Empowering Contextual Approach in Science Learning to Enhance Critical Thinking Skills

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the role of contextual virtual lab, contextual-based module, and contextual-based articles in enhancing critical thinking skills of junior secondary student. The learnings were arranged for three contexts: (1) How the heart pumps blood throughout the body (virtual lab based); (2) How the nutrient fluid can get to the top of the tree (article based); and (3) How to maintain our environment (textbook based). All topics were implemented in 8th grade students of three parallel classes consisted of 30 students. The research shows that the implementation of contextual learnings has the potential to improve critical thinking skills for the three forms of media used. The improvement in all three classes occurred in the fair category. Some developed critical thinking skills were providing simple explanations, building basic skills, managing strategies and tactics, providing further explanation, and formulating solutions. Keywords—critical thinking skills, contextual approach, learning media