development of Biological E-Module Based on Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) Learning on Structure and Function of Plants and Animal Networks to Improve Critical Thinking Skills of Class XI MIPA SMA Students

In the field of education, the presence of technology has helped teachers a lot in carrying out learning. Future education cannot only focus on cognitive aspects. To face various problems and challenges of the times in the future, students are expected to have much better attitudes, skills, and knowledge competencies, to be more creative, innovative, and productive. The purpose of this research is to analyze the feasibility and effectiveness of the development e-module Biology based on Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) on the material structure and function of plant and animal tissues to improve the critical thinking skills of students in class XI MIPA SMA that are valid, practical, and effective. The results showed that the e-module Biology based on Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) on the structure and function of plant and animal tissues to improve critical thinking skills of students in class XI MIPA SMA has a very valid category with a validator value of 89.33%, very practical 93.33% by Biology teachers and students with a score of 87.52% and the results of the effectiveness test of the CTL - based e-module showed that it was very effective, there was a significant difference between classes that used CTL - based e-modules and classes that did not use CTL - based e-modules . So, it can be concluded that the CTL-based Biology e-module that has been developed is very valid, very practical, and very effective.

Application of Integrated Project-based and STEM-based E-learning Tools to Improve Students’ Creative Thinking and Self-Regulation Skills

In today's digital environment, using technology in learning is a requirement for staying relevant to the needs of the twenty-first century. The goal of this study is to develop learning tools that combine Project-based learning (PjBL) with STEM-based e-learning to assist students enhance their creative thinking skills and self-regulation. This study is a quantitative descriptive study using a one-shot case study research design and a research sample of 25 high school students in class for the academic year 2020/2021. The N-Gain score is used to collect data using test and non-test instruments before and after treatment to assess if there is an improvement in learning outcomes. All indicators of critical thinking skills and self-regulation increased as a result of the study. On the fluency indicator, the creative thinking skills indicator received the highest score of 0.86, while self-regulation received the biggest rise on the organizing and transforming indicator with a score of 0.83. The average increase in critical thinking skills is 73.66 percent, and the average rise in self-regulation is 79.42 percent, both of which are high