IMPROVING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS OF GRADE III STUDENTS THROUGH PROJECT-BASED LEARNING (PjBL) IN IPAS SUBJECTS AT SDS IT AL-YUNUSI RIMBO ULU TEBO

This research is motivated by the low critical thinking skills of grade III students in the science subject at SDS IT Al-Yunusi, which can be seen from the low ability of students to observe, ask, explain reasons, and draw logical conclusions in the learning process. This condition is related to learning that still tends to be teacher-centered, so that students have not gained an active, contextual, and meaningful learning experience. This research aims to describe the application of Project-Based Learning (PjBL), analyze the improvement of students’ critical thinking skills, and identify supporting factors and obstacles to its implementation in class III science learning. The method used is the Kemmis and McTaggart model of Classroom Action Research, which is carried out in two cycles through the planning, action, observation, and reflection stages. Data is collected through tests, observations, and documentation, then analyzed using simple qualitative and quantitative descriptive methods. The results showed that the application of PjBL was able to improve students’ critical thinking skills, which can be seen from the increase in active questioning, the ability to give reasons, group cooperation, and the courage to present project results. Thus, PjBL has proven to be effective in learning IPAS to strengthen the critical thinking skills of elementary school students