DEVELOPING CRITICAL THINKING IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION: APPROACHES FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Keywords:
Critical Thinking, Mathematics Education, Primary School, Problem-Based Learning, Collaborative Learning, Inquiry-Based Instruction, Student Engagement, Educational StrategiesAbstract
This study investigates the impact of various instructional strategies—Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Collaborative Learning, and Inquiry-Based Instruction—on enhancing critical thinking skills among primary school students in mathematics education. Through a mixed-methods approach, quantitative data were collected via pre- and post-assessment tests, while qualitative insights were gathered from classroom observations and student interviews. The results revealed significant improvements in students' critical thinking scores, particularly with Inquiry-Based Instruction, which showed the highest average gain of 25%. Qualitative findings indicated that students exhibited increased engagement, questioning skills, and self-reflection across all strategies. This study highlights the importance of integrating critical thinking strategies into mathematics curricula and provides practical recommendations for educators to foster a more interactive and effective learning environment.Downloads
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