The Effect of Using Problem Based Learning on Developing the Critical Thinking Ability among Secondary Stage Students

Abstract

    Problem-based learning (PBL) is a new strategy which aimed at connecting students’ experiences with life and stimulating students thinking to solve new problems and achieve new knowledge. So that, this study aimed at investigating the effect of adopting problem-based learning on developing the critical thinking among secondary stage students who were chosen randomly. The researcher used semi-experimental research design with an experimental and control group and pre-and post -test which was applied on a sample of 61 students. At the end of the study, it was determined that the problem solving learning strategy had a positive effect on students' critical thinking ability. The differences came in favor of the problem-based learning strategy group. So that, it is recommended that the problem-based learning strategy should be adopted, and the curriculum content and the teaching activities should be organized according to the problem-based learning. Furthermore, There is a need to conduct further studies on other new methods such as, inquiry -based teaching and project- based teaching.